I was disabled for 16 months after a car accident and lost my job in the process. It took me quite a while to adjust because a lot of my identity was wrapped up in my ability to work. So I didn't look at it as a relief.

That said, it was. My stress level decreased greatly and I was able to enjoy doing the little things because I had time to do that. Once I let myself realize that I was a person even if I couldn't work and that was ok, that I could contribute to society in other ways, I was fine. But boy, what a mind adjustment for me.

I was a bit of a workaholic and was very involved in the community. Working full-time, volunteering at my kids' school, president of my neighborhood community group, going to school 3/4 time.... yeah, it was tough to adjust. Now I stay a lot less involved. Plus, I can't take the stress. Work is enough for me right now and even that is more than I can take sometimes.