I am recovering from a flu/cold/nastiness which hit me last Tuesday. Thoughts of swine flu did dance through my head more than once as I dealt with achy joints, headache, fever,and a sore throat which felt as if I had swallowed razor blades. My energy levels were zapped and even the simplest of tasks were exhausting. I curled up into the fetal position, sipped tea, chugged O.J., popped cold/flu drugs wondering if I would ever feel 'normal' again. I sputtered, I moaned and I stressed over all that I wasn't accomplishing. And then, I decided maybe I had better listen. To who? My body.
My body was sending me a message to slow down and take care of myself. Like many women, I often tend to take care of all those around me and I pride myself on how I am able to 'bash on regardless.' Take care of my adorable, lovable grand babies once a week; zip down to Florida and help Mom care for my Dad ~ emotionally; continue to nurture, love and worry about my four grown children ~ once a mom, always a mom; attend graduation parties, plan and organize retirement parties and baby showers; be a good friend to all of my incredible friends; and love, support and be there for my soul mate of thirty-one years who is up to his eyeballs with stress due to the current economy so... I crashed. My immune system was on overload so when the nasty flu bug came knocking, my body's defense system did little to protect me and I was knocked for a loop. But the good news is that I am recuperating slowly. I did catch up on some reading, watched a few old movies and napped everyday frequently. I need to pay attention and listen to my own body and take care of myself. And off to bed I go...with hopes to have enough energy soon to write a wicked long humorous, inspirational post which will rock the blogging world but for now I will leave you with this: "To keep the body in good health is a duty...otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” ~ Buddha
13 comments:
Deb, I'm so happy to hear you're paying attention to your body's signals. Too often, we simply don't. And we do ourselves a huge disservice. We'll see you again once you're on the mend. For now rest, hydrate, breathe, and enjoy some solitude.
Hugs,
~Shaye
Oh dear........ that sounded terrible. There's nothing for it but to lie low & look after yourself when you get into that position. It can take ages to get back together again after a bad dose of flu. Take care and don't try to overcome it too early. Other things/people will have to wait. X
so sorry to hear that you are not well. Yes, sounds like you did need to slow down after all the running around. Hope you are feeling better today.
btw, the picture in your header is just amazing.
I am so glad you are listening to your body, Deb. You are such a wise woman ! Why is it we forget that in order to be able to give, and suport, and serve, we need to "nourish", refuel and re-energize ourselves sometimes ? Thanks for the reminder !
Keep up with the excellent work of taking care of yourself !
Oh feel better soon Debzilla ... I bet you caught this nasty when you flew to FL/back ... rest is the best medicine ... but have some nice soup and tea ... and pamper yourself! xo
That's a great post. We all need encouragement to take care of ourselves. I've had company for a week, and feel exhausted, and like you say, it all breaks down...
Oh well, tomorrow is another day.
I'm a firm believer in personal time! I'm still trying to sell my mom on it, since she feels she has so much to do for others. As I've told her, you must take time to "recharge" yourself...no one else but YOU knows when or how to do that. Take no shame, nor a feeling of guilt, for taking a bit of time for yourself here and there. Some call it selfish; I call it necessary.
Your life sounds like mine--only more grown-up. I crash a couple of times a year--usually in cold weather, though. And I nap without apology. Good for you to watch movies and nap! If every day could be so happy!
I often wondered why my family could have the flu in bed while I insanely had mine at the stove or the sink, vacuum in hand or dust cloth at the ready...but Deb I am so happy that you are recovering despite yourself!
hugs
Sandi
That's the trouble with us women. We carry on regardless then WHAM it hits us! Hope you feel better soon Deb, you take care of yourself. x
I haven't been sick, but my energy levels are way down. I agree that we just need to listen to our bodies! I'm trying to rest and relax this summer! I hope you're feeling better soon.
I hope you feel better very soon, and I think you are exactly right about us needing to listen to our bodies.
I hope you are feeling much better by now. Have a great week!
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