My most difficult days are those when I feel like everything is out of control and I can’t see a way forward. It may be that something has happened to the house, it may be that something has happened to my husband, whatever it is the event has pushed me to the edge. Somedays it doesn’t take too much. For example, we learned that we are going to have to change our Medicare Advantage Plans yesterday. That definitely threw me out of whack.

After sleeping on this news, I have started compiling a list of other tasks that need doing as well. Feeling in control sometimes means looking at everything you are facing. Starting with a list gives me the opportunity to recognize the enormity of the tasks and to prioritize. I have broken things down into those that I need to do immediately and those that can wait for a while. It’s my start on creating an organized plan of action for taking back control of a portion of my life.

The insurance issue is a top priority but we have two months to sort it out. Laundry and garbage are obviously today tasks. It will be encouraging to see things getting done as I cross them off the list. Some will come back, but at least I can see my current accomplishments and it helps me understand why other things need to be put off. Just having this all written down organizes my thoughts and helps me feel like I’ve taken back some control. It may be a temporary breather, even that is helpful in this world of personal aging and caring for someone with Parkinson’s Disease.