After seeing so many other people sick across my social circles in the last week or so, I looked up the current news on this year's flu...
"We are into what would classically be described as a flu epidemic," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
I have to say, it's times like these that I am incredibly happy that I work from home and have such a flexible schedule. And particularly grateful for passive income, which means I can rest up and get well without any concern of financial fallout...
I've been making it a point to take it easy, which doesn't come easy for me -lol. I've probably watched more movies in the last two weeks while curled up on the couch... than I've watched in the entire last year!
The first week I powered through, but just took frequent breaks and rested more than usual. By the second week I was over it. I decided it was time to just embrace the fact that I had the flu and curl up with a fleece blanket like a normal person.
Honestly, I didn't expect it to last this long. And I'm STILL sick.
"The type of flu that is going around is called H3N2, which is often linked to more serious disease, compared with some other flu varieties.
People may get more complications from this particular strain of H3N2, "which may make them ill for a longer period of time," Dr. Michael Jhung, medical epidemiologist in the influenza division at the CDC.
Symptoms typically last up to seven days for a normal infection, he said.
On top of being miserable with the actual Flu symptoms, I've been taking over the counter medications pretty much around the clock for the last couple of weeks - which have their own side effects. (I'm avoiding the doctor's office unless it turns into something more serious, but so far it's just been all viral.)
Obviously being sick, feeling worn down, and being loopy on cold meds has not made for good "brainstorming" as the New Year got underway. I decided to put all that on hold until I can think straight. But I also discovered it's really challenging just to put together a simple blog post that actually makes sense. LOL.
No worries. The world won't come to an end if I unplug when I need to, and take the time to get back to my usual self. And thank goodness - because I've enjoyed quite a bit of "totally unplugged" time over the past couple of weeks!
Like I said before, I'm really glad I can do that without any stress. I can't imagine being unable to work a full day for two straight weeks and still having a "job" - not in the last real job that I had, anyway. Which was 1996 I believe. Wow - time flies.
Being sick is the reason I missed the BlogWorld / New Media Expo event last week. Fortunately, through their New Media Expo University (which is totally free to join), I was able to watch all of the Keynote sessions from home. That was nice!
My assistant Angie did attend, but sadly she came home with the flu and is now sick as well. I suppose that's to be expected at such a large gathering with the flu as rampant in the U.S. as it is right now. (Get Well Soon, Angie!!)
Angie helps me with a number of things, including managing my email. We're both on limited hours right now so replies may be a bit slower than usual. If you're waiting to hear back on something, just know we'll get to each message as we can.
I'm feeling a bit better today, but I'm still taking it easy. I plan to take another unplugged weekend with lots of rest, and get on the other side of this nasty virus.
Meanwhile, I've been jotting down ideas in Evernote as they come to me - to be brainstormed or implemented later when I'm feeling up to it. And when I do feel up to working a bit, I find micro-tasking and focusing only on highest priority tasks has kept things at least moving forward.
It's time like these I find I really can manage my business in very few hours per week when I need to! Which is really nice...
Starting my online business and consistently growing it to what it is today is the best investment I've ever made in myself. If you haven't quite reached your idea of success, or your ideal lifestyle yet... keep working at it every single day. It's SO worth it.
Best,
p.s. Right before I realized I was going to be taken down by this crazy flu, I extended a special offer for Hands-On Help With Your Online Business. It was only meant to be available for a week, but I didn't get around to setting up the follow-up and cut-off date... so it's still open. I'll deal with that next week when (hopefully) my head is clear again. But in the meantime, it's still open for you if you'd like to join us and make this the year you finally achieve your business & lifestyle goals!
source for quotes: US Flu Season, CNN
