What's New(s) From Me?
A few things as I help myself recover!
Welcome to Denyse Whelan Writes Here.
From My Note Yesterday:
In the overall scheme of things, I survived a ‘rare of rare’ oral cancer. But, it’s left its mark on my inner & emotional health.
Oh. The pic of me on the left was after upper mouth reconstruction surgery #3 for oral cancer.
I am not going to lie it’s hard to be as calm as I’d like while in emotional exhaustion (burnout) managing death of Dad almost a yr ago, and then taking on the role of co-executor for his estate with my very skilled brother.
I am doing what I can to both rest and refresh but anxiety bites a lot. I have great support tools and a very patient husband..and an awesome GP…but it’s worth noting we do not (always) realise how much our experiences, fears and concerns build up.
Listening to a wholistic GP Dr Michelle Woolhouse from Australia narrating her book The Wonder Within and within the first chapters she quotes
and Wintering…
Now Adding More Via This Post.
I have been someone who likes to DO, to ACHIEVE & to HELP others…and I have to help me first now.
My daily routine included Calm Meditation and Reflection, Gratitude lists, art and fun design play with media, going out into the garden and being in nature.
I WANT to be well enough to get back to what I used to enjoy: coffee with friends, drives to the beach and more…but right now, I need to be HERE and HOME, nourishing and nurturing myself…
I have found apps which help me get my thoughts and feelings on a better level to help me recover. I already use Calm and a Compassion App, and recently used a very good Grief App from Therapy Works.
One is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy-based…C.B.T.
It’s called: Clarity. Yes it’s a annual fee subscription but after a few days trial I can feel the benefits of getting me :”out of my head and into some words” in the app that I have taken up the paid sub. It was at half price too.
I have benefitted from therapy in the past, and have no need to learn more about myself …but I know tools I use can help me settle myself and I am better doing!
My Go-To Help Methods include:
Getting outside. Even if it’s raining.
And just to look up and around.
I have not been feeling well enough to walk much as I.B.S. was a bit prevalent. But I am feeling more like eating again.
And of course my great and wonderful variety of art materials and my wonderful creative brain which is serving me well!
I’ve been keeping my spirits up by taking a daily selfie. I am dressing for the day even if it means staying at home!
Yesterday was ‘triggering’ for me as a memory from before Dad died, so I deliberately added a simple but time consuming colouring pattern which soothed and distracted.
Taking My Time(Out) Seriously.
When my G.P. diagnosed me with emotional exhaustion, and I realised of course it felt like I was burnt out, I knew “I” had to make choices to keep myself well as can be and not listen to ‘old voices’ of yesteryear.
February is now for only important appointments. Nothing else.
And March is as well…I am no longer wanting to feel inner pressure to “be well” by a certain time.
These are the two months in which my life changed significantly in 2024 and I honour my health by taking the time I need.
That’s my news for now, and I send my best wishes to anyone who is not travelling too well right now.
Your health is so important!
Take care,
Denyse. x
I'm glad you are taking contorl. It's hard as our inner voice seems often disconnected to our best self....I love the art you did. At Kusama, she mentions she did the dots on the pumpkins for the zen feeling, and I thought of you and your Mandelas. I think you never know, you may be one step away from becoming a renowned artist...but I'm not putting pressure on you. For your enjoyment is enough.
I’m glad you are honouring your health by taking the time you need Denyse. I truly believe honouring ‘where we are at’ and giving ourselves the gift of time is the healthiest gesture we can give ourselves. 😘💜