I’m now realizing that, although I can plan an adventure every day, sometimes I have to instead do what needs to be done, thereby redefining that day’s “adventure” for myself.

Maybe what I’ll learn in the big picture of this challenge is how to balance accomplishing those necessary but mundane tasks while continuing to push make time for new experiences. I’ve certainly been guilty of putting my mental health on the back burner before, but I intend to keep it a high priority, especially seeing how far I’ve come recently with anxiety and depression – I want that trajectory to keep going upwards! However, there are days when I have to be gentle with myself and realize I’ve just gotta do what I’ve gotta do.

Yesterday and today are some of those days. I spent my time after work yesterday running errands and playing phone tag between my doctor’s office and the pharmacy. Something got mixed up with my refills, which meant I didn’t have my medication for two days. How much is related to placebo effect and how much is genuine pharmacology, I don’t know, but not having my meds, I felt less able to handle the stress of the situation. Plus there was the social anxiety aspect (I hate talking on the phone and dealing with conflict, both of which I had to do a lot of). Because I was simultaneously more susceptible to anxiety and anxious about not having my medication, I didn’t sleep well. That meant I was tired at work, not able to work at the level I like to, and more subsequently more susceptible to frustrations.

I did get the medication situation taken care of, which I’m counting as an accomplishment and adventure in itself. But today, I need to rest and make sure I’m taking care of my physical health so I can get back to taking care of higher-level needs (if you’re into Maslow).

I’d love any suggestions anyone has with finding adventure in the boring, “adult” tasks that have to be done! As a young adult, I’m still getting used to my fair share of “real world” tasks 🙂