I’m currently writing this blog post from my bed, with a
heating pad on the bulging disc at the bottom of my spine. I’ve had bronchitis
for over a month now and I coughed my way into some serious back pain. I’m on
painkillers, a muscle relaxer and a steroid, so hopefully my post won’t come
out too terribly jumbled.
This enforced bed rest makes me crazy, but I think it may be
God’s way of slowing me down. I am not someone who lets physical ailments get in the way of what I have to do or I wouldn’t get anything done, especially since I have a couple of chronic
illnesses. But this spine problem slam-dunked me. I can’t ignore it, since
standing and sitting currently requires a second person to leverage me up. I
hate it when that happens, but I know the good Lord has it all in His hands.
One of the attributes an author, as well as all those who
work-at-home, is the ability to self-motivate. That book is not going to write
itself. My problem isn’t so much being able to push myself, but knowing when to
stop and smell the roses. Writing is kind of a twenty-four hour a day job. I am
always thinking about my novel and even dreaming about it.
But I don’t want to be that wife, mom or granny who can’t
set aside my laptop to love on my Boo and Busy Bee, or to share a recipe with
my three adult daughters, or to stop and listen to my dear hubby talk about his
day.
There are times, of course, that I have to put up the “Do Not Disturb” sign
and push through, tight deadlines that keep me up half the night and have my
family calling for pizza if they want to eat. Probably more often than it ought
to happen. Sometimes I’ve ignored what my body is telling me and I end up sick
for a long time—like that bronchitis I mentioned.
One way I’ve found to slow down is keeping the Sabbath. On
Sundays, I don’t have to worry about anything except worshipping God, spending
time with my family and getting some rest. It’s the only day I give myself
permission to relax. It is, after all, God’s idea. I also start and end every
day with prayer.
I would love to hear how you get away from the madness of ordinary
life. How do you relax and turn your mind back on the Lord?
The Cowboy's Twins is Deb's May release from Harlequin Love Inspired.
Posts
Oh, Deb. So sorry you're going through this. Hugs and prayers going out.
ReplyDeleteI found myself in a similar situation this past week and a half, laid up thanks to the stress and forced to reassess my priorities. I know God was at work through this. Praying for healing for you.
Keeping the Sabbath has been a big blessing in my life. No matter how close the deadline, the Sabbath is a day of rest and connection with the Lord.
Deb, praying for your healing as well. It's hard balancing deadlines and family. I think sometimes you just have to give yourself permission to not write. Thank goodness, God gave us a day of rest because he knew how hectic we make our lives sometimes. He always knows what's best for us.
ReplyDeleteNo fun, and judging by your Facebook posts, you give plenty of time to Boo and the Might Finn :)
ReplyDeleteI need to stop writing on Sundays, too. Arg, but when you work a day job five days a week, weekends are prime time writing.
Deb, I hope your back heals quickly!
ReplyDeleteI threw my back out when my kids were 15 and 11. My best friend came to the house and typed my manuscript into the computer. She awed my kids. When I did that I had back exercises I did every morning to make sure my back stayed loose. Also, there is a certain way to get out of bed and in and out of the car. I do those exercises today many years later and I always use the method I learned to get in and out of the car.
ReplyDeleteChristine, stress can really play havoc, can't it? Thanks for everyone's well-wishes. I would love to hear how you get in and out of the car, Leann, because that's absolutely excruciating right now.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear this, Deb. Having had two back surgeries, I feel your pain. Once you start to feel normal again, walking is the best thing you can do. I also discovered, after my first surgery, that getting out of bed as soon as possible helped speed the recovery. You might want to look into a stand up desk. Sitting is the worst for back issues. Take care of yourself. I'll keep you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if my method is the same as Leann's, but I was taught, rear end first, keep your knees together and bring both legs into the car at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI do it the same way, Jill. Makes life easier.
ReplyDeleteYes it does, Leann. :)
ReplyDeleteDeb, hope you are feeling better soon.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry you're hurting, Deb. I hope the bronchitis and the back pain will soon be pass.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to slow down and focus on what's most important, too. One way I'm doing that is by participating in an online uncluttering class. We have a FB group that is 7,100 members strong and growing. Spending some time with others who are as eager to embrace the belief that less stuff, less stress and less on our plates is conducive to a more peaceful life has been motivating.
Yes, Keli, decluttering is something I need to do, as well. Less stuff, less stress!
ReplyDelete