Moms Don't Get Sick

I've always been a bit cocky about my "I never get sick" mantra.  In truth, I am so grateful for my abundant good health that when I was struck with the nasty flu two weeks ago I was caught off guard.  I ended up in the emergency room and only now, two weeks later, am I feeling the surge of energy I know as "me."

There is a silver lining, I believe, to being "knocked out" by illness.  Somehow it is as if the fever burns off what you don't need.  For instance, I found that I couldn't read, couldn't watch television and couldn't even listen to my ipod for over a week.  I would pause from work that had to be done and literally just sit with my eyes closed.  It was sort of a forced meditation away from life.  I also found I kicked my latte a day habit.  It's as if I've lost the taste for it and a simple cup of green tea is all I now crave.

If you find yourself one of the many flu statistics this year...take heart...It's a way your body forces your to rest and almost re/boot your senses.  Food tastes different...calm is required...and your outlook can shift.  I have so much more empathy for those with chronic illness.  How do they find the stamina to get out of bed and get dressed much less have the space for creative ideas to flow?

Wash your hands a lot, carry Purell everywhere you go, get enough sleep, get MORE than enough sleep, eat your 5 fruits/veggies each day, pick up some EmergenC to fuel you with C and electrolytes, drink lots of water and then stock up the pantry with saltines, chicken noodle soup, and ginger ale, just in case.

Comments

[gina b]

Boy do I EVER relate to this! Since Christmas, I've had viral infection, yeast infection, stomach flu, regular flu, sinus infection...is that all? Kids had it - flu shots were useless this year. With the flu, there's nothing you can do but lie down and rest. With 2 preschoolers, it's tough to stay healthy.

One thing you missed on your food list: HONEY. It's the one cure-all I tried that's good for a nasty cough (cough syrup now being a no-no) AND sinus infection.