Simplify
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Life is busy...filled with plans and errands and worries, it feels like there's never enough time...and then something happens. The unexpected. Last week, I got the flu. My world stopped. At first, I tried to deny it, ignore it, fight it! And when that didn't work, I worried. How will I get everything done? Scheduled to present at a conference. Sub plans for school...and on and on. The flu doesn't give the body much choice. I surrendered and suddenly things got simple.
My life was about sleeping and drinking fluids. Friends helped with other chores like shopping and walking my dog. My mom called every single day to check in and make sure I was ok. All those other worries soon faded away when I wasn't strong enough to pay attention to them. The gift of the flu...it simplified my life.
The question is how do I do that...without the germs? Spring break is next week. My number one goal is to simplify. Clear out stuff I don't need. Be mindful. Make choices. Simplifying is hard work, but the results are worth it.
I always have such good intentions and somehow they drift away. I like how you've turned your miserable, germy experience into something positive and are taking away motivation to make positive changes in your life. The Rilke quote is wonderful! Hope each day brings you more energy and health!
ReplyDeleteAck. Hope you are on the mend. The flu does make you simplify and prioritize. But the idea of sub plans when feeling sick is one of the worst feelings to have. You have to give in, though, and get healthy. Be well.
ReplyDeleteKevin
I never thought about being sick this way. I love how you found the bright side in it all. (And love the positive thoughts this Thursday!)
ReplyDeleteWhen you are ill or healing, simplicity is key to recovery. When you surrender to it, your body has time to heal. I'm glad you are feeling better. Now you can spend your break doing the things you love to do. Happy Spring!
ReplyDeleteSimplify is my middle name. I work on simplifying everything. I'm so glad you are feeling better. The flu is the WORST.
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ReplyDeleteMichelle, you are the second person today to remind me that Thoreau lived the simple life. I found this beautiful thought about him. "Thoreau’s life is a reminder that dedicated individuals can establish a simpler, freer, way of life for themselves, simply by adopting a new frame of mind and acting upon it with creativity and conviction." (http://simplicitycollective.com/the-simple-life-of-henry-david-thoreau)
DeleteWhat you wrote today reminds me of this new frame of mind that we all need. Thank you for noting this with the quotes chosen.
Simplifying is what I strive for, but can't seem to reach, yet. I hope you are on the mend; thank you for bringing this topic to the forefront of my thoughts, right when it needs to be!
ReplyDeleteAmazing, isn't it, how God can use an annoying flu to minister to us, helping to move us more smoothly along our spiritual journey? God bless you. Thank you so much for sharing your illness-reminder!
ReplyDeleteTurning your illness into something good for your life is astounding, Michelle. Thank you for sharing the thinking and the quotes. Sometimes we do need to let go, I guess, and choose what really matters.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this lovely reminder. I believe when we are moved to simplify and reflect, we also have to be really gracious and kind to ourselves. It's definitely a journey to simplify. I'm so happy and thankful you are feeling well!
ReplyDeleteglad you're feeling better!
ReplyDeleteSorry that it took illness to give you the break! Your experience reminds me of when I was slowed down to a fractured hip... and now I look back on those slower, simpler weeks (of two years ago) with nostalgia. Thanks for the Thoreau quote -- so apt.
ReplyDeleteHow like you to look for the positive, Michelle - glad to hear that you are better already.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. When I have time off I feel guilty or bad when I am just sitting there catching up on a tv show or a book. If you find out how to do it- please let me know.
ReplyDeleteAlso.. thanks for reading and commenting on my blog! I appreciate it
Let me know if you figure it out!!! I think be mindful of it is the first step. Glad you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteClare
Michelle, this slice resonates with me. Ever since Literacy Coach training took over my life, I have been working to regain balance in my life. One way I think will help is to simplify. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Hope you are now feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI love that you turned something like the flu into a positive... it feels great to simplify sometimes, but it's hard to find the time to do so. It really is hard to slow down sometimes, and there are certain things that happen to make us do that! I hope you are feeling better and are able to do some cleaning next week!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are feeling better! I too love the simplify theme--the slow down and pare down and idea that we just need be...still.
ReplyDeleteWow, the flu is tough. I am glad though it gave you a chance to declutter mentally and take some time to focus on you. We all need down time, but don't wait for the flu to take it next time.. LOL
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