Self Time (Patreon)

Olivia was caught up at the clinic. It had been tough. A tough week. A tough month.

But things were turning around. Health For Humanity had sent in engineers to work with the village to set up access to safe drinking water. That, everyone knew, would make a huge change.

But the strain had been real, and Olivia was ready to have some time away. She told everyone she was going to take a long weekend and arranged to leave the village on a Friday morning, arriving finally in Seoul late that afternoon. 

First on her agenda was a hot soak in the tub. She was in no hurry.

She undressed partially, then sat down on the bed. She intentionally forced her body to relax. She drooped her shoulders and hung her head.

She could feel the tension all along her spin. It was in part physical, to be sure. But she knew a lot of it was just the stress of her work manifesting in her body.

She rose from the bed, finished undressing, then settled into the bath.

She had done better with regard to managing the conflict in her mind over feeling compelled to be the person who stepped up and did what had to be done verses the toil it took on her.

If I don't take care of myself I won't be much good at taking care of others.

Olivia knew that many who worked in helping professions—medicine, counseling, social work—were often over spent, taxed beyond their capacity.

I just need some balance…

She had urged Min and the others to do the same, to take some time away when they could. The whole team seemed to be embracing the idea. 

Olivia let the hot water of the bath permeate her body. And her soul, as she gave in to the moment, letting the stresses of out-of-control disease fall from her thoughts.

In time, she let her mind shift to the next few hours of respite she had allowed herself. She would eat. And, on a whim, she decided she would go to the exercise room, work out, then bake herself in the sauna.

Her plan formed, Olivia rose from the water and put on her exercise clothes. She enjoyed a light lunch making sure to take in more water than she wanted at the time; she knew she'd need it when she worked out. She was in no hurry. She savored the moment and enjoyed each bit.

When sh was done, she went to the hotel fitness center and used the weight machines, then she did some floor exercises and stretching.

The workout was satisfying.

As a doctor, Olivia knew that the mind and body were intricately connected. Exercise was good for both. She also knew that thoughts and ideas had an affect on the body. Harboring stress not only caused mental discomfort, but it could also actually cause physical problems, too.

From the gym, Olivia headed to the sauna.

She knew it would help her relax. She knew her muscles would enjoy the experience.

She just didn't know how long she could stand the heat!

She stuck it out for as long as she could, then headed for the showers. By the time she was dressed, the afternoon was being quickly replaced by evening.

Olivia wandered around the city near her hotel for a while, then found a nice place for a quiet dinner.

After dinner, she returned to her room and undressed.

It had been a great afternoon and evening.

Olivia sat down on the bed and reflected on her day. On her life, for that matter.

Balance.

Keeping balance in all things was the key, she decided, to being healthy. And happy.

She loved her work, but it was hard. If she was going to be the one who did what others couldn't she'd have to make time for herself.

She put on her nightgown, turned off the rest of the lights, and sat back down. The night lights of Seoul filtered through the window.

Olivia liked how it felt.

 Balance.

She would work hard when it was time to work. But she would rest when she could and get away when it was reasonable. Occasinal dips in the mountain stream seemed like a good idea, too.