I requested the doctor to give me the authorization/go signal to go back to work after taking clearance from my 2 psychiatrists and psychologist that I am strong enough to get back to work. Hehehe Yes, that´s how they described me. Hahahaha They were also telling me that the longer that I am in medical leave, there is a risk of higher difficulty to get back to my normal routine.
As I am certain that I want to go back to work, I already prepared my mind for it. Prior to my medical apppointment, I was already taking the metro, train and bus to practice and to see my reaction. Hehehe. Thankfully, everything seems normal. I also did several sessions of acupuncture and therapeutic massages. On a more personal level, I ate as much as I can in a nearby Filipino restaurant hahahah and did the Korean teledrama marathon that I truly deserve.
Our small family, my husband, son and I prepared ourselves mentally, physically and emotionally so we can mutually help one another. I really love my job but it is far. So again, it means long hours away from home. It is not just the commuting time but the long hours dedicated to work itself.
The big day came. I woke up early, did my morning meditation, showered and prepared myself for work and prepared our family´s power breakfast. I did say my morning prayer before I left my home. I wore red shoes and red accessories. This is a tradition that I follow. It is the "chinese" in me. I strongly believe that wearing red brings luck and fortune!!
Commute to work was breezy because it is summer and many people are on holidays. Upon arriving to the office, my colleagues welcomed me with warm hugs and smiles. We are happy to see each other. They decorated my desk with balloons and in the later part of the morning, provided some delicious pastries and I ate half of them. Hahahahaha
I was able to conduct meetings like business as usual. I even said in jest to a colleague who saw me suffering from anxiety attacks during meetings that it is a fact that I am under medication and that the medications are kicking in as I was able to conduct the meetings like the TRUE PRO that I am.
I am organized at work, it is innate in me. I am an excellent multi tasker. I am delivering as expected as work.
But I must not forget that I am taking medicines which help regulate my reactions and my stress levels. That´s why I make conscious effort to breathe profoundly, to continue to do meditation, to listen to my mindfulness and relaxation music and to enjoy work in spite of its demands, after all I am blessed with kind and understanding colleagues. I also make it a point to exercise 3-5 times a week.
I continue to have sessions with my psychiatrist, psychologist and general practitioner doctor.
It is very important that we listen to our body, check our stress signals, eat well, exercise, disconnect, enjoy, remain professional but not take work and personality differences at work too seriously because after all it is just work. The important thing is to MENTALLY, EMOTIONALLY, PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY DISCONNECT AND NURTURE OUR MIND AND BODY!!!
In a nutshell, I have had a productive comeback and I continue to hope and pray that I will be able to juggle between work and family, with FAMILY as my priority. I love going to the office and working but I love it more when Friday arrives because it means unhurried, 100% family time, domestic Isay mode. :) And MEDITATION, DEEP BREATHING, MINDFULNESS they indeed work. :)
So help me God!!!
At my desk with my gorgeous Longchamp bag
My gorgeous almost 6 year old pretty ballerinas red shoes
I am a firm believer of God. WIth God we are nothing. When Man prays, God works. Amen.
M-W-F. Friday is when I run like flash to pick up my son from school/summer camp.
As one of Annie´s song says: You are never fully dressed without a smile. So S-M-I-L-E. :):):)
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