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susanwales 
For the past week, I have had the misfortune to be a patient myself. My doctor told me it's not unusual for the caretaker to become ill. I was certainly exhausted from this difficult year, but at least I wanted until I returned home before I succumbed to this illness. I was contagious so I was forced to stay at home . . .HE MAKETH ME LIE DOWN IN GREEN PASTURES! It was good for me since I stay so busy all the time. I was forced to say "no" to everything and didn't have to feel guilty about it.
Today I returned to work, and I felt so well rested. It was just a wonderful day. But also a day I approached with caution.
What are some lessons I learned from my illness? Most importantly, to ask for help! Before my husband left for out of town, I asked him to grocery shop for me and buy all the things I might need while he was away. I also had him make a drugstore run for me. Today, I asked my clients if they would drive since I hadn't been out for ten days. This was huge for me. They were happy to drive and to show my gratitude I bought lunch for them. There's always a way. As the scripture says, "We have not because we ask not!"
I have also learned to go to bed earlier. Since my husband travels a lot, even though I get sleepy, I'm the proverbial night owl. I love writing or reading until late at night. And a TV show I love comes on at 12:30 and isn't over until 1:30 p.m. Normally, I go to bed after this show. I searched and found a substitute for my fave show . . . another TV show that is similar to the 12:30 p.m. show. My new show comes on at 11:00, so I am ready to go to bed at 12:00!
I have started taking my vitamins, fish oil, flax oil, etc. again! I was getting lazy about my vitamins, but I'm taking them again. And I feel a difference.
A nutritionist told me to start my day with protein so I'm having a boiled egg for breakfast, and you know what? I'm rarely hungry even by lunch time. And I have so much more energy. Start your day with protein!
Exercise! I'm gonna! I haven't yet, because I've just recovered, but I did take a short walk today, and of course, I walked with my work. Back to yoga classes not next week, but the next.
It was also encouraging for me to recover so quickly. My doctor told me it would likely be 4-6 weeks, and after 10 days I'm well! Glad to have a strong immune system.
There's nothing like a little setback to give you new perspective on life. Perhaps this is why He makes us lie down in those green pastures! Listen, He may have something to teach you. I'm determined to stick with my new lifestyle.
Comments
Dear Susan
It sounds like you have a definite plan to deter illness and keep yourself healthy... You appear to you have endless energy but can`t always be a "superwoman". The one thing I`ve learned from having ovca is that the more I sleep the healthier my body is. Please take care of yourself because you are the strength behind your Mimi and she needs you HEALTHY. Lots of love and health!
xxLinda
Lindaheff
Hi Susan, I, too, try to get a lot of sleep. Having been as sick as I was (and actually still am) I have a vantage point to observe "healthy" people at work. Some people are so overstressed and almost frantic in how busy they are. I really don't think anyone should let themselves get so overwhelmed. I have to balance how I feel and what I'm doing. I think this has allowed me to successfully work during chemo. Of course I'm fortunate to have an employer that works with me. I also turn off the TV even though I might want to watch a program. If I'm tired, I'll fall asleep right away. I'm glad you are feeling better. Hugs, Janet
IUPUI
Thank you so much dear friends. I do need more sleep. And I believe it is so restorative to us all. I'm really using some strong self discipline these days and I am committed to my pledge to take better care of myself. I truly have the "gift of sleep," but it doesn't do me any good unless I have employ the self discipline to accompany it. Thanks for this great reminder. And I do feel so much better. We're the only ones who can take care of ourselves.
susanwales
I'm glad you're feeling better, Ms. Susan. I love your positive attitude and the scripture you quote...I need to read my Bible and learn my scripture, too. He does make us lie down sometimes! I work at a retirement community and that's one thing I learned is that a caregiver can lose 8 years of their life for one year of being a caregiver...amazing, huh? I need to take more time for myself, take vitamins and stop stressing. My job stresses me so much...I have to keep count my blessing that I have one, though. Keep up that awesome attitude and I'm glad you're better! xoxo, Becky
rharris