I Was Stupid, So I Got Sick

Sometimes the best lessons in life come from the mistakes we make ourselves.

You can imagine my disappointment when I managed to get sick from something I might have avoided.

I got Shingles. (The sick part.)

And I hadn’t gotten the vaccine. (The stupid part.)

I promise this is not going to be a lecture on vaccines.

This story is much bigger than vaccines.

It is about the surprises that life throws at us, the things we put off, and sometimes the painful reminder that being healthy today is not a guarantee we’ll be healthy tomorrow.

There is a difference from being healthy and being prepared for the “what if”.

Apparently my immune system did not care how many push ups I can do, or that I have a plan to live to 100.

Healthy aging isn’t just about the things that make us stronger. It is also about making sensible decisions that help preserve what we already have.

Getting Shingles is not proof that someone is stupid. But in my case I overlooked a preventable measure that very likely could have reduced my risk. (I was stupid.)

I knew better. I just didn’t do better.

Perhaps it boils down to a simple question-

What I am I doing today to help me stay healthy tomorrow?

Please learn from my mistake, and be healthy tomorrow.

Enjoy your day,

Just a little extra-

As a total coincidence my sister in law also got shingles. She is younger than I am , and her symptoms were a bit different.

But we had one thing in common-

Neither of us had gotten the vaccine.

Well, they say misery loves company!

I hope you feel better soon, Courtney.

---

References

Cole, Garry. February 2024. Are We Old Yet? (Yes, I used my book as a reference)