Embrace the Journey: Sickness Set-Back

Not sick here!

How can I completely lose a week? Did I wake up from a bad dream? Nothing happened. I cancelled everything. I had no ambition to do anything. It was an effort to force myself out for a short walk. Cooking? Not interested in eating, so why would I cook? Standing to “heat-up” a prepared dish is too much. Christmas decorations are still up? They can wait. Nothing bothers me. 

Seems like this new year started with the bug brigade in charge. The stomach bug went through our house. I heard about other bugs, especially respiratory ones bothering friends. It was a nasty end of year.

Toastmasters Betty and Jeanne

Stomach bug, you have beaten me down. I thought you were gone, but you slipped back. I know what you did. You waited till I was tired and weak. You tried to shift the blame onto MS, didn’t you? Maybe you’re a “wanna-be” lingering disease like Long Covid, lurking, lurking, lurking. You think you are winning? Ha! Not a chance. Not going to happen! 

For a moment,  I did let self pity creep in. I thought maybe you did rule earlier today. Then I rallied. Your bullying didn’t work. My good friend, Toastmaster presented an opportunity I couldn't resist. I was the Toastmaster for this first Friday after the holiday break. The only Speaker had to cancel. By Thursday, we had less than ten members coming.

Yea, I thought you would surely cancel the meeting given all the issues surfacing early this week. Usually, you think of Toastmasters as a “responsibility”. What gives? 

Toastmaster Zoom Meeting

Stomach bug, you’re just like MS. You think you can dictate results. You think I’ll let self pity and negativity in. You think I’ll become easy to manipulate and disinterested in life if you hang around long enough. You are so wrong! Ask MS if I have conceded! You can only rule briefly. Why? Because you can’t  begin to get into my mind. My mind and willpower will overpower anything you can throw at me.

Actually, I want to know why all of a sudden Toastmasters isn’t just a responsibility. What’s so special about them? 

What you don’t understand is they are part of my support team. They support me and I support them. This week I am Toastmaster of the week. That means I am responsible. It’s a challenge and I love a challenge. Starting this new year with a strong meeting is a must do.

You are stubborn! Why didn’t you just call it off due to sickness. Throw in the towel. I was a perfect excuse.

Selfie with Wendy at the Christmas Parade

You set a nice trap, but I won’t take the bait. Actually, you and your cohorts running around sickening people challenged me to be creative and have fun doing it. As it turns out, our group will be small, and in my plan, small is GOOD. Toastmasters are strong and will rise to the occasion. 

We are going to play a game. The theme is “Turn the Page”. I’ve asked each person coming to weave a tale about things left behind and visions for the new year. It’s an exercise in team building, speech crafting, and leadership. I’m looking forward to it.

Stomach bug, you slowed me down. You made me feel really yucky and weak. You tried your best to break my spirit.  I lost a week of good stuff! Therapy sessions, fun with family, exercise, and hot yoga had to wait. 

You won’t win. I’ve got your number. You will not get a negative toehold in my mind.

Grandson Loleh 

On a serious note, chronic illness and pain are debilitating on both body and mind. Having several strong support groups to keep the mind focused on others and positive things is important. There will be more set-backs, but the human spirit is resilient.

Family and friends carry us through the hard times. Let's all Turn the Page to a happy and productive New Year!