I am rocking a seriously sexy, throaty voice right now. I am not just tooting my own horn, I have had many compliments over the past week. However, as of visiting the Minute Clinic this morning, the reality is that the sexy voice is from a severe sinus infection and allergies. . .I. AM. HOT.
Seriously. I am rocking some serious tissue, cough drop, and medication action.
Which brings me to my current thoughts -
I am really, really good about taking time for myself - hence my running. When I run, I can sort through problems, make plans, calm down about issues, and work through almost any stuff that is going on in my mind and life. When I started running again a few years ago, it was when I returned to school for my Masters degree. I would run in the evenings, after my husband got home, and I could feel myself relax, as I ran, and let the days stress just pound away.
Yet, as a Mom, how come I can manage to take time to run, for me? HOWEVER, I cannot seem to take a day (or two) to be sick? I feel like it's some mental and physical block within me that won't allow me time to be ill. Does anyone else struggle with this dilemma?
Several Mother's Days ago, I sent my own mom a card. On the front was a harried looking mother, sitting at the Human Resources Desk of Motherhood. On the front, the HR person is explaining the good benefits: hugs, kisses, handmade cards, etc. . .But on the inside of the card, the frazzled looking Mom exclaims, "What do you mean there are no sick days or vacation days?!".
My Mom and I continue to have a good laugh over that card, and it's inevitable truth - but seriously - how does one take a sick day???
My usual argument is that if I have to get up, get the kids fed and drive them to school, then I might as well stay for my 3 hours of work, and if I stay for that, I might as well stay til the end of the day to do pick up and bring everyone home again. Basically, if I have to get up at all, I might as well keep chugging. . .
Which brings me around to my exercise dilemma.
If I am so sick, why don't I stop working out?
I feel that working out helps me.
I feel worse if I don't workout.
If I miss one day, that will lead to two. . .then three. . .
Do you workout when you are sick? Are you able to take sick days as a Mom?
How do you create that balance in your own life?
Take care of you. It is a challenge. If a day in bed will speed recovery, do it. Bribe someone to take your kids to school and put your head under the pillow. Give yourself permission... not to run, not to be in school, to get better. Easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your response! We do need to give ourselves permission. . .
DeleteThis comes up for me every other winter/spring. I don't get sick very often but when I do I just want to quit life. I cannot figure out how I signed up for a job that doesn't end at 5:00 pm and never gives Christmas, 4th of July or any other holiday off??? When I was a working gal it was easier to take the day off if I was sick. There were people at work who would fill in for me. Now--not so much. I think that is why it is so hard for caretakers to take sick days. If you aren't dying or caring a communicable disease you have to keep going. Feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteI know! I feel like I have to be at death's door before I can take time. Luckily, we don't get ill often!
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