As a StoryAthlete, the 40% rule is simple. When my mind is telling me that I am “done,” that I am exhausted, that I cannot possibly go any further – I am only 40% done. The human mind is an amazing thing. It both propels me and holds me back. It is ALWAYS POSSIBLE for me to draw upon my 60% untapped reserves of energy, motivation, and drive. The Lesser Self quits at 40% depletion. That is when the pain kicks in. My Heroic Self learns to tap that remaining 60% that most never do…
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
“Mommy!” the wailing of a 6 year old in my ear began. “My ear hurts so bad!” Followed by sobbing and loud crying.
This began in the wee hours of the morning (about 2 a.m.) and continued off and on for the next 48 hours.
Strep throat, combined with an ear infection with a little conjunctivitis thrown in for good measure.
Just what every parent looks forward to. Not!
It’s been so long since I had a child come down with these symptoms that I needed to gather the correct medicinals.
Somehow we made it through the first night (oh, it was brutal!) Then, the next morning, I drove around town collecting my weapons for the battle I knew was going to happen again come nightfall.
Garlic with mullein oil for immediate relief of the earache – check!
Lemon – honey – cayenne water for almost immediate relief of the throat pain – check! (ok, I already had these on hand, but was too tired to make her drink it)
Raw cow’s milk for immediate relief of the discomfort, itching and burning of conjunctivitis – check!
Liquid ibuprofen for pain and fever reducer, if needed – check!
Herbal blends & essential oils for sinus congestion – check!
Like most childhood illnesses, the symptoms improved during the day, then worsened at night.
But this next night, I was prepared – as soon as the ear pain began, I administered the garlic/mullein oil – the pain ceased in less than a minute.
Then all she could feel was her throat. “Mommy, I can’t swallow. There’s a rock in my throat.” – I played the role of ‘very mean mom’ and forced my 6 year old to “voluntarily” drink very warm lemon honey water with cayenne powder. She cried, she screamed, she called me ‘such a mean mommy’. And then she noticed that her throat no longer hurt, and that she could swallow again. Then she told me I was the ‘best mommy ever’.
Next, a few drops of raw cow’s milk in each eye. By this time, I had full compliance, having successfully removed the ear & throat pain.
Immediately, the sensation of grit with the accompanying discomfort in her eyes was gone.
Mom, the miracle worker!!
I administered acupressure gently on her ears and face until she fell asleep.
By this time, it was after 8 p.m. So while I sat in bed next to my little feverish girl who was sleeping soundly, I did my daily writing, researched properties, watched some training videos and sent emails for an hour before turning in on time to meet my new bedtime goal of 9:30.
Because the work never stops.
And neither do I.