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Inactivity? Not really
After many years of being active on just about everything (I get restless even for a minute of not doing anything except when I'm on bed), I became worried when my doctor told me last year that I have to go through elective surgery. The first thing I asked was, "How long before I could do my usual stuff?" At that time, I was in love with high intensity activities, doing field work, exploring new experiences and going to parties with friends. The surgery did not scare me, but it's the inactivity that might follow that scared me. The doc said that I had to take it easy for a month and the high intensity activities had to be postponed for two or three months. It didn't help that some told me that it takes six months before one's good as new.
Well, as they said, no matter how you delay something, it's going to catch up with you anyway. So, I had that dreaded procedure and a day later, I was already panicking, thus bitching about having all contraptions removed so I can do so many things. The bitching worked, so I was walking up and down the stairs the next day, taking care of my niece's needs because she slept at the hospital while my mom's busy with errands for my needs. Another challenge is my nephew who's running around the hospital so I had to painfully walk after him, otherwise, I'll lose him. But I felt happy being able to do that. I've realized, "This doesn't seem so bad at all." The fear of inactivity has lessened. With that worry easing, I've began to plan what I'll do while at home. Thank goodness, my boss allowed me to work at home. Thanks for the power of the Internet, too.
But with event coverages and traveling out of the way, there seems to be so much time at my hands at home. Then I remembered what my doc said. "It's time to do things you've longed to do but you didn't have time to do when you were busy." I followed her advice and learned something along the way.
I volunteered to cook, so I cooked for the family. But that was short lived because my mother loves the idea of her running the kitchen, so I decided to back off. That's when I realized that I would like to find a place of my own someday. I used to fear being away from my family home. When I got married, I refused to leave. Even when my friends told me it's time to cut the umbilical cord because I'm not getting any younger. I think this is the time.
It was also a chance for me to spend time with the boyfriend and attend to his needs. I've realized I haven't done this for someone before. As they say, there's always a first. And it's indeed nice to make the extra effort for someone you love. From that point on, I realized I've grown mature and could actually take care of someone.
Then, I let my niece and nephew stay in my room for a longer time. So, we're just there dancing, drawing, watching TV, talking to Langlang, my stuff toy, among others. Sean, the younger one messes some of my things. We adults normally fall in the trap of expecting kids follow our phase because we are so busy with so many things. We want them to rush after us so we could do our stuff. We always tell them "no" not because it's bad for them but because what they're doing is taking up our time. At that moment, I just let them be kids. If ever I felt impatient, I just keep quiet and join in the "messing up" of my room because I know I'll just get the hang of it and enjoy it anyway. Besides, it's part of the kids' opportunity to explore.
Then, there's the chance to watch movies in DVD. I have a closetful of DVDs and most of them were untouched. So, it's DVD marathon before I sleep.
Then, I wake up earlier than before so I could have more time to walk because running is already out of the question for now. So, I had to double the time I spend on this. Now that I've waking up earlier, my mornings have become more relaxing before preparing for work. I read somewhere that for one to function better at work, you need to have a relaxing headstart. From research, rushing from the time you wake up until you reach the office depletes your energy. No wonder one becomes tired before the day ends. Some are even cranky.
And also, it's really nice to spend one's spiritual devotion before then sun rises and when everything around you is so quiet.
Lastly, there's the lesson on the value of health. In a literature on tai chi, it was said that 80 percent of our illnesses that lead to medications and surgery are due to stress. Accumulation of years of stress. Thus, the value of positive thinking, loving, forgiving, smiling instead of thinking negative thoughts, hating and getting angry are very important.
Indeed, many things in our life happen that we need to make adjustments. I guess we should not fear that. There's always something to do, something good in every change or adjustment. Something new will come up and it's going to make life even more exciting and fuller.
It's my first day back in the office and I get so excited filling up my calendar of events. Now I know that after a day's work, I know now how to squeeze in cooking, taking care of people I love, watching DVD and other things that I passed up before.
Thank God for the surgery.
(Ever dread anything that turned out a blessing anway? Share it to katvillalon@yahoo.com)