I’ve come down with something, and it’s absolutely awful. My throat is itchy, my voice is completely gone—I’m a muted husband now! I’m just waiting for this to pass. In the meantime, I’m taking ambroxol, Isla lozenges, and ibuprofen to ease the symptoms.
Still, I forced myself to go on my daily aerobic walk. I’ve put on some weight over the holidays, as I always do when we visit my hometown. It’s impossible not to—between my mum’s homemade treats and the temptation of local pizzerias and restaurants, resistance is futile. So now it’s time to get back into healthier habits, at least for a while.
My cousin encouraged me to keep exercising regardless of how I feel. He reminded me that we’ll need all the energy we can muster for our little girl. My wife and I share a mindset: we want to stay healthy for as long as possible so we can take care of her well into the future. I know it may sound idealistic, but with the age gap between us and our daughter, staying fit feels more like a responsibility than a choice. Hopefully, a healthy lifestyle can help us offset the effects of aging.
After I got back from my walk, I kept studying. I’ve already completed two of my submissions, but there’s still a mountain of work ahead. So here I am, trying to heal while juggling my academic duties.
Even when you’re unwell, showing up for your goals—whether it’s your health, family, or studies—builds the resilience that carries you forward.