Self-Talk For Unwell Winners
Over the past couple of days, I’ve been a bit unwell. So just resting, falling in and out of consciousness, and sweating out whatever demon has possessed me.
It’s strange the thoughts you have when you are sick.
There’s the self-talk you make, while your body takes over and puts you through a carnival of events: all taking place in the bathroom.
Self-talk includes: “DB, you’ve been here many times before, remember when I got rolling drunk in NewFoundland and you mistook a Newfy dog for a bear” or “Just replace your body in a yogi state of mind, while the unpleasantness takes over”, “it’s all about acceptance DB - here’s a lesson for you”.
Another thought is: “What do I need to do?” Despite being completely immobilised, I’ve been trying to rev myself up to get tasks done. It just isn’t going to happen. It’s like driving a broken down car. No matter how many buttons you push, it’s just not going to move. Illness is so counter intuitive.
Then, thoughts move on to “How did I get here?” There’s a forensic assessment: was it the eggs? Was it the kimchi? Was it the rice? Was it a combination of all three? Let’s put each ingredient before a jury and make them defend themselves. “Eggs, how long were you resting in the fridge?
I tend to move quickly to solutions-seeking. How can I find a solution to rapid recovery. What natural remedies can I take? Can I be the first to discover a new treatment that will help? It I put cayenne pepper on a cracker and place a mint leaf on top will it get me well faster?
Whatever the thought, I refuse to do self-pity. You know, why me? Why during my holidays? Why not someone else who doesn’t need to write daily rants come rain, hail or shine? Why not Lisa Wilkinson? I do refuse to indulge in answering, however, asking the question is okay. Indeed, why not Lisa Wilkinson?
Finally, there are “redemption thoughts”. I’m not sure if other people have these, but they are “if I just get well, I promise I will watch Channel 9 and not say anything naughty”, “if I just get well, I will spend my whole life curing cancer”, or “if I get well, I will dedicate my life to only eating fresh food and never cooking with questionable ingredients again”. (The last one is not too radical and indeed common sense. Maybe I should go more ambitious): “If I get well, I will buy some land and grow fresh food and vegetable, for all the world. And I’ll knock on the door of people living alone and ask them to show me their refrigerators, and replace their contents with my fresh food”.
And now it is time to slip back into my recovery.
Lots to be grateful for:Thank goodness for water.
Thank goodness for quirky thinking.
Thank goodness for illness to remind us of our mortality.
What thoughts do you have when you are unwell? No need to mention doctors or medications (they are too obvious, and more trouble than they are worth at the moment, especially for those in my situation).
Take care all.
DB
Hello!
I understand your point, I have a female condition that keeps me in pain. I try to live by
Life is a comedy for those who think and a tragedy for those who feel (Horace Walpole)
but when this doesn't work I try
Imagination was given to man to compensate him for what he isn't. A sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is (Horace Walpole)
When nothing works I 😭
I hope you feel better soon, if not I think you should see a doctor.
I have a recipe for you
1/2 teaspoon of Bi- carb soda( Mc Kenzie's) don't ask me why, I think I like the packaging. I buy the one that comes in a carton box.
1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice to activate the bi-carb.
1 glass of water
Mixed and drink. It usually helps.
Ps, I like your voice and the way you speak, I find it soothing. I have been listening to you while working in my business venture.
I agree with you 95 percent of the time.
I hope you feel better soon.
I apologize for any writing mistakes, English is my second language.
Thanks Deborah. It's crazy when you get sick, it's like there's an entirely different owner's manual that kicks in. The body just takes over, and it's like, 'oh well, you give it a go' - can't think my way out of this one! I don't why, but disassociating from the pain is the way that I deal with illness. Totally agree with you about 'letting go of everything else' .... over the last couple of days have most certainly done that! :)
I admire you so much for having any thoughts and some profound ones at that, when you are so unwell. I cannot remember any thoughts other than the sensing the pain and discomfort. Unlike you, I think that illness is absolutely intuitive, it is when we are reduced to our physicality and have to let go of everything else.