After several weeks of feeling stronger and healthier, my body has taken a few steps back, and it’s time to rest awhile.
In some ways, these moments are difficult. Plans must be set aside, dreams put on hold, and my world made smaller and more manageable. In other ways, I’m thankful. It’s an ever present reminder that my worth is not in what I can accomplish or perform, but simply in who I am.
It’s a good time to really slow down and savor things. Since everything takes effort and leaves you exhausted afterwards, you only choose the things that are truly important.
Like walking through a friends garden and sighing happily over her amazing rambling roses and the tree laden with beautiful nectarines, eating ripe tomatoes off the vine, and spotting plump blueberries ready for picking.
There are a lot of naps, 30 minutes of rest that ease the pain and renew strength, and many cups of chamomile tea to soothe and calm. I was so excited to see real chamomile blooming in my garden this week. A gift from a friend, they are such cheery little things that will make lovely cups of tea.
Laundry and other chores only get tackled one step at a time. It takes longer, much longer, but I learn again that my worth is not in how tidy my house is or how organized the rooms are. Those things are lovely when they happen, but they’re just things, they’re not me. It’s hard to remember that sometimes.
I’ve set up a futon daybed in my office and topped it with a quilt and pillow. It makes it so much easier to work and rest, work and rest. I turn the fan on and close my eyes, smiling at the little peeps coming from the newly hatched chicks tucked up in their pen nearby. After awhile, I’m ready to edit a few more photos, write a few more lines.
Food is simple too. No lavish banquets or complicated recipes, just things that are easy to make and taste good: ripe fruit, garden veggies, fresh eggs, bakery rolls, shaved ham.
While I wouldn’t choose this time, I’m learning to rest in it, to care for myself and my loves as I’m able, and trust that it will get better.
How do you care for yourself when you’re unwell? xo
Love the yellow that pops and the insect that is enjoying them. Enjoy resting. 🙂
I love that yellow too, @budgetjan:disqus And thank you so much for your kind note on FB. XO
Beautiful photos Krista, and such a restful piece! Who wouldn’t want to feast on that bounty of natural goodness?! I looked after myself yesterday by just having a pamper day – not feeling bad for having a long, hot shower at the decadent hour of 11a.m. and spending most of the rest of the day reading books and drinking tea!
Oh @katyabroad:disqus , your self-care day sounds absolutely exquisite! I’m so glad you’re looking after your dear self. XO
I am sorry to heat that you are not feeling well. I draw strength from the sunshine which is abundant where you are:-) Living in the valley we are overcast most of the winter so I eat sunny foods like pineapple and lemons which make me exceedingly happy.
I love the idea of eating sunny foods, @disqus_2LQ5qLN5aY:disqus 🙂 What a wonderful thing to do. 🙂
Beautiful images Krista. Sorry to hear that you aren’t feeling too well. But I think you listen to your body and do what you need to do and don’t push yourself any further 🙂 Hoping you feel better soon. When I’m unwell, I like to rest 🙂
Sounds like resting is the very best thing for both of us, @wanderingsheila:disqus 🙂
Do take care of yourself! Sounds like you have written a good prescription for improving your health — rest! I too have come to the conclusion that the house doesn’t need to be perfect, every chore completed, and the ‘to do’ list finished each day. There is far more to life as you have so beautifully said!
I’m so glad you share that conclusion, @disqus_WseMqaTPwi:disqus 🙂 It’s such a relief to get to just “be” sometimes. XO
I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a few setbacks with your health. It’s great you can work and rest in your office. My laundry is also piled sky-high and I can never seem to get on top of it. Lovely images of all your garden is producing xx
It’s a comfort to know I’m not the only one with a sky-high laundry pile, Charlie. 🙂 I did make a dent in it this morning, and that feels wonderful. 🙂
I hope you recover soon, Krista, and love your photos a always. I am also surprised to see that camomile, as I thought it only grew in cool damp places!!
I was so surprised about the chamomile too, @Kayrpea61:disqus ! So many things I grew up with don’t flourish here, but this beauty does and I’m delighted. 🙂
🙂
Glad to know that you are taking care to rest up and recover as you need to, Krista… isn’t wonderful that you are able to take this time out, and in such beautiful surroundings xo
Thank you so much, @liz_posmyk:disqus I know you understand how important it is to rest when we need to rest. 🙂 xo
rest up rest up! it’s hard when the busy world is always nudging us to catch up and keep up. but do.
http://mlleparadis.blogspot.com
Thank you, lovely, I promise I AM resting, lots and lots. 🙂 xo
What a quiet office with a relaxed atmosphere! Isn’t that the best office one could ever get? Keep the energy, Krista!!
Julie & Alesah
Gourmet Getaways xx
It is a wonderful little place, @GourmetGetaway:disqus 🙂 Always restores my spirits. 🙂
I don’t care for myself very well at all. I need to take a page out of your book and honor myself more.
You deserve so much honoring, dear @OrgasmicChef:disqus XOXO
I am so sorry you are unwell Sweets. But sometimes we just have to listen to our body 😉
When I feel slightly stressed or unwell I make more time to meditate. I also increase my wheatgrass intake (look into this Krista if you don’t already use it). You can use it in powder form and just stir it into your smoothies. It really is a “powerhouse” for so many things.
Take care Sweets xx
I will look into the wheat grass, @vannessaluxuria:disqus Thanks so much for the recommendation. Meditation does much for my well being too. 🙂 XO