4 Lessons From A Bout of Food Poisoning
Photo by carf.
I had A LOT planned for Saturday. Instead I spent most of the day in bed with a bad fever after suffering from a bout of food poisoning. Now that I feel better, I would like to share a few lessons (or perhaps they are better described as “reminders”) from the experience.
1. The World Won’t End If You Don’t “Get Things Done”
As things turned out, there was a lot I didn’t get done on Saturday. But guess what? The Earth kept spinning on its axis all the same. I think sometimes we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to keep busy and complete tasks. I also think that we need to be gentle with ourselves and realize its not the end of the world if things don’t go according to plan.
2. Slow Down
I normally associate holidays with relaxation, but last week flew by at a hectic pace. By being forced to rest on Saturday (and even on Sunday when I only felt 70-80%), I was reminded that of the importance of slowing down every so often. Often it is only after we have slowed down that we realize we have been traveling too fast.
3. Read For Pleasure
I remember when I was at university I did so much reading that the last thing I wanted to do in my free time was to pick up a book. Since finishing university one of my simple pleasures has been to spend time reading whatever I want.
I sometimes find, however, as a by-product of running this blog that I end up reading too much self improvement material. Since I felt horrible on Saturday, the last thing I want to do was read anything remotely related to self improvement. So I buried myself in a work of fiction, and was reminded of the pleasure of reading not because I wanted to acquire knowledge, but simply because it is enjoyable.
4. Always Check The Expiry Date of Food You Eat
What’s the most important thing that I learned from my bout of food poisoning? Basically that I never want to get it again. While the dodgy supermarket down the road shouldn’t have had the food item on its shelves, I blame myself for not checking the expiry date. Like many things in life, this is such a quick and simple thing to do. Sometimes, though, we just have to be reminded of these things (and sometimes that reminder is painful). If you can, learn from others’ mistakes (ie mine!).
Learn how I found happiness and meaning and how you can too. Get your FREE copy of my e-book by signing up.
9 Comments
December 31st, 2007 at 2:48 pm
That sucks–I HATE food poisoning.
So…are you going to tell us what the culprit was?
[Reply]
December 31st, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Although I’m sorry to hear about your bout, I guess even food poisoning can offer us lessons.
[Reply]
December 31st, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Oh, Peter, there aren’t many things in life that are as horrible as food poisoning. I once had campylobacter, which I’m convinced came from a dodgy kebab, three weeks before my wedding. It looked for a while that the wedding was going to have to be cancelled, but fortunately, after 2 weeks, I was finally on the mend. At my wedding reception, as I danced with my new husband, the tears, the panic and the abject misery were all forgotten. Life went on and, like you say, the world didn’t end while I was laid low.
Glad you’re feeling well enough to see the bells in this evening! Wishing you and yours a wonderful 2008 in which you enjoy plenty of laughter, success and inspiration.
[Reply]
December 31st, 2007 at 6:25 pm
Hope you’re feeling better. Good advice overall - I always try to check the expiration date on anything I buy, and on a related note, on the things my housemates buy. We tend to share grocery responsibilities, so I’m always a bit wary when I’m not the one buying.
[Reply]
December 31st, 2007 at 10:09 pm
I am having illness issues going beyond food poisoning. I simply cannot do anything. If I walk a block I start getting so dizzy I can barely hold a conversation. This also applies to housework. Everything you list applies hundredfold.
However, it is wonderful for producing inner reflection and transformation. This is an amazing time in my life!
http://www.loving-awareness.org - A Journey to Wholeness
[Reply]
January 1st, 2008 at 11:24 am
I cannot agree with you more re your 4 points. As a nurse this time of the year is always very busy with patients coming in with food poisoning and if there is one thing that should be somehow publicised it is lessons on how to store foods..especially after BBQ’s and other out doorsy doos…. I am glad you are recovering, it sure does knock ya for a 6er hey?
[Reply]
January 7th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I’m glad to hear you have recovered! I recently discovered, in the worst possible way, that I’m lactose intolerant, so I can sympathize with your pain.
And, thank you for the tips. They are a nice reminder that always staying busy, busy, busy isn’t necessary. Life will not only go on without us, but if we take the time to slow down deliberately every once and awhile (without having to get sick), then we can use the time to recharge.
[Reply]
January 8th, 2008 at 3:34 am
Peter,
My one and only bout with food poisoning was one of the most miserable experiences of my life. My wife and I both got sick at the same time after a trip to our parents house over the weekend. My wife was 6 months pregnant at the time and we both made it through to Monday afternoon before it hit us. We exchanged places for the next 8 hours taking our turn in the bathroom.
I feel your pain and think it is amazing that you have even a positive look when it comes to food poisoning.
http://www.JuiceofChampions.com
[Reply]
Share your thoughts, leave a comment!