Self-survival and Reflections

Lessons that can be learned when battling sickness

Great morning rising to you and yours, and always.

When you are so sick that all you want to do is stay in bed and be left alone, your mind has time to wander and wonder. It has nothing else to do, and your body simply refuses to obey any of your commands.

It is then that critical thinking takes over. You find time to appreciate what you have been given, to take stock of what lies ahead, and to be grateful for what you have already enjoyed and experienced. No, you do not need to be lying at death's door. You just need to be sick.

Healing does not always arrive when we want it to. Walking through the valley of deep sickness reminds us to be grateful for every well day we have known, and awakens empathy for those still struggling. Illness has a way of slowing us down, stripping away illusion, and reminding us of our shared humanity.

Sometimes, sickness itself becomes the lesson, a reminder of what you already know.

Since having a very serious bout with my nasty bug, I learned that a large number of my family, friends, and associates also had a taste of it. A few ended up in the hospital or urgent care, and a few of us toughed it out at home.

The lessons can be many, but one stands out. We still need to take caution when mingling with the public. A mask may still help ward off some of what is out there. Hand sanitizer still matters when soap and water are not available. Keeping personal space, especially for us huggers, may be the order of the day this winter.

You cannot hide, but you can take preventive actions to add a layer of protection for you and yours.

Interesting note: More people over fifty in my circle of family, friends, and associates got this bug than those under fifty. If there is something in the news about what is going around, I missed it.

Self-survival is the first law of nature. Take care of yourself.