I woke up and the room was spinning clockwise.
Am I wasted? No . . . I haven’t had a sip of alcohol in weeks. Is this some kind of immaculately conceived hangover?
After an hour of laying in bed hoping it would pass, I stood up and stumbled. Grabbed for a nearby wall to prop me up. I felt nauseous.
Do I have food poisoning? No . . . I haven’t eaten anything different this week, or any typical poisoning potential foods.
Maybe I just need something to eat . . . a bagel. That will soak up these symptoms.
It was hard to get dressed, I felt so nauseous, but I had no food in the house.
I walked down the street, into a local cafe. Every step was a challenge. If a cop pulled me over for walking under the influence, I would not have passed his straight line test.
I ordered my bagel. I don’t think I can even make it through this transaction . . . Before I could pay, I ran outside to throw up.
Thank goodness for New York City and its trash cans on every corner. I crouched nearby the trash can for a few more minutes just in case. Two very friendly delivery guys got out of their truck and brought me a cup of water.
Am I pregnant?! No, that would be actual immaculate conception.
What is wrong with me?!
***
This experience happened three weeks ago. For the next three days I was laid out horizontal, unable to sit up, much less work. Thankfully it cleared up that Thursday, Thanksgiving, and I have felt back at 100% since.
In today’s 20-minute podcast I share how I recovered, what my troubleshooting process was, why I’m grateful my body keeps me on a “short leash” and what I learned from this recent health scare.
I’d love to hear from you in the comments after you listen: any recent health blessings-in-disguise that taught you important lessons?
IN TODAY’S PODCAST, I SHARE:
Why I think this happened after letting many of my personal health practices slide . . . and how I recovered without medicine (knock on wood that it doesn’t return!)
How I have learned to partner with my body over the years to move beyond burnout
How our bodies will force us to rest before our mind might recognize we need to
How to get curious around symptoms *Disclaimer: I am not a health professional and nothing in this podcast should be taken as medical advice!! Consult your doctor (and your body) for solutions that are right for you.
My thyroid condition five years ago and how it relates to this experience
How health scares can inform business model choices
The role gratitude plays in seeing our bodies as intelligent machines that want equilibrium
PIVOT PODCAST EPISODE 14: VERTIGO
Press play on the embedded player below or listen on iTunes, SoundCloud, or Overcast:
Check out other episodes of the Pivot Podcast here. Be sure to subscribe wherever you listen, and if you enjoy the show I would be very grateful for a rating and/or review! Sign-up for my weekly(ish) #PivotList newsletter to receive curated round-ups of what I’m reading, watching, listening to, and new tools I’m geeking out on.