Work often defines us, and when we’re suddenly put in a position where we don’t have to get up and go to work every day it’s a little difficult to adjust to the new normal. Thankfully my work hiatus is temporary, at least this time around. I’m on sick leave and I’m learning new lessons daily.

The first lesson I learned was accepting the time off. When my boss offered me the time to prepare for my surgery, I wanted to argue. I felt guilty as if I was taking advantage of her or the policy. She had to convince me that I’d earned the time and deserved to take it. I never realized how difficult it would be to accept the time off, even knowing I’d worked for over twenty years for it.

During my first week of sick leave, I was exhausted. I could have slept 24/7. I felt so guilty for resting and not getting much done. It took me a while to realize that if I was sleeping and still exhausted, I probably needed the rest. I had to give myself permission to be okay with to not getting everything accomplished. To allow myself to rest and be lazy without guilt.

As I juggled doctors’ appointments and worked on getting my house ready for after my surgery the second week became a little easier. I learned to work a while and rest a while, to pay attention to my body and my mind. I spent time doing things I enjoy but I’ve not had time for like crafting and reading. It is important when going through physical challenges to do things to help your mental health as well. Phone calls, messages and cards from friends did a lot to lift my spirits. It’s one of the reasons I try to send cards when I know friends are feeling low. Having that connection, the voice of a friend on the other side is a boost to your mental health. I tell my mother all the time that her text messages and phone calls to her friends and family mean more than she realizes. We might not be able to visit like we want to due to work, our own health or lack of mobility, but we can still let people know we care.

Accept help when it is offered, even if you ask for a raincheck. Sometimes people who care about you want to help but don’t know what you need. Tell them, be honest. If all you need is a phone call or prayers, let them know. If you need a meal or someone to drive you to an appointment, ask. Not everyone is available for the same job, some can only pray or call, but others can rearrange their life to be there for you and they will, but they cannot help you if you don’t let them know you need it. That was one of the hardest things for me to accept, but when someone shows you love, don’t turn them away. Love and friendship are too precious, and some people are not so blessed.

I have no doubt that mental wellbeing is a big part of physical healing. If you have the right mindset, if you can laugh and rest you can go through whatever you have to with strength and courage. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in God, and while I don’t understand while some are healed while others are not, I know it is part of a bigger plan.

As a crafter I think of it as a tapestry, maybe one of those cross-stitch pictures with lots of colors and lots of threads. Each thread represents a life, some of colors are everywhere and fill the whole picture, but others are only there in smaller spots. The smaller spots are important, they give the picture clarity and beauty, but they are not the whole picture. Without that color, something would be lost, some part wouldn’t be as vibrant or as clear. They have an important role, but they are only a part of a larger picture, each of us are. And while I truly believe that I’ll come through this surgery with no problems, I also know that I’m but one thread in this tapestry and when my color is no longer needed, my purpose is done. Until then, I will laugh, I will sing, I will do my best to be the vibrant thread in the picture or perhaps I’ll be color filling the background, nah, we all know I’m too colorful for that. So, for however long my thread lasts, I hope I bring you cheer. Each of you who have reached out to me, you have made being on sick leave a little bit easier, but truthfully, I’m ready to get this over with and get back to normal. Whatever that might be.

What lessons have I learned? Take the time when it is offered. Do not feel guilty for resting. It is okay to look out for yourself. And no matter what you are going through, it is always better to have friends to help you through it.

I’m doing well. My surgery is scheduled for February 9^th. I would appreciate your prayers and good thoughts and thank you to all who have reached out to me and offered help. Your offer is a gift and I appreciate it greatly. Sending my love to you all.

Sherri