I'm currently day two of a killer flu.  Last night I found myself grappling with a fever than demanded more than just a brave face on video calls.  Despite my attempts to 'Push Through' he undeniable truth prevailed – I needed to embrace the healing power of rest.   About half way through my day, I finally tapped out, let my co-worker jump in and take the reigns for the next few meetings we had set with clients.  It was clear that my presence in these meetings was not necessary and probably inappropriate to be honest.  No one likes to be around someone who's clearly not feeling week, it leaves others feeling uncomfortable watching someone else suffer and not being able to help. 

After logging out, I decided to quarantine myself in our guest room and binge Netflix with the thermometer by my side.   101.3, 100.2 , 99.8 all mild fevers as I struggled to get comfortable.  Wanting so desperately to get a nap in before my 5yr old came home at 4pm.    Which I ended up passing out right around the time she got home with her father. By 4:30pm I was in a full blown 103 fever, incoherent and exhausted. 

As a parent with a little at home, I know how hard it can be to take care of ourselves and our child.  I'm fortunate to have a supporting partner that jumped in to do all of the things for my daughter last night, but many of us aren't so fortunate.  When I am home alone with her sick, I've been able to find creative ways to enlist her help involving her in care giving routines.  When she's sick, she knows the routine, I tuck her in bed with Netflix show, get her some water, crackers, thermometer, tissues and a puke bucket. 

Yesterday afternoon when she came home with daddy and found me in bed passed out, she took charge.  I was coherent enough to ask for some electrolytes and flu meds. I remember her brining these to me (with help from daddy), but I don't remember much more.  I woke up around 9pm after she had gone to bed, to a heartwarming surprise.  My 5yr old had moved the piano bench along side my bed and set up a full blown snack station in the guest room for me. She also had built me a special castle with her magnetic tiles (which I about killed myself on getting out of bed to pee at night) and an assortment of her favorite stuffed animals for me to cuddle.  Her enthusiasm and the joy she derived from contributing to my well-being became a testament to the powerful bonds of familial care and how much our littles pay attention to all that we do for them. 

After a harrowing night I woke up this morning without a fever... but still feeling awful.  My other half had checked in on me at 4am before he went to work to make sure I didn't need help taking our daughter to school at 8am.  I thought I was fine, but at 8am... I was clearly not.   I tried to talk my daughter into staying home with me, but she wasn't having it.  Regardless of my physical state, I 'pushed through' and got my little girl to school (a half hour late).   

When I arrived home after dropping her off, I realized I need to just stop and take care of myself.  So here I am,... cancelling and rescheduling all of my meetings for the entire week not just a day or two.   Ensuring I'm taking the time to heal my body and set a good example for my daughter.    I plan the next three days to catch up on Netflix, diligently sip on electrolytes, take gentle walks to get my lymphatic system moving. I'll also be spending sometime in my backyard with minimal clothing, for maximum skin exposure, allowing my body to soak up essential vitamin D.   If you haven't experienced sunning during a fever, it's glorious.   

While I'm far from recovered being only two days in battling the flu, I discovered that self-care is not just a solo endeavor; it's a collaborative effort with those closest to us. My experience serves as a reminder that, in times of vulnerability, allowing ourselves to be cared for by loved ones (including work colleagues) is a gesture of strength. So, the next time your body whispers the need for rest, listen closely – it may just be the key to a speedier recovery and a deeper appreciation for the resilience found within your own family circle.