Sickness gratitude
I’m lying on my bed on a Wednesday afternoon, feeling cool moist air from the humidifier and licking pink Himalayan salt clusters. My head is dizzy and loopy. There’s tight pressure on my temples and forehead. The more I cough the more sore my throat grows. And I’m on my period.
I feel like I should be miserable, but I am not.
As I spit out mucus for the 38th time today, I am grateful for this forced sacred rest. I’m noticing and appreciating all the little things that keep me comfortable. This is giving me the time to love and care for my body
Since I have an abundance of time, I want to take this opportunity to thank the little things.
Humidifier. I could not have slept last night without you. The smell and feel of humid air remind me of being in Hawaii, and I like that. Thank you for turning the dry LA air moist.
Pink Himalayan salt. Thank you for keeping me hydrated and supplementing me with electrolytes. I have needed more fluids than usual the past few days, and you are very nourishing. I like licking you like candy.
Water. What would I do without you? Thank you for being you. You are absolutely essential to my health and well-being. You are always there. I’m sorry if I ever took you for granted.
Bed. I am glad I washed all your sheets when I still had some energy yesterday. You are pink and linen. You are comfy. You give me a cozy feeling when I need it the most.
Organic cotton socks. Thank you for keeping my feet warm and cool at the same time. How do you even do that? I also like that you are tie-dye.
Laptop. Thank you, especially for the keyboard. I love typing on your keyboard. Sometimes, my thoughts come out so fast that I can’t possibly write them down with a pen. You are a savior.
Orange blue-light glasses. You make my digital experience a bit softer. I thank you for that.
Bluetooth speaker. Thank you for providing me with good sounds of whatever I want to play and listen to. Thank you for your long battery life. Thank you for your 360 Degree Sound feature. You sound great!
Yoga mat. Because of you, I can do the poses to relieve my pains comfortably. Anywhere I am becomes a place of practice, meditation, and solace because of you. Namaste.
Local raw honey. You know I am fasting today to give my body a much-needed rest. I can still get a spoonful of your sunny, golden nectar and feel the joy and nourishment you so effortlessly deliver. I am in awe of your magic.
Organic pineapple juice. You taste like the sun, my element. Thank you for not coming with added sugar. You are a party in my mouth and my gut.
Plants. Having you in my sight gives me peace and a connection to the natural world when I am stuck inside, unable to get the sun outside. It’s nice to be in your presence, my fellow living souls. Thank you for being green.
Essential oils. I love all of you, but I have to give it up for eucalyptus and tea tree for soothing my sinus infection through the diffuser and nasal rinse, and lavender for putting me in euphoria.
Skin and hair. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for the good skin and hair genes. Even sick days are good skin and hair days for me. That’s a win.
Period. Thank you for reminding me that I am a woman.
Creativity. When I’m sick. I tend to get more introspective. My creativity kicks in and pushes me to write more. I am often lost in time. I am grateful for this ability. It connects me to me on a deep level.
Last but not least, I want to thank the rain for blessing our city today.