Day 51: Rest, Recovery, and Rediscovery

Day 51, and the flu has taken the reins. It’s a forced pause I didn’t plan for but probably needed more than I realized. I’ve been spending my time the only way one can when my energy level is hovering somewhere near zero—resting, sipping on endless cups of tea, and finally giving my overstuffed streaming queue some attention.

There’s something about being sick that strips everything down to the basics: rest, warmth, and patience. The flu doesn’t care about your to-do list or your perfectly planned schedule; it demands you stop and let yourself recover. And while I didn’t invite it, I’m doing my best to accept it.

In the quiet hours, between naps and episodes, I’ve been reflecting on this year—the gains I’ve made, the losses I’m still processing, and the strange, relentless march of change. It’s all part of the same cycle, isn’t it? We build, we lose, we recover, and we grow. The holidays have a way of making it all feel heavier and brighter at the same time—gratitude mixing with grief, hope sharing space with nostalgia.

For now, I’m letting the quiet be enough. I’m not rushing to “get back to normal” because sometimes rest is the work. My body is telling me to slow down, and I’m choosing to listen.

Wherever you are today—whether you’re on the move, wrapping up holiday plans, or fighting off a winter bug like me—I hope you’re giving yourself a little grace. This season can be so busy, so noisy, but even the quiet days matter. Maybe especially the quiet days.

Here’s to tea that stays hot, naps that actually feel restful, and the gentle reminder that it’s okay to take a breath. Recovery, reflection, and a little bit of rediscovery—that’s where I’m at today.