I got knocked down. And getting knocked meant taking time to get back up. Time I haven’t really taken for a while. Not while I was pregnant. Not after Mira was born. Shingles demanded it.
It hasn’t been fun but it could have been far worse. Seeing Dan deal with shingles a year and a half ago has given me great thankfulness for how my case didn’t go. My healing has been nothing short of miraculous and for that I’m full of gratitude. I still have a little ways to go until I’m feeling back to normal but I’ve been spared the worst of it.
Shingles being at least partially caused by stress has given me cause to consider the stressors in my life. While there is certainly stress in the day to day of this life, it’s the emotions I’ve let overwhelm my system – guilt being the heaviest oppressor. Mama guilt, homeschooler guilt, friend guilt and, heck, even blogger guilt. None of this guilt has been laid on by anyone but myself. The time I’ve been down and out this week has given me time to think about the changes I need to make.
I haven’t come to any conclusions or solutions but I’m remembering my priorities and starting there. In the meantime I’m full of fresh joy and peace in the moments of my days.
Thank you, friends, for the prayers, well wishes and kind thoughts. They have been felt.
I’m sorry that You have shingles! The friend of mine also suffers from it. I hope You feel better soon!
So glad that you are taking time to care for yourself! Peace.
I just wrote today’s post before heading over here, and guess what my title is.
Funny.
My ‘case’ is not as serious though. I wish you find ways to let go and to make things right for you; these are the times you reconsider your true priorities, and there is always something good in that.
xx
Just wanted you to know that I think you are lovely in so many ways. Thinking of you, friend, and sending you many well wishes and prayers!
Oh, goodness! I hope your system recovers completely and very soon. In the meantime know that lots of people are thinking of you including me!
Oh my sweet friend…I’ve been thinking of you lots. I’m amazed at how much you do and how you never seem to pause. Take your time, enjoy your family and let your body heal. Thinking of you.
Rachel, You know I think of you often and I am so thankful you are taking care of yourself. A mother wears so many hats and I think each one comes with a lining of quilt that we really need to do away with. I think we all need to learn to be kind to ourselves and realize that we are only one person that can only do so much during a day, week, month, year…a lifetime. Love to you.
xx
Wow. I had shingles many years ago when I was under stress. SO painful. I am glad you are on the other side of it. It’s so hard to get under stress and then have the body go down because of it. But you are on the right path looking at it as a learning experience. In a way, guilt is good, perhaps because it enables us to make the changes we need to make. But, maybe there is a way to make the changes WITHOUT the guilt. That would be a good thing. We’re all learning along with you!
XO
Throw away the guilt!! Life is short and if you know what is important and what can wait then you have figured out the most difficult part. It is very hard to be a mom these days. I hope you feel better soon and I hope you can carve out a little bit of time to be recharged to enjoy what you desire 😀
I thought it must have really knocked you for a loop, since I haven’t seen you around since last week – but I was hoping you were just really, really busy. I hope you’re feeling better soon. xo
So glad you are starting to feel better…I’m sorry you had shingles! Ow! My husband had it when he was sixteen after his family moved, and I remember that it was so painful. I hope you feel 100% soon!!!
The guilt is really tough – I know it well, and it seems to follow me around in every aspect of my life, too…argh. I’m trying my best to put it aside, but it’s not always easy. Glad to hear you are finding that peace.
Take care and take all the time you need! 🙂 xoxo
glad to know you’re on the other side of this. guilt is no fun but sometimes it is the best reminder that changes need to be made, things evaluated. so now that you’re aware, throw away the guilt and relax and rediscover the things most important to you then let the rest go!
I’m so very happy to hear you’re on the mend! Thinking of you and wishing you feeling lighter and lighter as the guilt begins to free you and your body. Be free. Be healthy. Be happy and know that you are loved.
Take care dear friend. Ah, the pressures we place upon ourselves are huge. I’m glad you are finding the peace you need to help restore your health. Jacinta
We are our hardest critics for sure. Will pray that you continue to heal and get the rest and refreshment you need to handle all things.
Wishing you some restful moments in the days to come!
[…] now I’m breaking a little in body. Shingles have kindly paid a return visit. I thought that burning on my cheek seemed familiar but didn’t think it was possible. I was […]