Hello, my lovely readers.
Did you notice my absence? I didn’t send my reflection for November or my usual article in the beginning of December. My apologies as I was going through a health issue. I even ended up having surgery in early December. But I’m really glad to say that I’m recovering and doing well.
Here is how it all started.
It is very true that ‘Health is Wealth’. And most of us have known that ever since the pandemic began. I truly am appreciative of my health and have always been. Somehow the Universe decided to throw me a curveball.
I define pain as ‘good pain’ (aka pain from going to the gym) and ‘bad pain’ (constant nagging pain from not taking care of your body). I’ve always carried my stress in my shoulder and upper back, so it has been an ongoing companion and one that I need to learn to manage. Midyear in 2021, my shoulder pain was back and I thought it would be wise to get it investigated.
I went to my GP, got a referral for an Xray. This was during the fifth or sixth lockdown (who knows). Anyway, by the time I got an appointment for the Xray (approximately two weeks since I got the referral), my shoulder pain was much better. But my neck was hurting and I decided to get that checked.
That is how I came to know of my health issue (nothing related to my neck) and ended up in surgery.
Sometimes, when we get pain in our bodies, we tend to ignore it. Had I not paid attention to my issue, at the time I did, who knows where this problem would have ended?
Through the days, from discovery till surgery, there was so much on my mind. Mostly worst case scenarios – what if something happened to me, blah, blah, blah. Even though I am a glass half full kind of gal, it was very hard for me to process things.
Here are my top lessons from this journey.
Lesson #1: Pay attention to what your body is saying
Sometimes we brush off pain, saying we will take care of it later. If something doesn’t feel right or the pain won’t go away, just get it checked. False alarms might be better than leaving it too late.
Lesson #2: It is ok to let others take care of you
If you are like me, wanting to do everything yourself, this one might be hard. I have been asked to rest my voice for two weeks. Two weeks of not talking! I can hardly not sing for two minutes, let alone two weeks. For the last ten days, I have not used my voice and used pen and paper to communicate. But I have enjoyed it in a way! I’ve let family and friends support me and I am grateful to have these amazing people in my life.
Lesson #3: Your mindset is everything
When things don’t go how you want to, what is your mind saying? It is so important to find ways to change the vibration from low to high. What I mean is, when you are angry, upset, sad, that is low vibration. When you are laughing, feel loved and happy that is high vibration. At times, when hit a low in your life, find ways to increase the positivity in your life. It can be anything from chanting, mantras, listening to positive talks, watching comedy – anything that will change the mood for you. And, do it often.
Lesson #4: Spend time regularly doing all the things you love
I’ve always advocated this philosophy. Life is not all about work. Ever since I’ve turned 40, I’ve asked myself – if my life was to end soon, would I be happy with all that I have done so far? The answer is ‘absolutely yes’. I’ve started my own business, I have a lovely family, I’ve written books, I’ve taught my children to be self-sufficient, I’ve painted, taken singing and music lessons in my 30s – so many things. It doesn’t mean that I don’t have anything else I want to do.
I understand life is a journey and that there will always be things to do – both necessary and for pleasure.
Especially after the last few months, I am appreciating life next level. I have crossed the bridge and come out stronger.
Remember, each of us has only one body and it is up to us to take care of it!
Thank you for all your support this year.
As the holiday season approaches, I want to wish you the very best for the festive season.
Photo by Romina Farías on Unsplash
