Be Your Own Apprentice

I have hypothyroidism.  More specifically, Hashimoto’s Disease.

What that translates to is:  I take a pill everyday and I struggle with low energy, among other things.

My mama had hypothyroidism, too, and I remember her always talking about “energy”.  (That is, wanting more.)

Now that I am in the same situation, I can empathize so much better.  Some days there are some things that just seem “insurmountable”.  Especially if my Rx needs to be increased.

And the problem is exacerbated somewhat by my faith.  You see, when a Christian has trouble getting something done, they are much more likely to beat themselves up for lacking self-control rather than realize that they may need a different pill. 

I feel that way today.  And I had my blood work done today.

In the meantime, until I get some more help from my doctor, I remembered a great coping mechanism. 

Hmmm…. That may not be the right term. 

How about “management tool”? 

Be your own apprentice.

I have forgotten where I learned this.  But it is a great thing to know about, even if you don’t have health issues.  Because, for whatever reason, we all struggle sometimes with getting something done, difficult or not.  There are no guarantees, of course, but hopefully this hint will help you too someday.

The idea here is to pretend you are your own assistant, sous chef, or apprentice, and get out whatever tools you need to do the job. 

Just get them out.  Don’t begin the project. 

That’s all. 

You kinda trick yourself.  You tell yourself, “I’m not really going to do that job right now, I’m just going to get out the stuff I need and do it later.”

(Now sometimes by the time you have the ladder and touch-up paint out, you realize you might as well just do it right now.  That doesn’t always happen, of course, but it can.)

Separating the preparation from the job just makes the whole thing easier somehow.  Half the work is done.  The hard part.  The first step:  beginning.

So lay out those ingredients the night before -- even the mixing bowl, spoon and pan -- and bake something.  Get out that shirt, loose button, and a needle and thread, but know that you don’t have to sew it on right this second.  Baby steps, baby steps.  

Just get things ready for yourself.  Disassociate a little. 

Then when you’re ready, everything is all laid out for you. 
And everything goes much much smoother.

Try it..  It really helps!

XOXO,

Lucky Dog  
♥