I am sick as I write this- literally physically ill, with a throat infection.

I often seem to fall sick more than the average person, and I get throat infections especially often. I think I fall sick more often in general because of bad sleeping habits, and I get throat infections most of the time possibly because I used to get them often as a kid and never finished my antibiotics- which is supposed to be a bad thing. I’m not entirely sure.

Anyway, I think this is the first time I’m properly sick in the past 8 weeks. The last time I was really “properly sick” was 21 weeks ago, which was my first week at my army camp. I had a fever that lasted nearly a week. I would define properly sick when it really rattles your experience- you feel queasy, you sneeze and cough uncontrollably. You taste that familiar, bitter taste at the back of your mouth. You’re sore to the muscles, to the bones. You’re giddy, and everything seems vaguely blur. You’re irritable, and perpetually tired. The air leaving your nostrils is hot, your skin feels attacked by the imagined cold, and the pressure in your cranium is definitely higher than usual.

It’s very easy to allow these moments to really overwhelm you with self-pity and misery. I’ve noticed, even before I started keeping track of my life, that periods of sickness for me would always mean a huge drop in productivity- even after I recover. I would eat less and lose lots of weight, and give up on my gym habits and fitness goals.

I am not going to allow this anymore, not this time, not ever again. Illness is opportunity. Illness is a difficult, trying period where everything is painted with pessimism and the simple things become difficult. Illness is a period of time for you to really test out all your newfound life tactics and strategies. I breathe deeply, sit up straight, and I overcome. I will not fight the sickness or pretend that it doesn’t exist- I will accept it, welcome it and learn to accommodate it.

I will smile through it, smile when it’s over, and get right back at working towards my goals with renewed strength and vigour.

Also, I’m going to make a serious, concerted effort into developing better sleeping habits- and I hope not to have to make another “I am ill” post for at least about 20 weeks.

Cheers!

TL;DR:

Illness and other difficult times are opportunities for you to put your money where your mouth is. She who remains stoic when all else is falling apart will be remembered, and for good reason.

PS: this post was once titled “Falling sick sucks, but here’s how you make it awesome”, lol