So – this week I was suddenly struck down with a vicious stomach bug – finding myself in that helpless position – where I couldn’t muster up any energy to fight it off – I simply had to allow – ‘the blows to fall’ – and for that first onslaught to abate – and simply admit – “I can’t.”

Everyone knew that the attack was severe – because usually I fight my way through such things – determined not to let anything stop me from – ‘carrying on as normal’.

However – now that the first onslaught is over – ‘enough is enough’ – I am ready to – ‘take up the fight’ – build up my strength again -and to get back on my feet – or to quote – “Just like when there is a time that a smart person knows – enough is enough – there’s a time when you know – that you’ve got to fight “

I realise that my ‘fight’ with this unexpected happening in my life – takes various forms – just as I have experienced at other times – when life has taken me by surprise.

There is the initial onslaught – that knocks me down – and all I can do is allow the – ‘blows to fall’ – being helpless to do anything else.

But – soon after – I need to get back on my feet – and that means that first – I need to take care of myself – rest – eat – stay strong – allowing me to put the fight behind me – and move on.

As so aptly put here – “Rest when you’re weary – refresh and renew yourself – your body – your mind – your spirit – then get back to work”

But – even as I do what I need to do – to win whatever – ‘fight’ – I am in – I recognise that it is not the same for everyone. Each of us has to tackle the knocks of life – in our own way – and I need to be sensitive to that too.

I love how this quote puts it – “We all have challenges – we have to face them – embrace them – defy them – and conquer them”

And so – as I have gone through the stages of – ‘fighting this bug’ – I also remind myself – that as further challenges come my way – whatever form they may take – I need to take my time – go through the processes necessary – and give thanks as I conquer each one.

Blessings – Lois