What viral flu has to do with the motherhood? Do you remember the last time you were confined to bed?
Just a couple of weeks back I was. My daughters were under viral flu for a week and when we’re almost over with it, guess what; of course I was under. And this time this was really the worst flu I ever had.
We all have undergone at least one such terrible period at some time in our life. How do we feel and what do we want when our body is struggling to fight with those viruses or bacterias. What I felt at that time gave me some good insights.
# Deeper Empathy
I was sensitive, so dependent on others, being dizzy every time I got up. Body in discomfort n pain but the heart still longing for love, care, empathy, desire to be understood, to be accepted and not to be judged. And a burning desire to be set free; to be, to do whatever I want to.
And that’s exactly what our children desire too. So here was lesson 1.
Sometimes, falling sick can help us deepen our understanding. It was only when my eyes were moist because of the killing headache, I could truly feel why my daughter had been crying so badly under fever.
As the saying goes only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches. We might say that we do understand our children’s insecurities, their anxieties, their need for total acceptance, trust n love. But the question to ask ourselves is, do we really understand? Or may be what we do is just the tip of iceberg.
I sincerely hope we could dive in the sea, reflect on our childhood n remember the flashes of time when we longed for trust, felt unloved or hurt. And bring back the pearls of understanding which only are embodied in that experience; so when we say to our little ones, dear I understand what you feel, we actually do!
# Things might not be as urgent or important as they seem to be
There were so many urgent and important things I had to do in those 10 days I spent in bed; but no hell broke loose. Hence got lesson 2.
Everything could wait when there was no way I could do them. So there’s no point in rushing through life to accomplish everything and be a super momma. Smell the roses, enjoy your little ones twinkling smile and mischiefs before they grow up (which happens quicker than we think!). So be sure we know what really matters!
# Delegate, and pay attention to self-care
There were so many things from grocery , medicines to kids classes which my spouse could handle in those days. Even the little ones did their bit in not just taking care of themselves but me too. And they all did just fine. So here came third insight.
It’s not just good but important to learn to let go of perfection and delegate things to kids and daddy every now and then. They will have a good time with the dad and mum get to relax and rejuvenate:)
Now I am back in action; as hale and hearty mum as before, with some new lessons learnt (or may be old ones reinforced):)
Feel free to share your experience of viral flu or being ill and the lessons you drew out, I always love to hear!
Much Gratitude for the flu and my readers!