In hospital last year, gallbladder being removed, there were two old ladies in the beds opposite. One was 76. She had convinced herself she was dying and her outlook on life was grim. Her recovery was slow and the other old lady (75) in the bed beside her rolled her eyes a lot about this. Old lady no 2 was always up early. She was well dressed and articulate and disappeared three times a day. I thought she was nipping out for a fly cigarette but, oh no, 'twas not the case.
In conversation with the old lady, I had a bit of an epiphany. Said old lady was going out for an hour's walk each time she disappeared. She walked, rain, sun or shine for three hours a day, even when in hospital. Said old lady went on holiday with 'the girls' four times a year. They jumped on a bus, train or plane and headed off somewhere - anywhere - they could. They stayed in hostels, B&Bs - wherever they could. They left husbands, kids and grandkids behind and took the time regularly themselves. She got her nails done, her hair done and bought shoes not just because she needed them but because she wanted them... and not from supermarkets either.
Her philosophy:
"Heaven help the mother that doesn't look after herself - because there's no bugger else will do it for them".
And it's true. We spend our days looking after our kids, our husbands, our parents and our careers but how many of us forget ourselves. I certainly had done. I refused to accept I was ill and got worse. I didn't bother about how I looked so looked dull, felt dull.
Much like 'charity begins at home', taking care has to include ourselves.
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