Self-Care - UGH!!

As I wrote in some of the groups on the Ed Recovery Jax this morning, I headed to the 'self-care' group and my first response was 'UGH'.  Yup, even now, there's a part of me that hates to think about the importance of doing things just for me.  

This past week or so, I've been reminded of the importance of self-care.  There is a possibility my medical team are going to put me on bed rest and let's just say, I'm not too happy about it!!  However, as I realized that it was a true possibility, I decided this weekend I was going to do 'nothing' and give myself the gift of rest to see if it helped.

Well, let's just say I am not exactly the model patient!!  Laying still is not, and probably will never be my strength!!  In fact, when I told my friends at work, one of them simply burst out laughing and said 'now you on bed rest, that's something I have to see'!!!  

Yes, in theory, it sounds great being able to lay down and just watch tv, read a book, or do whatever I want so long as it doesn't involve getting off the sofa / bed.  But my brain didn't get the full message and so of course was thinking of all these other things I needed to be doing!!  In Ed days, the term he would have thrown around was that I was 'lazy'.  Well that's not the case, but interestingly it still felt like I was lazy as I watched those around me work and do everything.  The difference today is that I can recognize that I'm laying down because I'm supposed to and that it's helping my little one to continue growing healthily.

And so yes, self-care is kind of important.  Wherever you are in your life, be it pregnant like me, or working on your recovery, it is vital that you take care of you.  And the reality is that if I don't take care of myself, no-one else can do it for me!!

So here's to self-care and all that it may involve in the coming weeks.  I'm learning that acceptance is a lesson I apparently didn't 'get' and may have to take that class over as I come to accept what my medical team tell me!!!  But whatever their directions, I do know that I am willing to do whatever it takes and listen to them because I know I am not willing to even risk the alternative!