I Succumbed. I Got Sick.

I wasn’t feeling too luscious a week ago.  I succumbed.  I got sick.  And every time I’ve gone “down for maintenance” in the last few years – which happens very infrequently, thank you – I’ve dreaded it because I always feel embarrassed and frankly, a bit ashamed.  After all, I’m the one touting vibrant health, how to keep the immune system strong, and if folks hear I’m sick, they’ll mock me and my work and scoff at wellness claims.  And some people have done just that.  But I’m not afraid to spill my guts and admit this now.  My recent bout of the crud was different; it was overflowing with gifts and blessings, as was my nose.

What happened that I got nailed?  It was an accumulation of several “violations” of my optimum health practices: a too-full schedule, insufficient amount of downtime to rest and regenerate, a bit of wheat, a bit of coffee, too much meat…you get the drift.  Throw in a late night of trip prep and packing followed by a very early haul to the airport and I was in prime position for a body rebellion.  The most important piece?  The inner nudge to take some retreat time to be still, be quiet, unplug from it all and simply be came in several times over the last 2 months.

But I registered those nudges in the “Great idea, sounds good and I must do that.” mental file and carried on with my schedule and agenda until my body and spirit pushed back with their own better idea.  Despite thinking that I just didn’t have time now to carve out 3+ days for downtime – “later” would be better, easier to do – my wiser self proved otherwise with a solid 8 days of feeling raunchy and sleeping a ridiculous number of hours.  Rip Van Winkle had nothing on me.

I was knocked down flat and I didn’t have the energy to be concerned, let alone worry, that I wasn’t getting work or projects completed.  Being sick was a full-time job: sleeping, fixing simple food, and making & taking potions (aromatherapy blends, Fresh Air Fare^TM).  Still, there was room for more.  I received many insights, keen perspective, and several great ideas during this time of feeling awful.  While it wasn’t the most pleasant environment in which to receive a plethora of gifts, I am grateful for all of it, especially my fortified belief in the body’s healing powers when given the opportunity and good healing tools.

Just like there wasn’t one thing that caused my crash into the abyss of sickness, there’s more than one remedy to help you get and stay well.  And they work.  I can select the combination of healing tips, tools and techniques that will work for you.  It just so happens I’ve had some very recent experience in doing this for myself.

Photo by AlicePopkorn https://www.flickr.com/photos/alicepopkorn/