In Sickness and in Health

I am on the recovering end of a nasty case of the flu that has lasted for about a week now. I generally am in fairly good health but do seem to catch the flu at least once a year. When I get sick I am in pretty sad shape for several days, sometimes a couple of weeks. The last time I was this sick was back in November in Kentucky when my Mom passed away.

I think that part of the reason it is so hard for me to recover is that I don't take the time to rest like I should. I usually work until I can't function anymore, and then continue to work instead of taking a sick day. With my position as a manager in a very busy department, it is very difficult to leave the office. Last Friday for example, I tried to leave early, but instead ended up working through my lunch and finally left 45 minutes early.

The last time I was sick I discovered a product that really does help with a speedy recovery. It's called Supercritical Herbal Defense from a company called NewChapter. I can tell a big difference after a single day of taking the tablets. They do leave a taste of garlic in my mouth though. Another good product is EmergenC which is a high concentration of Vitamin C.

I also brew my own teas. This time I tried a decoction of Echinacea, Licorice, Peppermint and fresh Ginger. I grow my own Peppermint in my herb garden.

Unfortunately this past weekend there was no hiking, visiting ineteresting places, or enjoying anything other than vegetating in front of the TV and computer.

If a cold or flu is good for anything, it is for reminding me that I need to rest and take care of my body. I should take more time off from work to just relaxe. I should slow down the hectic pace just a little and take time to smell the roses.

Recovering from illness can be likened to a sort of rebirth. When the healing begins I become more aware of the little things in life that we all take for granted. The sun seems to shine brighter and the air smells sweeter. It feels good to be able to get up and walk again without feeling like I'm going to pass out.

So I am experiencing my own regeneration and rebirth as we near the Spring season once again. I'm not completely well yet, but I'm on my way to recovery.