Week# 260/ I learned to listen to my body...

I have had several health challenges, quite difficult and for different reasons; but without a doubt, the one that has most marked my life was the one I suffered almost 13 years ago, which was an ischemic stroke, commonly known as an (ischemic stroke). At the time this happened to me, I was dealing with a lot of stress, as my mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer around that time, and I had about two and a half years of chemotherapy, surgery, and her recovery. With all that going on, those were very difficult days. On top of that, my younger children were still small, the youngest being 4 years old, so I had a very busy routine. Although I had the support of my husband and family, those were not easy days...

Then my mother recovered, thank God, and I fell ill. After conducting tests, the doctors concluded that this was an effect of the intense stress I was dealing with, as there were no other medical reasons, since my test results and other exams came back relatively well. It was just that I had suffered this event, as they say in their medical jargon. But with this forced pause in my life, I realized that I had to change many things that were not helping me physically or emotionally. The first thing I understood was that I had to slow down my life, take things calmly, and understand that if the things to be solved were in my hands, perfect, I would take care of them and that would be it, but if not, I had to learn to let go.

That I had to learn to listen to my body, that if it “tells” me to rest, I must rest, that the world is not going to fall apart or stop because I take a break. Previously, I was determined to solve everything as quickly as I could, even though I felt like I couldn't take it anymore... And that was a serious mistake, and with these medical circumstances, I understood this completely, because it's not the same to hear about it as it is to experience it firsthand. Suddenly finding yourself unable to perform the simplest tasks shows you how fragile you can be and brings you to an unusual level of humility, because you learn to be grateful for even getting up, breathing, being able to go to the bathroom without help, drinking your morning coffee, simply living and being there for your loved ones. That's when you become fully aware of the blessings you have and had.

All these circumstances gave me a different outlook on life. In an instant, I went from being one person to being a very different person, in many aspects of my life and even on an emotional level. I believe that all this helped me to be a better person, to be more grateful, to value the people who were by my side, and to know who I can count on. Physically, thank God I have no lasting effects, since fortunately it was not very serious, and the ones I did have, I overcame through occupational and physical therapy combined with my corresponding treatments. My body reacted favorably to everything, and here I am telling you the story.

It was a pleasure to share with you as always in Weekend-Engagement topics: WEEK 260. Best regards!