hey, cherry pit.

what’s your built-in body cue to slow down or do something different?

and more importantly… are you listening to it?

it’s been over 7 months since i suddenly developed bell’s palsy last december, and its visible effects have been more or less gone for idk, maybe 4 or 5 months now

(fun fact: my left eye has always been a little smaller than my right one + could appear a bit droopy in comparison BEFORE bells ever did it’s thing on me)

anyway, even after my face went back to looking whatever “normal” was, there continued to be irregular nerve sensations below the surface

little tingles along the side of my face, funny flutters at the base of my nostril + above my lip, twitches that brought my face into unintentional sneers + snarls

nothing you would notice. no more obvious indication to the outside world that i needed a little extra space + grace

but whenever i’d start to push my limits too much or go too hard, forgetting that although i looked fine, i was indeed still healing — the nerves would have something to say about it

my face + what kicks up beneath its surface has become my own personal caution light + alarm, a reminder to slow the eff down, stop tryna do too much, eat something nourishing, hydrate, and get some effing rest

and what a freaking blessing. because there’s always gonna be a big deadline or a pressing need that’s going to tell us to push past what keeps us well

there’s always gonna be the voice that says i can do anything for just a little more

AND YOU CAN. you are magic in motion my friend

of COURSE you can do it

but are you still willing to pay the cost with your physical + emotional wellbeing?

are you still hellbent on ignoring the very wisdom that no medical professional, business strategist or spiritual guide could possibly provide you, by the very fact that they are not the inimitable masterpiece of a being that is you?

isn’t it worth a try to find another way of getting by, making ends meet, bridging the gap, to thrive?

for me, the wisdom comes through nerve activity in my face

for you, maybe it’s the sciatica that comes + goes. the skin irritation flare ups. migraines. nausea. something else

these physical ailments that you’ve learned to live with + accepted the story about — that they’re just a part of life you must bear (especially as you grow older)

and maybe they are

or maybe they’ve got important wisdom + guidance for you, if only you’ll stop ignoring it

most likely they’re a tricky little combo of the two

so what recurring physical pain or irritation of yours might have something to tell you besides medicate me or push through this?

how can you let your sweet treat of a bod care for more of you than you’ve prolly ever let it before?

this is an important convo to start having if you haven’t already, and one to continue if you have

i’m always game to have it with you!

xxoo, cc

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