Khaya Ronkainen

Your body is your best guide. It constantly tells you, in the form of pain or sensations, what’s working for you and what’s not.” — Hina Hashmi

The world will never stop spinning, and so is the rat race that is our modern life. Because the cheese keeps moving. Just to be clear, there’s nothing wrong with constant learning, adapting, or having the latest shiny thing. But it’s the emphasis on must have or should do in order to be always ahead of the game that is problematic. Whose game is it, anyway?

Hence, it’s up to us to say that’s it for the day. I’m taking a break, I’ll continue tomorrow. Easier said than done, I know. Rewards from our hard work are sweeter than honey. But there’s a price for everything, especially for chasing the rainbow. And rest becomes a requirement not a reward.

On illness

Illness is not a favourite topic. Some don’t want to talk about it. Others don’t want to hear about it. We tend to lean more towards cheerful stories; we want to be entertained. Because hey, life is hard for everyone!

But to be ill is human. So, I’ll go ahead and talk about my illness, for the benefit of anyone in a similar situation. To say you are not alone. Also, I hope to reduce the stigma (fatphobia) surroundings gallstones and self-judgement about things I could have done better to avoid losing my gallbladder.

For me, ill health became the price of chasing the rainbow. My body has been signalling a problem for a while. But I ignored the whispers. Then it took to shouting. And I said, “Wait a bit, let me just finish this project.” By the time I was ready to listen, it had completely shut down.

I’m now a member of the “gallbladder-less club.” But I can’t even begin to tell you how relieved I am the ordeal with gallstones is over. Though death from gallstones is said to be uncommon, each gallbladder attack felt like my exit, this past spring. Because I’ve never experienced such severe pain before. It literally took my breath away, at times.

It turns out I’m not dying just yet. It’s been a week now since surgery. I’m feeling much better; the body is healing well. But the mind still plays tricks; I’m still afraid of food, as if it’s going to bite me back. I guess, achieving freedom from micromanaging my diet will take longer than the fading of physical scars.

Thanks to all who provided comfort, cat videos (despite the physio’s warning that laughing will hurt for a while) and holding my hand throughout. 🙂

On the allure of reading as a form of rest

Any avid reader will agree that reading as a form of rest and relaxation is a timeless sentiment. No matter how much information we consume online, we always return to a good book. Immersing oneself in a good book offers a vital reprieve for our attention.

I can’t do any physical or strenuous activities, at the moment. My body has forced me to make reading a regular part of my relaxation ritual, again. I’m glad of it. The tranquil nature of reading and the sense of calm are happiness, right now! Anyway, I share some of my reads on beauty, in the upcoming newsletter.

On other news and book releases I’m excited about

1) In Search of Salve: Memoir of a Sex Addict by K.E. Garland

As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, Kathy writes with such unflinching honesty and on delicate subjects. But she won’t leave you raw and bleeding, rather with an important to learn. She is truly inspirational.

I feel privileged and honoured to have received an advance copy. And I’m saying it again, this is a book you want as one of your autumn reads. The release is in September. But you can pre-order your copy now from Amazon, Barnes & Noble or Bookshop.org.

*Book cover image courtesy of the author

2) The Horror Collection: Monster Edition by KJK Publishing

If you’re not familiar with alopecia, learn a bit about it from Christina’s experience, My Alopecia Blog.

OK, that’s a lot to digest. But I’ll leave you with this question. If you were paid to rest, how much would you charge?

Take a break and savor the season you’re in!