Who’d have thought a minor surgery would have me reeling days later? Seriously, yesterday I had what I thought was a setback. I was absolutely drained of all energy. I was weak. I was aching in a way that you’d ache if you had a cold or flu. No fever (very slightly above normal). I had to lie down. I did. It didn’t help. Tylenol helped. I don’t think I’m infected anywhere (fever would be sky high), but I think I should get used to this state I’m in for a while. I see the doc tomorrow, so I’ll be asking lots of questions.
I’m back to work today, albeit on an abbreviated schedule. Just two small projects this morning, then rest this afternoon. I cannot imagine how I’d feel if I was a regular employee. First off, you get about a week of sick pay. Second, not too easy to ease back into your schedule slowly. Third, commutes. Fourth, office illnesses. Fifth…. I will say the only benefit there is you’re paid to convalesce, even if it’s only a week. But then again, just try taking time off. You get so far behind it takes three times the effort to catch up, which drains you further. Oh, and then there are the office politics. Why is it there are always those people who seem to shun you after you’ve taken needed time off? They seem eager to keep you outside the political circle? Punishment? Imaginary? I’m just glad it’s not my world any longer.
I did get some marketing done yesterday, albeit small amounts. I contacted two new potential clients, one a referral and one a, well, I can’t say publication, but a content provider. Before you worry that Lori’s taken too many pain killers and is headed for the mills, fear not. This is a European company that pays nearly a dollar a word for articles that it then sells to trade publications/websites. I don’t care what they do with it as long as my check clears.
I’m building back up slowly. This is my pace. I have to listen to the body and do what I’m told for a change. It could be a good thing. If I slow down, I may be able to spot a better client or a better deal that otherwise would have been overlooked. I have the time to browse the Internet, consider options, and generate new ideas. I don’t have to act on them all, but having that time is pretty sweet. Sometimes I get so locked in the faster pace that I don’t devote the detailed attention to marketing that I should. And I’ve already experienced the return of creativity every time I slow down.
Have you experienced that? What kind of attention do you give your marketing efforts when you’re busy? When you’re slow?
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