The most important lesson from my injured back
Two and half weeks ago my lower back totally seized up … out of nowhere. In the space of a few hours I went from playing at the beach with my kids to being incapable of standing up from a chair without help.
The first few days were excruciating. I couldn’t do anything for myself … basic things like dressing myself, getting out of bed our going to the toilet all required another person with me.
I sought medical treatment as quickly as possible but I discovered that here, in our new home, of Waiheke Island it can be difficult to get appointments at short notice with people like physiotherapists or osteopaths.
I am a lot better now but still not 100% and I am very keen not to ever repeat this experience. The silver lining , however, has been learning this lesson:
EVERYTHING CAN WAIT
- My house wasn’t cleaned for 2 weeks. Gross but nobody died.
- The ironing wasn’t done so kids went to school with ruffled clothes. They didn’t care.
- My weekly #selfcaresunday email couldn’t be created. My community were very understanding.
- I had to cancel a speaking engagement at a local networking event. This was really hard for me to actually do but I had no choice. The organiser was very understanding and will invite me back in a few months.
- I didn’t do any work, answer emails or write any blog posts. When I resurfaced people who had been waiting to hear from me were very understanding.
As someone who fits a lot into life, every day, it was a very strange feeling to be unable to do anything.
Here is what I observed:
- The world didn’t end because I wasn’t doing all those things.
- I might have missed some opportunities but they will come again.
- It is much easier to put your own self care first when in ‘crisis mode’ … but what if I could be that clear cut about it every day??
I am focusing on easing back into all my commitment. Some things, like three kids, are non negotiable … but the rest can wait.
Oh, and when I am back on track I am going to commit to doing this 5 minute core workout at least 3 times a week as part of my self care commitment.
