My Satisfaction In Cleaning

My hubby was working so I took advantage of the time alone and decided to clean the bathroom. Usually, he does it because cleaning agents can irritate my COPD, even though we use green products.

COPD and I do disagree quite often. Physically, it reminds me of what I can’t do, even though it does allow me some quiet things, such as writing this article. My biggest battle with COPD is that I am not willing to lose my independence with life and things that I do, and sometimes things I don’t want to do.

Why I enjoy cleaning

There is so much satisfaction in cleaning, especially the bathroom. It almost feels like the old days, when I could clean the whole house in just a couple of hours. Cleaning the bathroom actually took 4 hours, with 3 breaks. I had to change my way of doing things because, when doing the floor, I had to use a mop instead of getting on hands and knees, which I so much prefer. When my hubby got home, he had to finish putting some things back where they belong. I also saved the bathtub/shower for him. I had to quit because of coughing spells and a tight chest. I also got back spasms and was so tired.

Success despite symptoms

Even though I struggled, and there were sweat and tears, I succeeded. I couldn’t do it all. I couldn’t do it the way I preferred, but I succeeded. It looked and smelled so clean, and I knew it was clean from corner to corner. Sure, I can’t count that bathtub, but it’s okay. I did wipe around faucets, ledges, and edges.

This weekend I’m going to finish a couple craft projects and pack some of my craft supplies to make room for photo albums. I have all my mom’s photo albums and will be scanning them and then giving them to my brothers. I have photo projects that I am going to do for my kids and my brothers, as well as their families, for Christmas. It’s going to be wonderful, but I need the energy and "sticktoitness" to do this. "Sticktoitness" is another problem that I have, but that comes from letting my physical self become overwhelmed.

COPD can create problems with sticktoitness

Stick-to-it-iveness is defined as dogged perseverance, tenacity. This is a word that I use when I define to myself and what I need to do to continue what I started, even if it’s for a half hour or a day. I hope to do a couple of hours daily, scanning these family photos. And there are many albums. Sticktoitiveness, this is what I need from start to finish.

Another word I periodically use is befuddled, which the dictionary defines as utterly confused or puzzled, deeply perplexed. I can only remember this word when I need it or when talking with someone who is frustrated and can’t find a word to describe how they feel when coping with COPD or a loved one. This word always came to me while caring for my dad in his last days. He didn’t have COPD. He had other health issues. Yet, this word continues to help me and others.

Tenacity helps me cope

And to think this was a story about cleaning the bathroom. It looks like it turned into one about cleaning my thoughts and finding ways to accept limitations while still being able to accomplish the tasks at hand, even if they takes longer than they should. I am holding onto my independence by acknowledging what I can do even if there are health factors that cause me to slow down or ask for help. You see, COPD has caused some change in my life, but it isn’t changing my spirit or tenacity 😊.

Breathe-easy!