I've been a bit more introverted lately, a bit less myself. In the spirit of being transparent and honest, I had to have a tooth pulled unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago. Long long story, but basically I had had a root canal that didn't work out, developed problems including an abscess, the root fractured and the tooth needed to be pulled - again, completely unexpectedly. So, sure enough I had a meltdown and could not believe that at my age and with my health that I needed a tooth pulled. And then of course, some complications ensued, so that just black-clouded my mood even more!
I'm still recovering, but thankfully it's definitely on the upswing. It's totally awkward and I feel self-conscious, but hey, it's just a tooth. I'll eventually get an implant which will probably be a year-long process; in the meantime, I'm learning patience. I'm having to eat slower, eat more consciously. Eating lunch at my desk every day has had to become a more mindful task versus trying to eat quickly and type notes... I'm also addressing my own vanity: luckily the tooth is in the back of my mouth, so it's slightly hidden, but still - if I open my mouth wide, which I often do when laughing, it's there - you can see it. But hey, whatever, I had a tooth pulled. I am still able to walk and exercise and talk and live my life normally. I'm alive, I'm breathing. My face is still my face!
I'm also learning to have more compassion for myself. I cannot keep going going going and pushing myself so much when it's not necessary (a cue I've learned from my aunt, who tries to take very good care of herself and her health!). And sometimes I will need to pause and reflect and reconnect with myself.
If you ever have something come up in your life that throws you off balance, show yourself some compassion. Don't be afraid to push pause and reset. Have patience with yourself and the process. Take the time you need, and put yourself and your needs first; it's not selfish to engage in self-care!
Anyway, I'll be back soon with more posts and hopefully beginning my On Drishti series soon! Thanks for checking in with me.
-S