Feb. 19, 2009 - When Mom Loses Her Voice- Tips for the Unnaturally Silent
I lost my voice last weekend. Sometime between Sunday and Monday it packed up and disappeared, leaving me with only a whisper. I'm not much of a talker under normal circumstances, so this wasn't a problem Monday through Wednesday.
Of course, normal circumstances don't apply to this week. I was scheduled to do two Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshops this week-- today and tomorrow. Tonight, we were going to have dinner with Andrew Pudewa while he was in town (he published my recent American and British Literature books in the Excellence in Literature series), and it looks as if we'll have to miss that as well. It's not much fun to dine with someone who can't speak above a whisper!
I've learned a few things this week that may be useful if you ever lose your voice due to a sinus or ear infection, or simple overuse. If you feel lousy, the tips below are for you. If you lose your voice but feel fine, just pick and choose the tips you need.
- If you need to summon someone, a loud "Psssst!" works very well.
- If #1 doesn't work, try stomping on the floor.
- If #1 and #2 doen't work, try whistling. Very loudly.
- If you have cordless phones with an intercom feature, this is the time to use it.
- Keep a legal pad and Sharpie marker handy for quick notes. Save notes such as "ANSWER THE PHONE" for repeated re-use (no one in our household likes to answer the phone).
- Drink lemon juice and honey in hot water about every two hours.
- If you tend to be absent minded, make a note every time you take your antibiotics and decongestants, or you'll spend ridiculous amounts of time counting pills or trying to remember if you've taken them (don't ask me how I know this).
Things to do while you can't talk:
- Take the opportunity to rest and read good books.
- Write a few notes to people who need encouragement.
- Do hands-on activities with your children. Make sure to choose things that don't require instruction such as coloring, scrapbooking, clay modeling, or other handwork. Just plan to have fun.
- Plan your spring garden.
- Clean out a closet.
- Enjoy the silence!
And finally, here's the challenge: After you've been voiceless for a couple of days, think about the difference it's made in your home atmosphere. Do your children and your husband miss your voice, or are they relieved to have it quieted for a few days? My goal is to be the kind of communicator my husband and children enjoy, and this time of unnatural silence reveals that they do miss my voice. As you regain your voice, remember to "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt...." so that your voice is a blessing to your family and to others. If it isn't, then it's better to be silent forever. |
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