Dooley Noted: 5/2/2014
For the last two days, I was ill.
It’s a state no one desires. But, one can learn much from it.
Knowing the heated, sun-soaking hour walk to campus was not smart, I sulked as I sat on a bus.
I love that walk. I miss that walk.
I let my mind travel to Sickland. I asked myself, “How will you get through four hours of lab, feeling ill?”
How could I focus?
Will the students or faculty be able to tell?
In the first five minutes of lab, I felt my heaviness fade. I made myself talk and move more slowly. I breathed more.
My body was still sick. But I perceived it less. Since perception is reality, I didn’t “feel” sick.
Although I took care of myself as I was ill, I knew I didn’t have to feel that way.
Complaining is not well-received by others. No one desires to hear you gripe.
Acknowledge what is, but find what good can come from it.
I felt amazing this morning, fully appreciating kettlebells on a beach and the long, beautiful walk to the lab.
I felt a whole new appreciation for health and the importance of not focusing on “feeling” ill.
I came today back better than before. My teaching was better. My attitude was renewed.
The mindset means more than I realized.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley