Home! It’s always good to be home. And now to heed the advice I’m getting from all sides. “Take things slowly. Be patient. Be kind to yourself.” 

Now, I must admit this self-care trifecta is always a work in progress for me. May be these three things come easily for you. They don’t for me. But I know I need to workshop all of them in the coming weeks as I recover from surgery, and wait to see if there are long-term pain reduction effects.

I started to write this post over a coffee at my local pool and gym. All I’m allowed to do for now at the gym is walk in the hydrotherapy pool. But that felt so good today for the mind and body. A small step in the recovery journey. In fact, at one point today I leant my head on the side of the pool deck and began to fall asleep. That may be taking things just a bit too slowly!

I’m fortunate I’ve come home to a caring family, watching my every move so I don’t break the rules and pick something up or move too fast. Undoubtedly, I will bend the rules at some point, but presence is such a beautiful thing.

I’m mindful today of some friends who live alone and face big health challenges. We need to keep reminding these friends and neighbours – through our practical actions – that they are not alone. It’s an important reminder of the power of community and hospitality at a time of growing isolation and loneliness. 

I’m fortunate to have come home knowing the team I serve alongside at Baptist Mission Australia will go out of their way in the weeks ahead to keep work away from me. I know I will break the rules a tad – but it’s great to feel in no hurry to rush to my inbox. It’s good to know you work with people who genuinely care – as seen in the delivery of hand-made cards from colleagues this afternoon. And it’s good to know that your team will do fine without you on deck. I am reminded of that chuffed feeling, knowing that my investment in others pays dividends. And the flip side, the important reminder all leaders need from time to time. None of us are indispensable. 

I’m fortunate to have come home after receiving great care at Epworth Private Richmond. I’ve just received the hospital’s post-admission patient survey and there was nothing for me to complain about. Well, maybe the beds, but I don’t think I have ever found someone giving a hospital bed five stars for comfort! As someone who travels on a regular basis, there is something so beautifully therapeutic and life-giving when you lay down on your own pillow in your own bed! 

Arli told me today he’s very glad I’m home – but with a smile on his face – that he was enjoying the side order of fresh lamingtons and muffins I could make for the kids from the hospital menu. The catering team at the Epworth certainly deliver to order. In my tiredness I succeeded to tick Nutella on one order rather than Nuttelex. That tick error certainly changes the taste of an avocado and tomato toastie.

There was nothing to fault from the care I received in hospital. The only experience I don’t want to repeat, was my first exposure to ketamine while in ICU. I will spare the details here, other than to say that being chased across the globe by thousands of Donald Trump look-a-likes throwing broccoli bombs was a light entrée into a very disturbing night I’m in no hurry to repeat.

Ok – so let’s come back to the trifecta … here’s my homework for the next few weeks: “Take things slowly. Be patient. Be kind to yourself.”

It’s 5pm and I’m on the lounge in my pyjamas, sipping a big glass of Cottee’s Coola lime, which always seemed to be good medicine when I was a kid. I saw it in the supermarket last week and brought some for-nostalgia value. My colleague Sam just came to the door to deliver the home-made cards from my team mates. Poor Sam, having to meet me in my PJs. Thanks for taking one for the team!