Welcome to Denyse Whelan Writes Here.
What’s easy in theory and hard in practice?
For me:
Resting, recuperating and accepting what is.
I recently posted about how I am needing to self-care well during February in particular.
I would have thought over the years of needing to “allow time” to help me heal during my various oral cancer surgeries and more, I would have a better understanding of what I need to do for self-care in a somewhat ‘burnt out’ state.
My G.P. called it ‘emotional exhaustion’ and it affects my mood, my body’s interest in moving much and my ‘gut’ at times.
However, I am, somewhat IMPATIENT, as a person, and whilst I know intellectually I need to “allow time to pass” and “be nurturing” in my inner self talk and be aware of my tendency to “rush into the next thing I want to do”…
I still do this.
Sigh.
And despite how I felt at the time, giving some things a go, my body caught up with me with an I.B.S. flare just when I thought I was ‘well enough’ to go out again in the car on Wednesday this week.
And now I know that I am “trying too hard” and far too soon to be feeling better. I spoke to my G.P. today and she reiterates my need for rest and in this month particularly.
Sigh.
I am writing this as a reminder to me. I am not seeking advice.
I have all the things I can (and will) continue to do…. and I need to heed these words:
And as I now have more appreciation of my support and supporters like my husband and G.P. and family who are aware of this happening, I will continue to do and be all that I can to help me…
Heal.
Recuperate.
Recover.
I know too, that at 75, I will not be ‘back’ to the levels of health I had even in the last few years. Ageing is taking its toll too and I am far better for accepting this.
And smile as much as I can…right?
I do know even a ‘fake smile’ tricks our body…and my smiles are rarely fake. I can’t tell lies or play poker either..Ha! My face is a giveaway.
Thanks for reading and supporting my substack.
I hope you are doing well.
Take care,
Denyse x
I think you know all that you need Denyse - and your body will remind you when you push too hard. I think those quotes you shared say it all. Be kind to yourself - "even the courageous need rest". x
It’s one thing to know what you should be doing & another to do it. Heavy sighs.