TMJ, Migraines, and Stress... Need to be Less

     My grandfather rode the raindrops to Heaven, it was such a peaceful passing.  In the two weeks I was home, I was not plagued with the TMJ and migraines I have become so familiar with.  It was an emotionally draining time, yet filled with moments of pure peace.  God's presence could be felt by all in a real and tangible way.  The trip home was physically tiring and upon my return many seemed to think I had been away on a 2 week vacation.  I will always cherish sitting by my grandfather's bedside and holding his hand in his final days, watching his facial expressions as I talked to him and even gently wiping a tear from his eye.  The fellowship with family by his bedside was priceless, filled with both tears and laughter.  Even reminiscing back brings a feeling of peace washing over me. Yet, it wasn't a picnic or vacation.

     I returned to find my team being completely overwhelmed by the amount of work the first of July always brings.  Recent changes in the state system have created more work than usual and more than is even necessary.  I jumped in full force, skipping lunches and working 7 straight days, with long hours at that.  On the 8th day the stress finally caught up to me in the form of a migraine more nasty than I could have ever imagined and preceded by vertigo and vomiting.  It actually sent fear coursing through me, as I didn't realize it was a precursor to a migraine and thought something was seriously wrong.  Thankfully the medication has kicked in and both the migraine and rebound headache are gone.  I have the weekend to recover and to come up with a game plan for the days ahead.  My stress level is through the roof and if I do not get a handle on it the TMJ and migraines will only continue to worsen and grow more frequent. 

     People with migraines have triggers that usually set them off.  My trigger is seriously hard to avoid so I need a better way to deal with the stress from it.  Writing may help lift the days frustrations from my mind.  Staying rooted in God's word is also going to be huge in fighting the minions that are constantly battling me. Prayer and support from my family and friends will be priceless.  I need to establish firm guidelines between work and outside of work.  I have created a drama free zone for after work hours and the weekends and can not allow it to be breached with immature pettiness. I've recently been reminded we work to live, not live to work.  With that said, I'm going to do my best to leave the stress in the office and live life to the fullest outside of the office. Until next time, thanks for allowing me to share a piece of my world with you.