Mutual Care, Side Quests, and Doctor’s Orders

This weekend I mowed my neighbor’s lawn.

She’s someone who’s spent 30 years as a public school teacher, grew up on a farm, and doesn’t sit still when her garden looks anything less than perfect. She’s also someone who quietly shows up for others—whether they ask or not. The kind of person you know you can count on. My neighborhood kindred.

She recently had major spine surgery, and I knew the sight of overgrown grass would stress her out. I checked with her first, then pulled out the mower.

Somewhere in that process, I hurt my knee. A day and a half later, I ended up at the doctor, where I was told: leg elevated, ice 20 on/20 off, no exercising, rest for a week. Also: watch trash TV. (Actual medical advice.)

And I’m thinking, how do I sit still for that long?

I’m used to being in motion—mentally and physically. I’m a creature of habit and momentum. But this week, I’m going to try to treat myself the way I hoped my neighbor would: with compassion, rest, and trust that things can wait.

I’m making a list of "side quests"—little things that don’t require movement but might still help channel all that extra energy (Probably alot of training).

Sometimes care looks like mowing a lawn.

Sometimes it looks like letting others take care of you.

Sometimes it looks like doing absolutely nothing and letting that be enough.

Take care of the people around you. And let them take care of you, too.

#peace

#selfcare

#KindnessMatters