At one point recently, my head was literally on fire. No joke. One night as I slept I couldn't even put my head on my pillow. It was as if from the top of my scalp to the bottom of my neck my skin was burning. The pain became so intense that I got myself to a doctor (something I have not had to do in years) to get emergency help.
With the right meds and a good does of rest, relief came and the blaze ended.
How did this happen? Well, lessons were learned the hard way. I had become so consumed with caring for others around me that I had put myself aside. I was worn thin, more exhausted than I had been in years. Someone in the family required loads of medical care. In taking care of her, I ended up ill myself.
Someone told me during that time -- you have "special needs" too. Take care of yourself. It came to a point that I had too or I knew something serious was going to happen to my health. In the words of Sigmund Freud, "Being extremely honest with oneself is a good exercise." It was time to do so.
Since these days with head ablaze, I took a break. I stopped writing my blog. My daily emails were halted. I stepped back to just breathe and improve my well-being.
I do feel better. But I know my journey of taking more care of me has just started.
In fact, I've been noticing that I am learning a whole new way of being. From the time I was a small girl I was a soldier, forging ahead constantly into the unknown, fierce and focused on winning. Lately though, I have seen the toll this approach has taken on my body, mind and spirit.
It's time for new ways, graceful and flowing days. I now realize the power in gentleness and compassion (especially toward myself.)
To do life on my terms and enjoy the simple pleasures of the moment, that is my focus. I feel better.
If your body or spirit is signalling that you are close to breaking down, don't ignore it! Listen. Pay attention. Welcome the messages it gives you. Then, offer yourself whatever it is you need.
It is health which is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.
Mohandas Karamchand (Mahatma) Gandhi
Take good care of yourself this week.
I will be doing the same!
With love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
www.patriciaomoqui.com
