Boomers Can Cope Returning to Work After a Serious Illness

As most of you know, today’s economy and health care insurance needs are not at their best.  Most people need a job and health care benefits.  Life can throw some curves for all of us and staying positive is sometimes difficult when we are faced with life and death situations. Putting food on the table and a roof over our heads has to be done.  You may have spent some time in a hospital or had major unexpected surgery which has caught you off guard.  The bank account may be low or empty.  You may have had to go on family leave with no income.  In addition you are facing pain and a complete life style change.  Then comes that day when you are due back at work.  You might be 62 years of age and concerned if you can still do the job that you know that you have to do.  Prior to a heart surgery or cancer you may have been an over achiever.  Some people are just that way.  You still may be weak and not quite back to your normal self, but the leave has ended.  It is time to do what you have to do.  Fear may set in for a while.  That is normal but you can only do the best that you can do. You are human.

Other words, you suit up and show up.  You put on the best smile possible.  You remain honest.  You ask for help if you need it, even though that is some thing that you are not use to doing.  You tell the truth.  You do the best that you can do without jeopardizing your health further.  If you are to reduce stress then take small breaks.  Let others talk if they must.  It is your life not theirs.  Eat healthy.  Take a walk at lunch time and get away from the chaos.  Talk to a trusted friend.  Use whatever resources that your work place has to offer you to get back on the proper track.  Eliminate worry.  It does no good.  Be easy on yourself and don’t expect others to be easy on you.  It is your life so treat it good.

Each day as you do this you will get stronger again.  Stay out of other people’s problems until you are able to deal with them, but show compassion.  Remember though, right now you are first.  Don’t expect to run a race with the person in the office that is twenty years younger than you.  Don’t expect special favoritism because of your condition.  You might get let down.  You are enough to give yourself love.

When it is time to end your work day, pat yourself on the back.  Say to yourself, I did the best that I could do; that is good enough for today.  Leave the work stress there when you leave.  Go home and enjoy your surroundings.  Pet the dog or cat.  Kiss the wife or husband if you have one.  Don’t feel guilty because you need extra rest.  Let things go that don’t have to be done immediately.  They will get done sooner or later.  Practice deep breathing.  Enjoy nature.  Love your sweet soft pillow and make use of a comfy bed.  Remember if you love yourself enough, this too shall pass.  There will be a day when you can relay this story to another human being that will go through the same thing.  Above all, be gentle with yourself. Learn to say no when it is necessary.

Live is full of unexpected curves.  It is full of unexpected events.  Say to your self each night prior to bedtime this one thing,  Self, I made it today and tomorrow I will try again.  I can and will do it.  I am the most important one to me today until my recovery is complete.  I will accept this one more boomer challenge in life just as many others are doing.  I am not alone.  Above all stay grateful!  You always can find something to be grateful for if you look hard enough.

Remember, it takes time for your body, mind, and spirit to heal after any major trauma or major surgery.  Listen to the body and be gentle.

Originally posted 2011-07-25 19:14:29.