Once again, I am reminded of my many blessings.

I am blessed to know the most considerate & caring people in the universe, people like you. So while I’ve been struggling physically with my nerve pain the past six weeks, my heart is full and grateful because good people have taken time out of their busy lives to show me kindness and concern.

There aren’t enough words (or tweets) to express my appreciation for all of you. Readers have replied to the daily digest email with words of encouragement and advice, colleagues have sent me emails that have lifted me up and given me help (or a much-needed break), clients who aren’t in a place to pay me financially right now have more than paid me with the gift of kindness and concern, friends have checked in, and while they couldn’t hug me, they had given me a virtual shoulder to cry on when the pain was at its worst or the side effects of my medication left me an emotional and sobbing mess. That last part is the hardest part of my new reality. I’m so used to helping others it’s challenging for me to ask for help for myself and there have been a few times when I had to reach out and admit, “I’m not okay.” 

Sometimes The Advoc8te needs an advocate of their own.

Writing is not just what I do; it’s a big part of who I am, so to have to feel pain with every keystroke is ironic on so many levels. The thing that has always made me feel so good is now making me feel so bad.

That said, the meds are slowly working even if the side effects suck at times (spontaneous crying and projectile vomiting were NOT in my schedule of success). I have to learn not to get so frustrated that I can’t do all the things I want to do (like studying for my Network+ exam) or as fast or as well as I’m used to doing them (like this site), but that’s life. Even in the darkest moments, you have to be thankful, patient, and, most importantly, appreciative.

So, as I write this with one hand, please know that I am wholly appreciative.

Your pal,

Nikki