In Search for a “Me Time”

A serious health problem can disrupt all aspects of your life, whether it’s a chronic or life-threatening illness, such as cancer, or a major health event such as a stroke, heart attack, or debilitating injury.

Many serious health problems seem to develop unexpectedly, upsetting your life out of the blue. You may feel overwhelmed by waves of difficult emotions—from fear and worry to profound sadness, despair, and grief—or just numb, frozen by shock or the feeling that you’ll never be able to cope. The emotional upheaval can make it difficult to function or think straight, and even lead to mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

But whatever be the cause of your ailment, it’s important to know that you’re not powerless. One should learn to ease the stress and mental anguish that often accompany serious illness, and find a way to navigate this challenging new journey.

It was the unforgettable year of my life,2014 when I got a major shock regarding my ailment. Everything was going smoothly. I had a small family to take care of, I was managing all household tasks as well as my full-time office for I considered myself as a supermom who is a great multitasker. I hardly used to take care of my looks as my duties as my prime responsibility. Being punctilious and hardworking I would leave no job unfinished whether I have to stall awake all night and get up early in the morning. I was 24x7 working round the clock, not bothering if the sun is bright or it's going to be a rainy day tomorrow. My husband had no problems so far I was completing all my duties and contributing to family income.

The organization in which I was working, I had completed almost 5 years then. I suddenly thought of taking a break as I have reached the optimum point of job satisfaction. Might be it was some signal from THE GOD, that I need to take a break. Something was bothering me as I had lost interest in my work, I started reducing excess weight all in once and terrible coughing not seem to end at all. I never knew that this might be due to wrong eating hours, or neglected health problem. I had to take small leave from my company for a check-up, but I never knew that check-up report will shut the door of my office completely for months. I was diagnosed with open tuberculosis, a lung infection where a person need not be isolated from others. This what you call sudden fall of rock on your head. I could not accept the fact that I am sick now, I will lose my work, how will I take care of my family, who is going to cook for them? How will I support my family financially? All the chain of emotions were running in my blood flow. Did not know what to do? Who am I?

It was all for the good doctor who did my check-up and strictly instructed me to be bed ridden and take rest as I have neglected my heath to a great extent and now is the time to take self-care,- discover the new you’ I had to follow full 9 months course of heavy dose of medicines.

During this time, another bad news my landlord set a turmoil on us, we had to vacate the house immediately as they need an apartment for their son's marriage. It was just a week's time notice given to us. As I was ill, unable to hunt for a rented house, it was time when a person real value is tested, yeah, that is my husband who took full charge now. He not only looked for the house but also gave me short meals in between whatever he could manage. I had to shift in that condition only,I had almost become skeleton look like creature unable to face anyone and covered my face with a scarf. I was drastically shedding weight.

Finally, resetting our house, I was given a place to rest. This was the first time my husband has taken care of me. I realised so long years I considered him a selfish man who is only interested in fulfilling his own desires and be wealthy. But now, he was really tensed as he was missing from his work too and expenses were mounting.

It was the fourteenth year of my marriage, you will not believe that the first time my parents were called to take care of me in my house as it was difficult to travel to my in-law's house. I felt embarrassed that my parents have to see me like this in my difficult time when I supposed to give them happiness in their old age, they have to take care of me like and newborn baby. I am really grateful to them for their unconditional love and care and thanks to Almighty for making everything sorted out!

In their presence, I was eating my meals regularly,had a good share of laugh with them, living on those old memories, funny moments of our kith and kins made me so lively, I started recovering. Both the doctor and parents made me realise the Importance of taking care of your health. Having a nutritious and balanced diet is what keeps your life moving no matter how hard you work. Working extensively had exhausted my body so it was GOD wish to keep me home arrest and first build up your health. How that two months passed by, I could not imagine I really live that time which I had missed for so long. I sang and danced, I laughed, I had a sound sleep and finally I was shaping up back to life. I was a new person with new hope and a new vision.

One side of my brain was always telling me to get up and go to work and the other side was echoing words of wisdom, don’t move unless you are 100 percent fit and fine. As I was workaholic, I used to think what if I die? Am I going to become insane by staying all-time in the bed? When are things going to normal again?

I was completing my six month of the treatment when the doctor finally gave a nod that I can resume work while I continue taking medicines. But I should not be ignorant again like an illiterate to neglect my health again so strictly I have to be on a nutritious diet. I decided that its time for self-commitment and at all cost, I shall follow it.

I am also thankful to my organization who not only welcomed me with open arms but allowed me to work according to my suitability. Less exposure and more rest were recommended by everyone. I was feeling happy to meet all and once again be on leadership mode.

This way I continued my journey until I became fully fit and healthy. It's 2020 now, my habit of doing multitasking job is still the same but at the same time I am also taking care of my health, giving myself “ME TIME” which was lost for long. I also advise my friends and relatives that be kind to yourself, face your emotions, be patient, pursue activities that give you joy, be social, take out cosy time for yourself, don't be in a hurry, be smart on the intake of caffeine or alcohol, manage your stress, adopt a relaxation practice, always get sound sleep, etc. are the small little things we should not ignore but always practice in our lives and make it safer and happier for yourself. Live your life to the fullest!!