Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Permission to pause...


It's been a tough couple of weeks inside my head.

The tropical wet season pattern of heavy cloud, high humidity, rain showers, sun, heavy cloud, high humidity, rain showers, sun etc. which hasn't altered in a while plays havoc with my migraines.
About 80% of my migraines are triggered by barometric pressure and there's simply no pill or treatment available to stem that tide.

Today I was going to push myself to get today's book study post up but quite frankly I'm not thinking clearly and don't feel like reading. I'd rather curl up on our bed with the air conditioner running, a comforting audio book playing in the background while the painkillers take hold, and my life holding no distractions or expectations until things inside my head settle.

So I'm postponing this week's book study till next week.

And I'm also going to offer some encouragement to those of you who feel hurried, overwhelmed with expectations, in pain or quite simply frazzled by any number of things life has brought across your path. I read this quote recently and it's pretty much what has become my time-out pass today, but I think there's a wealth of wisdom in the advice offered for you too.

So sweet one, give yourself a rest - whether of mind or body - and allow God's peaceful spirit to calm you, His grace to cover you, His generosity to supply your needs, and His guidance to lead you into tomorrow.

“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.” -- St. Francis de Sales

Sending you the biggest hugs,


30 comments:

Nanna Chel said...

It is a good idea to rest up, Jenny. The humidity where you live is very draining. I hope you feel a tad better tomorrow. Winter is on its way...I hope :-)

Shortbread and Ginger said...

What a great quote. Look after yourself and hopefully you will feel better soon.

Joanne said...

Hi Jenny,
I should have read this before attempting to print something! :)
A great quote!
Take care,
hugs
Joanne

Jacqueline said...

Best wishes for more healthful days ahead.

Kay said...

Oh so true! I love this quotation, even if it is the opposite of how I have always lived. Enjoy a restful day. x

Nancy J said...

When I had migraines, and they were very frequent, I had 2 buckets by the bed. One for the nausea, the other with cold water and filled up with ice blocks. A cold flannel dipped in often, and a towel under my head, that did help a bit. But a change in air pressure is a huge trigger. Hope they ease off, rest up meantime.XXX

Winifred said...

Enjoy your rest Jenny, it's well deserved. It isn't an easy climate, I remember it well when we visited Darwin a couple of years ago after leaving wintry weather in England. It was exhausting that heat & humidity. As we were about to walk back to the ship the heavens opened and that rain as it soaked us to the skin felt marvellous as it did cool us, a little. I think the locals thought we were loonies as we continued to walk back to the ship dripping wet.

Suzan said...

I am so glad you are listening to your body and resting. The last months have been beyond difficult. Take the time to heal and recover.

Beth said...

Well done, Jenny. So many people think rest is a bad thing and something to be avoided; that you just have to push on and keep going. I read a book called Finding Spiritual Whitespace by Bonnie Gray. In it, she defines rest as "space to breathe; space for Jesus to write his story in my life; silence for God to speak. Rest is not something we engineer - it's something we invite. Awakening our heart to fully receive all that God has for us." Charles Surgeon wrote that rest is a gift. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." When you stop to think about it, Adam and Eve's first day after they were created was a day of rest.
Enjoy this gift this week. Blessings!

Allie said...

Holding you close in prayer, sweetheart...

knitster said...

We all understand when you need to take some time you need to listen to your body. Have you tried essential oils. My niece takes a Mgraine blend and it is the only thing that makes hers bearable so she can function. I am a week behind so I can catch up now. Saying some prayers that you feel better soon.

Debby in Kansas said...

Of course! I hope your feel better.

Barbara-Kay said...

Your words bring vividly to mind the weather in our Louisiana summers, especially after a hurricane strikes. I am so glad you have the air-conditioning to retreat to. We'll be here when you are ready for company.

MissPat said...

I've managed to get a copy of Jane Brocket's book from the library system,so I'mm reading as much of it as I can, not necessarily keeping up with your book study. Take the time to listen to your body. Your fans will wait here for you.
Pat

Dee said...

Jenny, just get better and take care of yourself.

Robin in New Jersey said...

Take as much time as you need to take good care of yourself. I'll still be here when you return. You are loved. 😘 Keep the faith.

africanaussie said...

Oh Jenny, you are the one that needs the biggest hugs. All last week you were taking care of your family. Please take the time now to nourish yourself and rest.

Deborah said...

Wow. What an awesome quote. I hope your migraine settles soon

Brenda said...

Rest your sweet soul dear sister. You go and go like a spun tight tornado, it's time you unwind and be still! You will be pleasantly surprised to find the earth will still be be rotating, the sun still rises and sets and everything that needs to be done will still be waiting for you! It's okay! I pray your headaches go away soon and when they do, I hope you will still take a day or two to take it easy. You've been through so much physically and emotionally these past few months. Sending lots of prayers, hugs and love your way.

gracie said...

I am not having the best of days ad this quote was calming for me. Thank you.

Farm Quilter said...

This past year has been a maelstrom for you and I don't know how you have accomplished so much. New grandbabies, finding your forever home, flooding, creating and sewing, as well as the book study. Rest in the arms of your Beloved and know that those who love you all around the world are lifting you up in prayer.

Angie in SoCal said...

I was wondering if those two cyclones were bringing more rain your way - well at least Trevor. Blessings, and feel better soon.

Carrie Ando said...

You are precious. Thank you for looking after you.

Angie in SoCal said...

This was mostly what my silent retreat was about. Three days of listening not doing.

Helen L said...

Jenny, my sister told me of her mother-in-law who missed many family events because of frequent migraines. My sister got her the herb, Feverfew in capsules and asked her MIL to take one every day, and she said it really helped her to now have any more migraines (until her bottle ran out and she didn't bother refilling it.) She said it doesn't work fast, but to keep taking it and within a month or so it will kick in. I can't say that I know it works because I don't suffer from them, but it is something you could think about doing if you wish. Good luck, I hope you feel better soon. Hugs, H

Su said...

A fellow migraine sufferer here ans honestly, I'm amazed that you can write a blog post, I couldn't. Take care and allow your body ti tell yoy what it needs.

Su said...

...and apologies for the awful typos!

Linda in Calif. said...

Such a beautiful blog post. I'm happy to receive these words on being quiet & calm. I do hope you relax and enjoy your rest and feel much better soon.

Sherry said...

Thank you Sweet Jenny. Please do feel better. I am so glad you are honoring your feelings and taking care of your health. This quote is perfect.

Tammy said...

Rest Sweet Jenny you need it. hopefully those migraines will continue t ease off and disappear . I had to take yesterday as a rest day and spent the majority of it abed. WHich I hardly ever do. But I am worn down. I have been trying to clean up and out, and helping mother clean up & move out of her shop as she is finally retiring. I have over done it; so now I will be needing a little down time as well. Hugs and Love heading your way Dear friend and they are bringing prayers as well.