Yesterday, I enjoyed a few hours chatting with like-minded new friends. As we munched on homemade fava bean puree on crostini and an onion quiche, we shared our personal and professional triumphs and tribulations. Three strong and accomplished women: each of us experiencing similar situations and emotions. We leaned on one another and supported each other. And when we parted, I felt renewed and inspired and very, very fortunate to have been part of the conversation.
Imagine my surprise when upon returning home, I suddenly lost my voice. Not a whisper, not a squeak, not a single sound possible for me to make. Surely, I had not talked THAT much…? And true, I had been having some allergy like symptoms for weeks (dry cough, stuffy nose), but to all of a sudden completely lose the ability to speak…? There was no warning that this was coming, and no history to point to that it was even a possibility. Never in my entire life have I ever lost my voice.
As all of us probably do, I consulted with my doctor…the Internet. Most “reasons why” pointed to overuse or associated with some other ailment such as strep throat. But none of the reasons why seemed to fit me. Treatments conflicted one with the other: lemon was good for you; lemon was too acidic to do you good – same with salt.
The only things that did prove true were that a) I had been struck silent; b) no logical or concrete reason why; and c) the only universally acceptment prescription to heal?: be still.
