Actions speak louder than words: putting my commitment to the test
I must have tempted fate last week when I wrote, “Why do I obsess about the fact that my back hurts or I have a cold when there are so many parts of my body that are functioning well? Even the fact that my body eventually heals itself of the aforementioned maladies is amazing.” At the time of that writing, I felt perfectly healthy, and it was easy to judge my “sick” self as unenlightened, if not unappreciative. Well, they say actions speak louder than words, and I was about to be put to the test.
Two days after writing those words, I woke up with a sore throat. “Okay I said, “I can appreciate all the parts of my body that are still functioning optimally, and isn’t it great that my immune system is even now working to repair my sore throat?” It actually did help ease my frustration about catching a bug, despite my conscientious efforts to avoid doing so.
Then the sore throat quickly developed into an obnoxious congestion, followed by some serious pressure in my sinuses. This wasn’t going to be as easy as I had thought. The Universe was really testing me.
Here’s how the conversation in my head went:
I feel lousy!
Actually, your head feels lousy, but your body feels pretty good. Go for a walk or ride the stationary bike. Focus on those healthy parts of your body.
This isn’t fair. I wash my hands, eat healthy (mostly), get plenty of sleep. I shouldn’t get sick.
It’s good that you’ve taken such great care of yourself. Now your body will be better able to heal.
I don’t have time for this. I have plans. Tonight is girls dinner. In a couple of days I am supposed to try OrangeTheory for the first time. I need to be healthy.
Aren’t you lucky that the biggest things you have to worry about are whether you’ll enjoy a night out or whether you can kick butt at a workout routine? You have food to eat and a body that digests it well. You are able to move around and get a healthy level of physical activity right in your own home.
So as you can see, I haven’t given up (and I’m a little crazy). I’m still working on the positive attitude and focusing on appreciation for what’s right with my body, but it’s definitely more difficult than I had anticipated at this time last week.
I’m hoping, just like muscles, my positive attitude will get stronger with exercise. (That should not be interpreted as an invitation for the Universe to send me more opportunities for practice!) Maybe I should be careful what I wish for. Next week I am writing about unicorns and rainbows.
Hello, Sometimes I find myself feeling badly about a sore throat or other small ailment. Then I think about a student I once had who had spina bifida and had a colostomy but she took joy in horse back riding. Or one of my friends who is battling cancer. I end up feeling quite lucky that this is all I have to deal with. That being said I love your message about concentrating on what is going well. Thanks for the thoughts.
It’s so true, Fran. I’ve have much in life to be grateful for, and overall good health is one of them. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. Happy Halloween!
Yes, unicorns and rainbows!!!
Nowadays when I get sick, I find myself complaining that mother’s with young kids should not be allowed to get sick. This particular cold really has taken it’s sweet time going away, but it is going away, so I should be grateful for that.
Here’s to healthier days!!
I’ll drink to that–for you and me both! Have a safe and happy Halloween! I’ll be watching for photos. XOXO
Your self-talk made me smile. Awesome job in trying to stay positive! And looking forward to a post about unicorns and rainbows. 🙂
Thanks Patricia. I am starting to feel better, and believe me I appreciate the mere fact of breathing more. Happy Halloween!
Happy Hallowe’en to you, Christie. Love the self-talk. You can practice it tonight when you’re dishing out candy at the door on this windy, freezing cold Hallowe’en. Or maybe, hopefully, someone else can do that for you and you can relax and take care of that cold!
Thanks Karen. Luckily, it’s a beautiful day here in Utah. Still, I’ll let the hubs pass out the candy, so I don’t spread the germs. Now, that would be scary! Happy Halloween to you too!
I hope you are feeling better. Sometimes it’s best to ignore signs of sickness and other times, it’s better to pay attention… I guess your body will tell you which time is which. Enjoy your trick or treaters from afar.
I agree, Janis. Often if I feel the beginning of something and I ignore it, it goes away. However, this one was not to be ignored. I am feeling better now. Just trying to distinguish between my body telling me I need more rest and my mind thinking this taking it easy stuff is pretty cool!
I always admire your positive attitude, Christie! Sending you warm vibes to feel better soon!
Thanks Donna. It must be working–I’m on the mend.
Hope you’re feeling better! It seems a bit selfish at times to complain about a sore throat or a sinus infection or even a headache when others are going thru much worse. Thank you Christie for linking up and co-hosting at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared your post on Fb, G+, Pin, and Tw.
So true Dee. I’ve had moderate success shifting my focus to the positive things, and I am starting to feel better. Thanks, as always, for hosting the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. So many great posts to read and share!
Don’t you just hate it when the world seems to come crashing around you? I like the idea of focusing on the parts that are still working well, and doing what ever I need to do in order to restore the balance that is life.
Thanks for your comment Olivia. It can be difficult to re-focus on the positive, but I am getting better at it. And I am getting better, so that’s a bonus!
Truth and chuckles make for a great post! I loved this one.
Thanks Pam. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Have a great weekend!
I love your attempt to positivity. IT can be quite the chore sometimes.
Thank you Elise. It can be a challenge at times.
When we practice positivity we usually will become a more positive person, in general. I hope the universe cooperates with you.
Thank you Elise. I am feeling much better!