The Balancing Act of Self-Care and Passion: Lessons from Theatre, Life, and a Stubborn Barbecue



Lately, I’ve been reminding myself just how important self-care is—not just in the usual face-mask-and-bubble-bath way, but in the deep, foundational sense of listening to my body and understanding my limits. I’m currently doing tech for Newtown Amateur Dramatics, and while I’m still not 100% over my chest infection, I’m pushing forward in the ways I can, with gratitude in my heart. I owe so much to my immunologist, whose expertise has helped me navigate the complexities of chronic illness.

In theatre, we often equate our worth with our achievements—the applause, the standing ovations, the perfect execution of a scene. And when chronic illness disrupts our ability to be productive, to meet our own high standards, it’s easy to fall into self-criticism. But I’ve been learning a valuable lesson about blunt communication—how directness doesn’t necessarily mean rudeness, and how not every straightforward statement is a personal attack. When productivity is unpredictable, it’s important to separate fact from feeling. “You need to rest” or “That needs improvement” aren’t indictments of my character; they are just truths to be acknowledged. same as "Stop" or "Leave that alone" is because something could be dangerous in the theatre, and not because everyone's against you for being ill.... again. 



Speaking of rest, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the spa and sauna lately—small steps toward movement, especially when the fatigue bites hard. It’s not about punishing my body into submission but coaxing it back into strength. It's ironic that only on a good day, do I have energy to make time to rest in this way, a cruel irony, but here we are, and I have spent a lot of time off work and in bed. Resting early on can prevent something from persisting for much longer. (sometimes) 

A Taste of Simple Comfort: Salmon with Rice

Amid all this, I’ve been focusing on nourishing my body, incorporating more probiotics into my diet—mainly through yoghurt, which is such a small but powerful addition for gut health.




Here’s a simple, satisfying meal I’ve been loving lately:

Salmon with Garlic Butter Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 salmon fillet
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh dill (optional)
  • ½ cup Greek yoghurt (to serve on the side)

Instructions:

  1. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon.
  2. Heat a pan over medium heat, add butter, and cook the salmon for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and flaky.
  3. In the same pan, add a bit more butter, sauté the garlic until fragrant, then toss in the cooked rice and mix well.
  4. Serve the salmon over the rice, garnished with fresh dill if desired.
  5. Enjoy with a side of Greek yoghurt for a creamy, probiotic-rich addition.

Unplugging: A Stubbornly Beautiful Barbecue

The other day, my family and I decided to have a barbecue by the river in our garden. Was it warm enough for it? Absolutely not. Were we stubborn about it? Absolutely. And it was completely worth it. There was something magical about sitting together, unplugging from social media, and just being present. It was a reminder that even in the simplest moments—smoky food, fresh air, and the sound of running water—there is joy.

Lessons from Steel Magnolias

I’ve been thinking a lot about Steel Magnolias lately, particularly Shelby’s storyline. She’s the quintessential ingenue—full of light and hope, but ultimately, her determination to live life on her terms leads to tragedy. It’s a reminder that chronic illness is a delicate balance. It’s easy to fall into self-pity, but it’s just as easy to push too hard and burn out. Shelby’s fate is heartbreaking because it’s so real—so many of us with chronic illnesses walk that fine line between living fully and knowing when to stop. And life, as fleeting as it can be, is far too precious to be spent entirely in either extreme.




Finding Balance

So, for now, I take things one step at a time. Tech work at the theatre. Spa visits. Nutritious meals. Barbecues in the cold. Understanding that self-worth isn’t just tied to what I accomplish. And above all, gratitude—for my immunologist, for my body’s resilience, for the lessons learned, and for the people who walk this journey with me.

Here’s to balance, to health, and to stubbornly enjoying life’s little moments—no matter what, and enjoying them unfiltered. 

<3 

XX

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