What I like about being sick

I am sick. Actually, I was sick. I think i'm mostly better now (or at least better enough that i don't need to say that i'm sick). It struck me last week, or rather creeped up on me last week. A scratchy throat at first, then a headache, and since i can't really afford to take off work and school I couldn't shake it. My illness has just held on for over a week now. I'm feeling much better than this time last week and I'm hoping that with five days off I can make a full recovery. Good thing too, because being sick really cramps my style. I hate being tired and unable to fully participate in all the fun stuff my friends and family are doing. And being a touchy kind of person, I hate that being sick requires me to keep my distance from others so as not to endanger their health. I need hugs and kisses and people don't usually like to hug and kiss germ-y rachel. Being sick is awful, so what could I possibly like about it? (note: I started with only three things, but I felt like it should be a list of at least five, so forgive me if 5 and 4 are sub-par).

5. It's a license to rest. Sometimes I don't voluntarily take time to rest. Occasionally I'll imagine that sickness is God's way of requiring me to do so. I, like so many others I know, feel that I have to be doing something all the time. Work, school, meetings, social events etc., sickness is a free pass to skip all of that stuff without feeling guilty.

4. It reminds me how much I am loved. My friends, family, and even co-workers have been checking on me a lot this week. Even my students at school have asked how I'm feeling. Its nice to know that so many people actually care about me.

3. It teaches me empathy. When i'm feeling awful and can't even get a safe hug and kiss for fear of spreading germs I really empathize with sick people. I ache for those in the hospital especially, lying in bed feeling icky and in need of human touch.

2. What doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Yep, if I don't die from this illness, I will be the proud owner of new immunity! Hooray!

1. The BEST thing about being sick, is those first few days that you don't feel sick. We often take for granted what it means to feel well, but everytime I recover from feeling icky I am sooo thankful for my health. No matter what the circumstances of the day, I am always so happy on the first days of feeling well. The crappiest day is still wonderful when you're not sick.

Oh, and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!