Sickness as an opportunity for change

All of us get sick from time to time, some of us suffer from illness for a long time, and others know only short-term deterioration of their health. Most people would probably agree that they don't like being sick. Yet illness can be a reason to stop, and reflect and can lead to change.

There have been a few such "stops" in my life. Although nothing really serious has happened to me, I have had the opportunity to realize from my situation what people with more serious problems experience on a daily basis. These were, for example, problems with public transport, where the lift was not running at the time.

When you don't feel well mentally, you may perceive that other people don't fully understand or know what's going on with you. This is quite natural, although often upsetting. However, my loved ones have stood by me in difficult situations, and I am grateful to them.

I'll share what I realized when I was sick:

1.Regret doesn't completely help as much as participation.
 Since we are not indifferent to the other, we feel them and are there for them.

2. If we want to help, we should first determine whether and to what extent the person needs help.
For example, if we see a blind person waiting at a traffic light, we do not immediately rush to guide him or her through the crosswalk. But we will approach him with an offer of our help. It is up to him whether he accepts our help or replies that he can do it independently.

3. I am learning to feel my body and mind before tension, whether physical or mental, builds up.
It is good to be able to tune in to ourselves. This will help us prevent illness and stress and tune in to our surroundings.

4. Preventing illness also involves keeping fit.
We can include regular exercise, walking at a faster pace, running, cycling, swimming, etc.

5. Illness often forces us to slow down and reassess our priorities...
Sometimes we have too many demands and expectations on ourselves, if we learn to pick and choose a little among them, it can relieve us from unnecessary worries and stress.

During my "stops" I found what is important to me personally, what fulfills me and helps me.
At the same time, I appreciated the support of my loved ones and discovered where and with whom I am really comfortable 😊.

Have you experienced an illness that made you "stop"? What did you realize while doing so? Did it help you to make a life change?