A Wake Up Call

A Wake Up Call
Helaine Iris
© 2004

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?” Mary Oliver

Last week was one heck of a week! It all started with what I thought was a toothache. After a few days of building pain, I reluctantly went to my dentist to see what was the problem. I was hesitant because I was convinced the outcome was sure to be expensive. I Probably needed a crown or, gasp - a root canal.

My dentist told me there was clearly no problem with my tooth. I was relieved and confused. What was causing the extreme pain I was in? We kicked around possible ideas and I went home to wait and see what would develop.

Within twenty-four hours what developed was a fever and the pain had escalated. This time I went to my doctor and he diagnosed me with an acute sinus infection. It felt great to have an answer and some antibiotics. I went home to bed and collapsed.

Days later I still felt lousy. I was still in pain, unable to eat solid food and, more challengingly, I was getting very frustrated and impatient with how long it was taking to recover. I have a life to live, clients to tend to and a business to run!

My mind was starting to visit places like - what if there’s REALLY something wrong with me? What if this becomes a chronic condition that I have to live with forever? These were undoubtedly not thoughts that encourage rest and healing and I certainly knew better than to let myself go down that slippery slope. But down I went.

As I did my best to negotiate between my fear and my wisdom I became acutely aware of how I take my health for granted. Sure, it sounds cliché – “don’t take your health for granted” but I do.

Wow. Unexpectedly I was suddenly thinking about my predicament very differently. It was like a wake up call. What I know about wake up calls (mostly they’re not pleasant) is they alert us to something out of balance in our life and inspire us into action.

What gentle nudges are you ignoring in your life that might end up in an unpleasant wake up call?

What I’ve learned is, you can either wait for upheaval to force you into action or listen to the gentle wake up calls that show up along the way and encourage you to start the ball rolling. You have a choice.

I listened. I slowed down and renewed my commitment to take very good care of myself. I sat in the sunshine by a beautiful clear lake, counted my blessings and then went on with my wonderful life.

It’s YOUR life…imagine the possibilities!