[2020-09-25] The nap won

Today began slowly. I didn't sleep well last night and still have small aches to deal with as I continue to heal and to wean myself off Advil.

Just before lunch, I chatted with a friend and decided to resume one of my old habitswalking while talking on the phone, a practice I highly recommend. A second friend called, so I kept walking. It's amazing how easy it is to ignore little pains when distracted by something else.

By the time both conversations were over, I had reached 5,000 steps—a level I haven't seen in more than a month. Before today, passing 3,000 steps in a day was an achievement.

But after lunch, I was feeling pretty tired. I was torn between spending the afternoon on my deck "being productive" or taking a nap. The nap won. I got two glorious hours of sleep, and I feel re-energized—mentally and physically.

In the past month, I've learned to listen to my mind and body and simply do what I can—not more, not less. My loving husband never questions my activities. He shops and cooks and cleans while I read or write or do puzzles. And my children don't pressure me to get better faster. I'm blessed.

In my life, I've tended to push myself to keep going even when tired. Today's lesson is that resting can make me more productive. Had I not napped today, I would likely have remained with low energy through the rest of the afternoon and evening. Instead, I had the energy to write today's post and will spend the evening doing something enjoyable, such as reading.

I wish you all a wonderful weekend, doing what you love with the ones you love as much as possible.