It's been a while since I updated this little space, in no small part due to my recent illness. A while ago I somehow managed to contract a near-fatal dose of Bacterial Meningitis, apparently a particularly nasty strain. My mother always said that I never did do things by halves!
Well, counting my blessings here back at my office, I can honestly say that the whole experience was quite bizzare.
Memory loss is one of the common side effects of Meningitis, so I had a lot to learn when I came round from a coma. Rediscovering my life was quite exciting and humorous in part, but very scary in some other aspects. A bit like waking up the morning after a drunken night down at the pub, it's strange to hear about what I did and said while Meningitis was taking over my faculties.
So, a short piece this, but a personal point I'd like to make ...
That old phrase "... look on the bright side" always used to irritate me when people would say it. It was not so much that I didn't agree with this philosophy, or that I don't look on the bright side (clearly I do), but more that I would think it trite when I heard someone say it to me. Wondering if there was an original thought left in anyone, I would sometimes likely walk away scowling.
However, a near fatal illness kinda imposes a whole new perspective on ... well, everything really. While we mock with some unease at a hung parliament (or should that be 'an impotently well-hung parliament!'), we should remember that it is important to stop and take stock sometimes. In my case, I was forced to stop due to my recent illness, but I now choose to take stock.
Make some time over the next few days to take a walk in the country, or other similarly tranquil setting, while assessing where things are in your life and where you want them to be. If we assume that there are better times to come, then just plan for them and remind yourself about what you're going to be able to enjoy when they arrive.
What ever life throws at you, remember that it just makes you stronger!
While I have your attention, I would just like to say thankyou to all those who provided much needed support and company during my illness, visiting me in hospital and making me laugh. The balloons, chocolates, flowers and kind, encouraging words ... much appreciated.
Thank you for taking the time to listen to my thoughts. I hope you find them useful and interesting.
Best wishes,
Karl Littardi
Karl Littardi enjoys a freelance life of copywriting, iPhone App development and public speaking as a motivational coach, while also providing technical consultancy to those who need it.
