Bad news first: I have a terrible cold. We picked up
our bonus granddaughter from school a week ago Friday, and unbeknownst to anyone, she was sick. We nursed her until her fever broke and she could return to school the next Wednesday. Despite a lot of hand-washing, I couldn’t resist the cuddles and kisses, so I’ve ended up with whatever she had. Now I’m feeling pretty lousy, which brings me to the good news.
Years of recovery and self-growth are finally starting to be realized in my own self-care. In the past, I would have pushed myself to work no matter what, or cleaned house and cooked unless I had an official diagnosis that would warrant rest. Even then, I might struggle to take it easy.
But I’m happy to say that yesterday, even for just a cold, I remained on the couch and slept all day long. I let my husband take care of me and everything else. Turns out, I’m not responsible for the whole world and life can go on, even when I’m sick.
For
today, I am listening to and honoring what my body needs, which for me is good nutrition, fluids, and rest (which means to just be and not "do"). I valued writing a short note to you to keep in touch, so I’ve done that. Now a hot, steamy bath is calling my name. Incidentally, I find a bath in the middle of a sunny day completely impractical and decadent! Yes!
What are my intended takeaways for you?
- Prioritize self care as a necessity, not a luxury.
- Remember that rest is not wasted time.
- Listen to your body and honor your needs, even in the absence of an external justification. (You don't have to be able to prove what you need.)
When we take care of ourselves,
there’s more to share with everyone else. Be well.
