I’ve been suffering from influenza. Totally missed celebrating New Year’s Eve. I’m much better, but still not 100%.
On the second day of my infirmity, I found the following letter dated December 19, 2010.
Dear Sick Barbie,
Today, as I write this, I’m feeling well again after three weeks of illness. It strikes me today just how little compassion and patience I have for myself and others when I am sick. I hate being sick. I hate the slow pace. I hate the exhaustion. I hate the lack of creativity. I go into survival mode. Nothing is fun. Nothing is satisfying. Most of the time I’m grouchy, nitpicky, and angry. I feel overwhelmed, and I don’t ask for help.
Right now, I want you to realize that getting well is not something you do in your spare time. It’s the most important thing. Stop exercising! Use your energy carefully! Cancel all of your extracurricular activities. Right now! Just do it! Sleep late. Take naps. Lounge in the tub. Read a book. Television makes you restless. It’s so unsatisfying. Keep it to a minimum. Download some good books and just listen if you need to be entertained.
Most important is this: ASK FOR HELP! Ask first in prayer. Ask your guides and angels to support you in taking care of yourself. Look at all your tasks and delegate. Don’t just let everything pile up until you feel better. Every day ask for what you need.
I don’t think this horrible cough needed to last three weeks. Maybe it did. I don’t know for sure. What I do know is that when I woke up this morning, I KNEW, without a doubt, that I was better. You will KNOW. Until then, practice faith, patience, self-love, compassion, and kindness … to yourself and all those around you.
Sincerely, A part of you that cares deeply and wants you to heal quickly
Thanks to my two-year-younger self for that great advice. I did as she directed and canceled everything on my calendar and stayed in bed for four days. I am continuing to go to bed early and sleep late. I’m so glad I wrote that letter!
Coach Barbie Dallmann 
Wow! That was a great find. Sometimes I come across things I had written or said at an earlier time and I marvel at the insight I had (and forgotten!).
Today in yoga we talked about how important it is to do our work – in terms of personal growth – while we feel better. It’s harder to keep an enlightened mind when we feel bad, unless we’ve really been working on it already and made progress! I’m thankful that illness has been a reminder of how to care for myself better… all the time! Hope you’re feeling re-energised soon!!
Thanks for your post Barbie! Asking for help IS the hardest thing for me. When I was on the couch for nearly nine months of treatment induced SICK, the second hardest thing was accepting help and then not micromanaging how it was delivered. SO glad you’re better. I’ve missed you and our connection in cyber world!
Way to go, Barbie! Glad you are feeling better.
Oh Barbie, you are so great to do amazing things like this letter!!! Feel better, dearest!!!