I am Glad I Developed Strep Throat

I am Glad I Developed Strep Throat

Yes, you read that title right!

My daughter had it first, and a week later I had the worst sore throat I can remember. It hurt just to swallow and talking/eating were out of the question. I was in bed for 3 days, followed by a couple of days of just feeling listless and tired.

How can this be a good thing you ask?

Yesterday was my first day “out” after feeling so rotten. I couldn’t wait to get going. I felt so good getting dressed up in my suit, and driving to my meeting, I was filled with excitement and enthusiasm for the day the lay ahead. More importantly, what I noticed was a profound sense of appreciation for feeling healthy again.

I appreciated the contrast!

Now, don’t get me wrong, while I was lying in bed I wasn’t appreciating anything, in fact I was feeling very sorry for myself, and worrying about all the tasks and duties which were not getting fulfilled. But yesterday, I really appreciated my health.

Contrast is an interesting word – you see contrast is anything that doesn’t feel good. As I eat something I don’t like the taste of, that’s contrast. As I smell something I don’t like the smell of, that’s contrast. When I have a really sore throat, that’s contrast.

But contrast is essential.

Contrast helps us to know what we want, what we prefer. Without contrast you would never have to make a decision, you would never have to decide anything, and you wouldn’t know what you prefer. The key to observing contrast is to observe it briefly, and to use it as a bouncing off point for the development of a clear understanding of what the improved situation you are yearning for is all about.

I must tell you that I did notice myself telling everyone that I met that I had Strep. Everyone! Remember, what you focus on expands. Next time, I am going to do a better job of talking with people less about what is bothering me, and more about what I am thankful for!

I got a little sick, and it felt bad. But I am glad I developed strep because I now have a profound sense of appreciation for my health, and that feels so good.

Marlene