I had my wisdom teeth pulled last week. I know, wonderful time of the year to be having minor surgery. The surgery itself wasn't too brutal and I was awake for it, my mouth was numb and I was heavily under the influence of laughing gas, but I was conscious. It was some intense pressure, but the whole thing was over in maybe 5 minutes.
The thing is though it's still intense to your body. It's trauma and you have to heal from that surgery as small and quick as it is. I was quickly reminded that it's important to let others care for you and also care for yourself.
In general I have a hard time with being sick. I just don't get sick like, ever. I have a strong immune system and I have moderately healthy habits so it happens rarely and when it does happen I hate it. I feel so pathetic, so vulnerable. And I feel like because I'm strong and capable most of the time (or at least that's how I like to view myself), I must always be that way and I don't deserve to let things slide (I know, I know).
When my body let me know right after the surgery it was exhausted, I didn't feel okay with that. Sure I had surgery, but it wasn't like heart surgery or anything, I should just bounce back and be okay (also disregard that I was only eating liquids and soft solids for 24 hours).
My body wasn't having it, the first 3 days I feel asleep by 7 PM totally exhausted, sleeping for over 10 hours (slightly broken up, but still). I was in mild pain and exhaustion for 3 days and had a pre-planned day off on Monday as well because my boss insisted I not jump right into the next school week even though I had had the surgery on Friday.
And because I was so wiped those first few days I had to let other people pick up things, like my chores, making dinner, and carrying things. I didn't like it, but I'm also realizing that people like caring for you, at least when they love you. It's special to care for someone who's always caring for you.
I know it because I do the same for others, I love when my friends are happy, good, and healthy. But I'm honored when I have the chance to care for a friend in need. Especially when this is a person who doesn't always let me care for them or see them in a vulnerable state. Plus when I can do something for someone it makes me feel useful, I love to listen to my friends, but I'm grateful if there is something tangible I can do for them even if it's just buying them a drink when they're having a rough day.
I had a simple reminder to care for myself and let others care for me. It's okay not to be at your best for any reason. You might not have just had your teeth pulled, but that doesn't mean you might not be overwhelmed and exhausted--especially this time of the year. Take care of yourself. Let others care for you. Go to sleep when your body is crying out, I'm tired. Rest. Relax. Rejuvenate. You won't always be in this place, but while you are, take care.
