I'm not sick!
I hate being sick. Actually, I hate admitting that I am sick. For some reason being sick is acquainted with weakness in my mind. It may be reminiscent of my formative years when my Dad used to exclaim that a temperature of 101F (38.3C) was not reason enough to miss school and go on to stipulate that he had a jar of hot sauce that would quote, "solve all ailments." I was welcome to a nip before being stuffed, coughing and spurting, into a big yellow school bus. Another reason I hate admitting that I am sick is that it tastes much the same in my mouth as asking for help. Wha? Me? Need help? Are you suggesting that I am incapable of planning, catering, and hosting my son's birthday party, while planning, catering, and facilitating a weekend workshop, while diagnosing, self-healing and conquering a pesky little cold...? How dare you!!!! In fact, I think that was what 'Dr. Science' was suggesting when he gently kicked me out of my mother-in-law's birthday party and encouraged me to go to bed. Now under normal circumstances I would have either: a) Chosen to have my feelings hurt, and passive aggressively stewed in bed that 'Dr. Science' did not appreciate all the things I do for this family... b) Chosen anger and frustration, and blown up at 'Dr. Science' for hinting that I was somehow imperfect... c) Chosen to ignore 'Dr. Science', since I was secretly afraid that everyone would be upset with me for taking some time for myself... This time however, I decided to go with a new option, d) Smile and thank 'Dr. Science' for noticing that I was unwell, and make my apologies to the birthday-girl and the rest of the family as I made my way up to bed. Taking time each day to practice my affirmations has really helped me maneuver through these once emotionally painful and physically draining landmines. Although my initial impulse it still to respond with options a),b), or c), more and more I am able to mindfully choose option d).
Are you ready to start living?
Lindsey T H Jackson is a Life Coach, movement therapist and storyteller. Contact her at www.lindseythjackson.com for inspiration, list of services and bookings.
