Stoicism during a week of ills: Part 1

Over what was supposed to be my holiday break and time I wanted to spend with my partner, I tested positive for COVID-19. Rewind that a day, I found I have mild scoliosis and an infection (will not name it 👀). The past week felt like a test for me on how I would manage my emotions.

Throughout the back-to-back doctor appointments right after Christmas and treating my back pain, infection, and COVID, I felt proud of myself for accepting what was, even though it was not ideal. Sure, this all was somewhat annoying to me and a bummer, but I did not force any change. How could I? As much as I wanted to be with my partner more than anything, I knew it was something out of my control.

What I did control was getting better and thinking about how I can turn things to my benefit while enduring my miserable symptoms. It was a matter of me not to be bothered by what had transpired. I rested, read my books, made myself nourishing meals, listened to podcasts and music, and did scoliosis-friendly exercises. What was most interesting was that the week “worked out” for both me and my boyfriend because a couple of circumstances came up on his end. If this was not a good example trusting the process, I’m not sure else what it could have been in the moment.

Overall, it’s not the fact that I have all these ailments (the objective reality) that harmed me. I was the one who decided how they all affected me (the subjective reality). I’m now COVID-free and will update on my scoliosis treatment.