I recently fell ill.

And that is how long it took for it to happen, the equivalent of falling on the ground. On Sunday I felt fine. In the late afternoon I even went on a 25 mile bike ride and returned feeling strong and knowing I could have easily done another ten. I had dinner. I did some reading and went to bed spot on time (@ 10:30). When I woke in the morning, I could barely move. My skin, each and every pore was sensitive to touch. Movement of any sort was met with limp and resistant muscles. What in the world happened while I slept?

I don’t get sick very often. Like anyone else, I hate it. But I am a good sick person. Though you might not agree with my interpretation. You would probably think Marty is a good sick person. When Marty gets sick, she acts like she is not sick and muscles her way through the responsibilities of the day—some call that putting on one’s big girl pants and handling business. When I get sick I completely shut down regardless of my level of illness or what was on the schedule—whatever it is, it will have to wait because, like can’t you see, I’m fending off death here. But, I think this is the definition of a good sick person. Someone who accepts it, and gives their body the time and resources to handle its affairs.

One positive I feel illness brings is a renewed appreciation for all the days we wake up to a healthful body. In fact, that is one of the VERY FIRST touchstones of my morning ritual—acknowledging the good health gifted to me on this day. Because let’s be clear, as the above story illustrates, these days of health are gifts and like our bodies themselves, have been handed to us with little to nothing asked for in return.

As for my morning ritual giving thanks for my health, I do so specifically by looking at this picture. It is of Randy Pausch, of the Last Lecture fame from 2008. He was a vivacious father of three who went to the doctor because of a head cold he couldn’t shake and by week’s end was told he had six months to live.

Admittedly, given the complexity of these bodies we were given, we should all spend more time reveling in amazement that they work as well and as effortlessly (on our part) as they do—and if you are at all like me, their continued operation is doubly impressive given all the bad decisions I’ve made over the decades. These bodies are an unequivocal marvel and will without compare be the single greatest things we will ever encounter (let alone be given). But they are also fragile beyond comprehension.

As I emerged from this latest malady, I thought instead of posting the silly yarns and stories I had planned, I would instead use the week to share five of my favorite health hacks I’ve come upon in the last twenty years. The first is noted above—be grateful for every day you wake in a healthy body that is ready to do your bidding. Because every now and then we are reminded how little influence we have over whether or not that happens.