Listening to your body...

For the second day in a row I've been sick. In case you're interested in symptoms, these are mine – stomach ache, temperature 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit, headache, achy bones generally feeling like the inside of a garbage can.

So I've been sleeping and eating almost nothing other than calorie-reduced cranberry juice, herbal tea, a poached egg on dry toast. Not much else. 

I've canceled my classes and that makes me feel even worse, but to be honest with you, wandering around a huge college where students are also sick, it doesn't surprise me that I've picked up something. 

Remember, I'm immune-suppressed, thanks to my kidney transplant. So I have one big strike against me to begin with, even though I've had the H1N1 vaccine. I'm too young to have had the regular flu vaccine, so who knows, that might be what I've picked up.

I've gotten into the habit of listening to my body.

Here's what I "heard."

On Wednesday, I awoke with a pounding headache – I never get headaches. I had to take my Dandie Dinmont Terriers up to their breeder/groomer for their semi-annual spa treatment. The works. This is an hour-long drive up north east of where I live. Normally beautiful Ontario countryside. Not that day. It was so foggy, I could barely read the road signs.

I decided to bring some school papers to mark with me to pass the time. Grooming, for them, involves stripping off their coats by hand, trimming their faces and ears, bathing them. This takes about a six-hour procedure. So I thought I'd make good use of the time.

But I couldn't concentrate. Instead, I curled up on a couch and slept. Every bone in my body was aching. I had the chills. My body was sending me a very clear message. 

"THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU!!!"

The message continued, "Perhaps you should slip into a flannel nightie and your nice warm bed with some Tylenol and go to sleep."

When I finally arrived home, that's what I did and that's what I've been doing for the last day and a half, but this bug is tenacious and won't let go. 

So, I'm cobbling out a short message to let you know that you will be not be hearing much inspiration for "Coming Out Crazy" today. For this, I am sincerely sorry. 

Health is health. My mind is okay, I guess. But with my body revolting, as it appears to be, I'm not thinking as clearly and creatively as I would like. 

There is hope, however.

It appears that the sun is trying to break out from behind the solid grey cloud cover that has engulfed this part of the world for the last few days. Perhaps that's a sign. I know I'll feel better soon.

So, for those of you to the south in the U.S.A., I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving and today, I wish you safe shopping, if you have the strength and intestinal fortitude to brave the crowds.

No matter where you are, stay warm. Sleep well. Take care of yourself. 

Your health is your most precious possession. Treat yourself with respect. Be good to yourself. And listen to your body. During the Holidays, music, loud parties, late nights, perhaps too much rich food, too much bubbly may drown out the message your body is sending you. Nonetheless, try to listen to what your body is telling you. 

I know I've been working too hard lately. Ignoring the signals. Not good.

So treat your body and yourself, your psyche, your mind, with kindness and care. You deserve it.

Speak soon.

Comments

[Monica]

Hey, Sandy. Hope you feel better soon!

[Tammy MacKenzie]

Hi Sandy, it's been awhile, I have been SO busy!
And because of it, I was sick for 6 weeks, good for 3 days and then sick again for another 2 weeks..
Not good.
You are so right about needing to listen to our bodies and take care of ourselves!
So, good for you for taking care of you!
I hope you are quickly relieved of those nast symptoms and well soon!

Now, I need to catch up on your posts! ;-)
Take care,
Tammy

[Deborah Delorme]

Hey Sandy

Just wanted to say we miss you at Markham. Hope to see you walking around soon.

Deborah

[Sandy Naiman]

Hi Monica,

Thank you for you sweet wishes. I share them. I feel okay, one day. Then this bug comes back for a repeat and uninvited visit.

I love your cooking, but right now, I'm not doing all that much eating. More drinking. Tea, tea and more tea. I'm drowning in tea.

Hugs to you, sweet girl. Feel better, too. Please. I'm sending you lots of positive thoughts.

xox
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