Still

There’s nothing like getting sick that demands one be still. When I tested positive for COVID, the primary care physician told me over a teladoc appointment that she was glad I was getting it now instead of 3 years ago. I am grateful for the medicine available to treat it. Side effects were not surprising and did not last long. This was my first experience with COVID. I think. Maybe I’ve had it and had no symptoms. 

My experience in the last week had me in the bed for 5 days. That felt like a long time, but the body has its own wisdom. 

When I was a child, when I got sick with the flu, a cold or strep throat, I have memories of grape juice and being propped up with pillows and blankets on the den couch. My mother might treat me with pixy sticks and bubble gum from the Little Store or ginger ale depending on symptoms and how long it took to get better.

I can remember soldiering through colds earlier in life and still going to work because I didn’t want to use the leave time for sick days. Not so in the last week. I would think surely I will feel better enough tomorrow to [go to work], [eat something more than saltines], [sit up]...

What happened is that I rested. I was still. There would be no multitasking during that rest other than watching the television version of Howard’s End and a longtime favorite Sense and Sensibility with Emma Thompson. 

Bryan was an excellent nurse. Friend Margaret outfitted us with an impressive smoothie supply and homeopathic remedy. Armed with ginger ale, saltines, Vitamin Water, Chicken and Stars soup and English muffins, I was well cared for. By Thursday, I returned to work - from home - and watched how my energy slowly returned. I’m not running on all cylinders yet, but progress is being made. I am enjoying smoothies and trusting that, as Julian of Norwich is famous for saying, "All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well."

This past week canceled plans, freed up time and relaxed schedules. Returning to the every day-ness of life happens gradually. I’ve set boundaries so that recovery is the priority. The body is a miracle - especially when I am still and listen to its wisdom.

Try this:

When was the last time you were truly still? Where were you? What was happening?

Have you had COVID? What was your experience like? How did you care for yourself?

What happens when you pause?

I’d love to hear from you. Let me know how it goes.