This past week I spent at least two days in bed, fatigued, complete with fever. My performance, on daily activities declined to around 10%; at best. I self-diagnosed the flu, and various other maladies.  Not sure what it was, but after several days I am back and better! Listening made the difference for me. My recently road tested, three-part strategy will help you to keep your physical health on target when you are able to: listen to your body, listen to yourself and listen to your inner circle.

When I was in the midst of the transient affliction I encountered, I was very much in the moment. That act of being there, listening and responding, was pivotal.  My body’s response to getting rest was appreciation. Ah, rest. I moved away from all possible distractions and got comfortable and relaxed! For me usually more difficult than working.

As I listened to my body I was able to eat for fuel rather than out of ritual. I increased my intake of liquids including water and soothing ginger tea. I returned my 32 ounce water bottle to my bedside, to improve my intake.

I used some stored energy for those tasks required and stored new reserves for tasks I would take on as soon as my temporary system status was updated. I allowed my physical, PC to update files and reboot. Something I have neglected to do for a notable interval.

Listening to Yourself

Instead of taking on new projects, from others, without clearly verifying my output levels I cautiously inventoried my resources and redirected my energies as needed. I disconnected from the triggers which would generally cause me to overextend. I ignored the virtual signage with neon lights flashing, “Help ME, Help ME, NOW!” Although in my mind’s eye only, these nonexistent message boards fully lit and vibrating their messages were extinguished by activities being complete by others, not me!

I listened to my self-talk. I was making statements to myself that if carried to their end would cause me to climb in a hole and cover myself with a large rock. Unquestionably not the desires of my heart. However, the direction of my careless words.

I inventoried my thinking and my words making changes that more closely recognized my desired outcomes. It was at that point I recognized either I was resting from some past exertion or preparing for some future labor. In either case, I was thankful to accept the needed rebooting.

Listening to Your Inner Circle

I listened to those that have provided me with valuable input in the past. Those who have come to be recognized as part of my inner circle. Friends or family like-minded, positive and seekers of God. Those that I heard from during those couple of days were brimming with incite. One even reminded me of the more than 400 miles I had driven (in rush hour, city traffic) and the added intensity of the other duties, which accompanied those miles just two weeks before. I had forgotten about the toll of that eight days.

Epilog

Listen to your body: you are getting messages all of the time about what causes your body to function at its best. Proper diet and exercise are part of working your way to health in this stress-filled society in which we live. As many flight attendants have properly instructed, “Put the oxygen mask on yourself first, then try to help others.” Cue into what it is saying this very moment, what do you hear?

Listen to yourself: be aware that messages to you are generated by you too. At times, we can be our own worst enemy. We have the inside track on the strategies that work best against us. Are you an Achilles Heel?

Listen to your inner circle: maintain contact with those who see you as you are. When you care enough about someone to tell them the truth in a way that nurtures them and you are willing to hear it from them with the same type of ear, that person resembles a friend. Do you have people you can count on to contribute to who you are in a positive way, even if that might mean leading from behind?

Following those three steps brought me into greater health. Remembering that God uses all around me to empower me builds my faith.

Take Inventory and Take Action! Onward and upward, indeed!

Love,

Deborah

“Lighting the path to loving your neighbor as yourself.”