It takes courage to admit we can’t. It takes courage to do what we know we need to do to heal while the world around us tries to suck us back into the busyness.
Well, friends, last week I stepped on to a moving treadmill that I thought wasn’t moving. A flip, smack, and thud later, I landed. Hard.
Result? Concussion. Doctor said I need to rest. Not think. Not on the computer.
“Forced retreat” as one friend called it. I realize I’m addicted to my iPhone. Talk about withdrawal!
So here I am practicing “retreat” in my everyday life with two kiddos, mounds of laundry, clients to serve, birthday parties, and smelly bathrooms.
Resting. Receiving. Recognizing I can’t and shouldn’t do it. None of it. Friends and neighbors and family have stepped in. I literally sat the whole time at my son’s Harry Potter birthday party- our community of fam n friends did everything while Brian led 23 kiddos through Hogwarts and potion class and quidditch practice. Feeling totally raw and vulnerable, but surrendering to receiving.
That’s hard for a giver. Many of us spend our days in service mode, all about caring for others. But this is what I preach and this is what I’m getting a chance to practice: caring for self IS caring for others.
So this mama is offline for a few weeks. Receiving. Resting. Renewing.
Sweet love to all of you.
Love,
Lisa
Lisa A. McCrohan
Feb 02, 2013 @ 19:47:45
Get well soon!
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:51:21
Thank you, dear heart!
Feb 02, 2013 @ 21:07:00
Oh Lisa ~ I wrote you earlier on my blog about how I’d a long time ago, walked over a treadmill that I’d believed was still…but in essence, some lady at the gym left it running while she went to the restroom! This was in 1993. I will never forget it… I did not have head injury — took me by the legs! Is it a any wonder I developed hip/spine issues… I still remember the man that saved me and ran off whatever machine he was on to shut the thing off… His name was Walt. I am praying you recover quickly — you feel onto your head ~ so you were not caught on the moving treads? You poor thing.. yes – retreat time… rest — pamper yourself and breathe…You are in my heart. I know what you mean about the I phone… but you must be careful as you don’t realize how much anterior neck muscle you pull in when you use the phone… it is really subtle but there is strain to neck and skull muscles with overuse… learned the hard way too! xxooo Love your way ~ Robyn
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:52:30
Robyn, I’m just getting onto the computer now…really trying to limit my use while I heal. I’ll have to go back and read your post! So much love and healing to you. I can’t wait to hear about how this new adventure has been for you. Love, Lisa
Feb 02, 2013 @ 22:31:40
Oh dear Lisa – I am sending you much love and healing vibes. I know that you will come out of this stronger and more empathetic even than you were. And with renewed enthusiasm and insights. Much love to you dear heart ♥
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:53:38
Meg, you sooooooooo got it! Yes, even already I feel stronger and like this experience has really informed me. I can’t wait to share more with you. It’s been transformative. Oh how a a “fall” can wake us up. Love, Lisa
Feb 02, 2013 @ 22:44:31
You will be missed. Rest and take care! Hugs, Stanley
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:54:03
Stanley, thinking of you. You take care of yourself!
Feb 02, 2013 @ 23:27:00
Get well soon! Big hugs!!
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:54:23
Thank you, Jenn. I feel the hugs and love!
Feb 03, 2013 @ 06:58:43
Receive, rest, renew, and get well
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:55:06
You named it — receive, rest. It’s been an interesting experience. I can’t wait to share about it in the weeks to come. Many blessings to you, Lisa
Feb 03, 2013 @ 11:21:04
Feel better soon, Mama!
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:55:25
Thanks, girl! I know you got my back!
Feb 03, 2013 @ 13:09:11
I’m delighted you are listening to spirit and retreating. I think it may be harder for women to retreat because we are SO used to being the caretaker. Sometimes though, we just need to take a step back and be at rest. Thinking of you and sending hugs your way. Brenda
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:56:43
Brenda, what wise words. Yes, stepping back and retreating for a bit. Like Meg said (above)…already this experience is enabling me to come back stronger, with an even deeper sense of stillness and healing…voice and power. Looking forward to reconnecting soon, Brenda. Many blessings, Lisa
Feb 03, 2013 @ 21:02:53
I am a new follower Lisa and loved reading the few messages I received from you – they are truly inspirational. Thank you. You truly are a gem. I am so sorry to hear about your accident – but yes life has a way of showing us that we need to STOP. I hope this will give you an opportunity to discover a deeper dimension of life and grow even better and stronger. I firmly believe that our life goes in phases and we end each one stronger than the previous. Best wishes, Janet (I call myself a butterfly, BTW
. Perhaps you can easily guess why xx
Feb 06, 2013 @ 23:58:50
Janet! So glad you are here! I’m really delighted that you enjoy reading some of the posts…that something resonates with you. Yes, STOP is right. I had to stop almost EVERYthing. But you are right on…the experience is calling me to discover an even deeper dimension of life…of my own Self. Yes, our lives sure do go in phases. I call them “seasons!” And you never know how long a season is going to stick around. I’ll have to see why you call yourself butterfly!!! I’ll be swirling around with you soon! Many blessings, Lisa
Feb 12, 2013 @ 09:23:47
Get well soon, Lisa!
From your latest blog post and this one, I can see that you’re really focusing on the positive aspects of the consequences of your injury: practising receiver’s mode and appreciating the simple things. I think that’s a very good way to go about it, and certainly an example for others who also are physically hurt in some way and need to take it easy.
Many blessings and much love to you!
Feb 14, 2013 @ 09:28:49
Eline, thank you, dear heart. Yes, you certainly got it. Really, this is a gift. Though I am swirling and dizzy and resting…there is much that is already awakening me. Keep posting your beautiful pictures and words…your poetry and your incredible photos so bring me to a place of such sensual joy and love. Lisa