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PLearning to laze is an art. At times a necessity. Learning to live the slow life doesn’t come to us as naturally as you think it would.

Because of Covid earlier, I remain tired through the day. Because of the shingles that followed, I live with a persistent residual pain in the affected areas.

That’s the nature of these ailments I am told and time is a healer. And rest. I have no reason to doubt the medical advice I have received.

Unlike many other things which justified sick leaves when we were in school, or even work, these are not ailments that we knew of till recently.

Rest, say my friends, those who have gone through it, my doctors. 

‘I am not restless about resting,’ I reply, with a smile.

It’s not that easy though. At times you ask yourself whether you have signed yourself a French leave. Whether you are taking it easy because you are well looked after and in a position to do so.

Thankfully through various conversations in recent years, especially with a counsellor in recent months, I’ve learnt to prioritise and put myself first. Something we grew up learning was not a good thing!

But sometimes you need to fix the battered ramparts before you can be there for everyone.

I remember quipping in high school or college, while reading the latest Erich Segal book, ‘they don’t have friends in America so they go to shrinks to talk.’

A grown up me stands chastened. Counselling is a skill and is acquired through learning and hard work. And can add great perspective and help you sort out things. 

Anyway, today is about #lyadh as we Bengalis put it.

Enjoy your weekend.




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