When life tells you to slow down, do you listen?
First, if you don’t listen, you may end up paying a price.
Because our bodies are pretty smart, it’s up to you to tune in, and pay attention to what is going on, and then take action.
So often, we humans get into a mode of automatic living.
Now, that’s not always a harmful thing. It’s just when we aren’t slowing down often and taking time to listen, life can throw you curves you don’t like.
Since I have so many tools I have developed over the years, to take care of myself, I usually am very healthy.
Due to my beautiful grandson, Elijah, being born 3 weeks early, while I was in the jungle in Costa Rica, others stepped up to help my daughter Abby, her husband James and now 17 month old Elianah.
As soon as I arrived back home after my wonderful Costa Rica Retreat, I slept for 5 hours, unpacked and packed a bag again, to stay at Abby’s for the next few days.
A big snow storm came in during this time, so going home to sleep really wasn’t an option.
Therefore, I didn’t listen much to my body and what it needed.
I was focused on helping the best I could with both babies, laundry, and anything else that was needed.
As I’m writing this, 2 1/2 weeks after returning home from the retreat, so much has taken place in my daughter’s families life.
Abby had to have a root canal, teeth cleaned and filled and then a big infection inside of her uterus the other day, after her C-section, less than 3 weeks before.
To top it off, Elianah has gone successfully 3 days in a row to her Montessori daycare, without getting sick. Then the stuffy head happened for she and her new baby brother.
The school let Abby know there was strep throat going around. Sure enough, we all came down with it!
Furthermore, because we did listen to the symptoms that Abby had with her infection, she was able to avoid going inpatient for IV antibiotics.
Also, we did listen to Elianah’s symptoms, and were able to get immediate treatment for the strep throat.
In contrast, when were times you didn’t listen, when your body was telling you to slow down?
I’m forced as I’m writing this, to stay home, rest, take my antibiotics and tune in.
Thankfully my husband, Hale, is still healthy and is able to help them today, as yet another snow storm is taking place.
I am praying Elijah doesn’t have strep during his test right now.
Consequently, I know all of this is a season in their lives. It’s up to me to remember to listen and take care of me, as I help take care of them.
Like the airlines say, “put your oxygen mask on yourself first”.
However, it’s not always easy to remember this great advice is it?
I’d love to hear from you and how you have navigated similar things happening in your life.
With love and appreciation,
Connie
PS. Here is a short article about this topic:
PSS. Below is a photo of me, Elianah and Elijah.
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