Love The Everyday
I did something yesterday that I am not good at doing.
I took a sick day. As I am now a contract worker, taking a sick day is even harder (no work equals no money) but my body had been telling me for a few days that it needed to slow down. I could have easily taken cold medicine and pushed myself but spending a whole day without getting out of my pajamas was simply bliss and exactly what was needed. A recent conversation at the hospital I work revolved around why no one felt comfortable taking sick days. There is the fear others will think one is not really sick and the concern for extra work placed on coworkers. As a result, many go to work sick. Unfortunately, I have been the employee who has been at work when I needed to be at home in bed. As a counselor, I struggle with cancelling appointments when it may be a few weeks to reschedule. However, if I hope to be a role model to clients in regards to self care it is important that I practice self care. Thus, I spent yesterday on my couch reading magazine, watching HGTV and drinking tea. I highly recommend it.
I’m blessed that my life is busy.
I am a creature of habit and love the routine of a schedule. Workout at 5 in the morning, work, home to cook or out to meet friends for dinner. Date night on the weekends. The downfall with a schedule is that it can become easy to not be mindful and appreciative of the current day. Lately I’ve been blessed to look at a calendar that includes lunch and dinner plans with friends who soothe my soul. Each week there is someone to look forward to and catch up with. Making this time on my schedule is as significant as those 5:00 am workouts.
To do something different, last weekend James and I went on Saturday to visit Maker’s Mark Distillery so that I could pick up bottles that came from a barrel that had my name on it. (This is part of their Maker’s Mark Ambassador program and a complete post will come later.)
I’m continuing to love Hello Fresh but had to take this week off as every meal they offered included something I was allergic to. Sadly, with my food allergies, not everything can be substituted. Another downside is that I am not experimenting with new recipes like I would like to do. However, my food photos have improved and I would love for you to follow me on Instagram.
February also marks the anniversary of my Mom’s death. As I think of my Mom’s life, I reflect upon what I have learned from her life and death. Throughout this time I am always aware that the days are truly short and our time here is not promised to be long. A little over a week before her death I shared with a friend the following quote.
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@howtoamakealife”] Take the trip. Buy the shoes. Eat the chocolate cake.[/tweetthis]
Today I would add – Take the sick day!
Are you taking time to appreciate your everyday?
I love this post, Sheryl. I’m self-employed with my husband so if I take a sick day, it affects us both tremendously. So some days, it’s REALLY hard to convince myself it’s okay to take one. But sometimes… you just need it. And I always come back ready to work harder so it’s worth it!
Ashley, we have to remember if we aren’t taking care of ourselves, we can’t perform at the greatest ability. I realized on Tuesday (while seeing clients) that I wasn’t fully there for them. It’s not fair for them as they deserve the best of me that I can give them. Days off are necessary in life and we do come back stronger. Thanks for stopping by.
It’s hard to take a day off- I very rarely do it, but yes sometimes our bodies scream for it! How fun going to the Maker’s Mark distillery. One thing I need to do more of for myself is schedule time with friends. Having a busy household doesn’t always make it easy, but I need to make a more conscious effort.
My friends and I have started scheduling our “dates” together. It’s so easy to say let’s do this when we have time, we’ve found that if we schedule it, we make the time. Hoping you can find some time for your friends soon! It’s nourishing to do so.
Your day off sounds like just what you needed! Rarely do we let ourselves just relax for one whole day.
I can’t tell you when the last day was that I did absolutely nothing but rest. It was what I needed.
I think it is truly important to take a day off when you need it. It doesn’t do anyone else any good when you are sick and wore out. It’s hard for us to listen to our body when it tells us to take the time. I know I found myself pushing myself to hard and just broke down last week. I think it is also important to make time with friends. It really makes be feel better when I have that girl time.
Our bodies will certainly let us know. Doing the work that I do with others holds me accountable. I certainly want to practice what I preach. It does no one any good if I’m giving my clients permission to rest but not doing so myself.
I agree, it is really important to take those days! I, too, am the one who’d rather drag myself to work not feeling well than to stay at home because of the reasons you mentioned. But in the end no one really benefits from that – because it may cause you needing a longer break – the body takes what it needs, so we have to listen to it! Glad you were able to relax and refuel your body and soul! Hugs xxx
Chrissy, I’ve dragged myself to work so many times and my body paid the price. I’m still a work in progress but I like to think I’m giving myself more grace. Hope you can do the same. XO
Hope you’re feeling better! I took my first sick day in November and it was much-needed. You have to refresh and take care of you! Also can’t wait to hear about Makers! I’m an ambassador, too!
You KNOW how much I resist taking a sick day, but it is necessary sometimes. Hope you’re feeling much better. And can’t wait to hear about your Maker’s Mark experience in detail. Also, prayers for you this month. Anniversaries can be so hard.
Tif
http://www.brightonabudget.com
I am not one to take sick days either and working for yourself, you are right you don’t get the work done. But every now and then your body does tell you to stop, curl up on the couch with something warm and watch a movie. Let your mind stare off into space. It helps refresh the soul.
I love this. I am so glad you took the time to make sure that you’re healthy. As my doctor always says: if you’re not healthy, you aren’t going to be able to help anybody. So there’s no reason to force yourself to work when sick. Good for you!
You are amazing. I am so proud of you for taking time for yourself when you need it– it’s not easy as women to decide that we need to take time for ourselves!
I hope you are feeling better. I know tons of people that keep plugging away and working because of the no sick time rule…glad to see that you listened to your body. I have bene loving your Try this at Home series…such simple and easy tips that make a big impact.