On the Mend

Thank God all the storms are over, the temperatures are rising, lives are returning to normal, and I am on the mend.  In addition to getting sick, I also broke my toe last week, so with all that and the snow days, I spent the better part of the week laying on the couch or in bed. I came home from work a week ago Friday evening feeling ill.  I knew it.  I knew I was sick.  I've been working extra hours for a month and have had a few stressful encounters and it all finally took its toll.  While I was getting ready for bed, I pulled my shoe off and saw a swollen purple toe that I couldn't bend without screaming.  I'd ignored the pain for days--easy to do when you're constantly covered in layers to keep out the arctic cold--but now I couldn't overlook it anymore.

I had obligations and deadlines, and I am absolutely loathe to break my word, but I knew I wouldn't be able to do my best if I could do anything at all, so I immediately sent out emails Friday night letting everyone know I would be taking some sick time.  After a rough week, my head cold is subsiding and my foot doesn't keep me awake all night with the pain.  I hate resting, but my body just needed it and lots of it.  And a little chicken soup never hurt anybody either.

I did not enjoy having this much rest.  I like a good balance to my days, some work, some rest, some play, in order to feel productive.  But, I also understand that when your body needs to heal, you can't rush it.  Invest in some quality time to rejuvenate or you'll likely end up worse off and taking even longer to get over what ails you.  It's the same with emotional wellbeing.  You can go along, ignoring the hurts, but eventually you will collapse and have to stop and deal with damage.  Our bodies and minds can only take so much.  Rather than running and ignoring them, it's better to deal with things as soon as they come up.

Much like my broken toe, we try to cover emotional pain with layer upon layer, thinking out of sight, out of mind, until the day we're forced to peel back those layers and deal it.  Expose the hurts, properly bandage them, and then rest and give yourself time to heal.  It's scary to look at something we've turned away from, we're afraid of what we'll see, but ignoring things, running away from them, doesn't aid healing it prolongs suffering.  And a few tears and a few hugs from a trusted friend or counselor never hurt anybody either.

To that end, I'll be out of commission for the rest of the weekend, just to be sure I'm back to 100% by Monday.  And, I want to encourage you, if there's anything that's been ailing you in body, mind, or emotions don't ignore it anymore.  Take the time to rest and heal.  You won't regret taking care of yourself so you can be your very best you.

Shopping Info:  Leggy Layers Tights from ModCloth, Dress from Poshmark, Mak Cardigan from Thred Up, Flats from Shoe Carnival