Re-calibrate

I’ve been MIA the past 2 weeks - I’ve been away and then got quite sick whilst away - hence no posts! No, it wasn’t coronavirus. I rarely get sick at all - the most I may have is a little sniffle but definitely not full on tummy bugs! It was terrible - there seemed to be no relief, worse I was supposed to be on holiday! I'm not used to sitting still - I was doing a whole lot before I went away - 4 hours commuting, morning/evening gym etc., I was at 100 all the time - so this sickness drove me mad. I felt like my days were wasting away.

Before I left, I had made so many plans and literally had a list of food places I wanted to visit (being a foodie!) but couldn’t even stomach the mere thought of even going - I was well and truly laid up. My favorite foods, annoyingly, were not attractive. This was very hard for me. I was always the strong one, taking care of those who were unwell around me *cough*, my husband! I quite enjoy being the caregiver but not really the one cared for. I’m the person that will tell you that I want a particular food/drink then probably not feel well enough to eat/drink it - it is hard for me to not be in control. I don't like depending on others. Even when I’m sick. Yes, I’m ashamed. I had to learn to rely on others, accept help and listen to my body.

Thankfully, the gastro symptoms lasted only a day but the subsequent days were very challenging. Having a shower was hard because it was so hot and the hot showers did not agree with my fever - I had to be helped out the shower because I felt faint. We flew back home and I had to sit in one sick position for HOURS on end and THEN get over jet lag! It seemed never ending and even as I write, the tiredness lingers. I’m a ‘get up and go, have fun on holiday and see all the sites’ kinda gal but this time, I just didn’t.

My point is - I needed rest. The time away was very restful but my body slowed down to a point where it just collapsed. My body actually had time to slow down and expel the toxins that had been locked up in there - so I got sick! It should never have gotten to this point. I was not resting enough. I learnt a valuable lesson - more downtime, more breaks, more nothingness - the world is not going to end. Whilst there is always so much to do, what is the point of doing it all with little or no energy? It’s time to give your best; be your best. Operate at optimum. Stop running on empty. Stop 'barely making it'.

Take time away to do absolutely nothing.

Sign off.

Rest, mentally, emotionally and physically. Recharge, Realign & Re calibrate.

One thing I particularly enjoyed was being able to have extended devotion time whilst away - many times in a beautiful setting. It was so refreshing and I was able to tune in and recharge. It was well needed and I left my trip feeling more connected with God and mentally in sync, generally speaking.

You need to take time out and do it regularly. It doesn't have to be a holiday (but who doesn't love them?!). There will always be too many tasks to complete, too many people to look after - but flip the script. Rest and recharge so you can give your best. Don’t wait for your body to grind to a halt.

Rest is not idleness.

I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. - Jeremiah 31:25