Virtual Assistant
Picture of Juanita Nieuwoudt
Juanita Nieuwoudt

From Bedrest to Back in Action: My Journey, Gratitude, and Renewed Commitment to You

Hello, dear clients and friends,
I hope this message finds you all thriving! I’ve got some personal news to share—brace yourselves, it’s quite the saga. As some of you may have noticed, I’ve been MIA for a bit since last year June/July 2023. Well, what was supposed to be a quick recovery after a back operation turned into a lengthy staycation in Bedrest Land. But fear not! I’m back, better (and funnier) than ever, and ready to tackle all your virtual assistant needs with renewed energy and a few new skills, like mastering the art of drinking soup with a straw.
 
The Unexpected Hiatus: My Adventures in Bedrest
Let me set the scene: Imagine me, the epitome of productivity, suddenly transformed into a human pancake. Yes, that’s right—I was diagnosed with a rare condition called Tarlov cysts on my S1-L5 vertebrae, which meant I had to spend 13 weeks flat on my back. I wasn’t allowed to sit up or stand for more than five minutes at a time. So, I basically became besties with Netflix, my bedroom walls, and a never-ending stack of books.
 
I can now confidently say I’ve watched every rom-com ever made. My trivia knowledge is unbeatable—I’m basically the Wikipedia of romantic plot twists. Also, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the simple joy of bending. Bending, you ask? Yes! Try brushing your teeth without bending forward. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Not so easy, is it?
 
The Joys of Bedridden Living
Speaking of newfound talents, drinking water, tea, and juice turned into a full-blown adventure. Ever tried sipping from a sippy bottle as an adult? It’s humbling, to say the least. My husband and mom, bless their souls, became my daily superheroes. They were there for me every day, helping me get dressed, stay clean, and pick up all the stuff I inevitably dropped (which was, frankly, everything). Patience became my mantra—learn it, live it, love it. Seriously, it’s the only way to survive when you’re suddenly immobilized.
 
My expected recovery is plus-minus two years as my nerves slowly heal and rejoin the land of the living. For now, my workdays are short but sweet, and patience is still my best friend.
 
Toothbrush Trials and Other Small Victories
Let’s talk about those small victories. Like the aforementioned toothbrush trials. Every morning, when I manage to brush my teeth and bend forward to rinse, I smile (with toothpaste foam and all) and say a little “thank you” to the universe. These little wins mean the world to me now.
 
Gratitude for My Superhero Team
I can’t go any further without giving a shout-out to my incredible husband, who spent countless hours picking up the stuff I dropped (yes, we’ve established that I drop things—constantly). He even made meals I could eat with a spoon because, let me tell you, eating with a fork and knife while lying flat in bed is a challenge all on its own. And soup? Well, drinking it through a straw is a talent I never thought I’d need to master.
 
My mom was there too, a pillar of unconditional love, enduring my fits of pain and frustration with the patience of a saint. And to my friends, family, and clients who sent prayers, well-wishes, and messages of support—you kept me going when I wanted to rip the world’s collective eyeballs out (metaphorically, of course).
 
Back in Action
Now, here I am, back in action and ready to dive into work! The journey has been long and a bit surreal, but it’s also been enlightening. I’m more excited than ever to get back to doing what I love—assisting you with all your virtual needs. My passion for helping my clients has only grown, and I’m more committed than ever to providing top-notch service.
 
Commitment to You
Despite the challenges of the past few months, my dedication to your needs hasn’t wavered one bit. I’m here to ensure that your business operations run smoothly and efficiently, with the same vigor and enthusiasm you’ve come to expect from me. Whether it’s managing your schedule, handling administrative tasks, or helping with those projects that have been piling up, I’m ready to jump back in and make magic happen.
 
Looking Forward
As I step back into my role, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with each of you. I’ve got some exciting plans and new strategies up my sleeve (no, they don’t involve more sippy bottles) that I believe will greatly benefit your business. So, let’s catch up, chat, and make the coming months productive, successful, and maybe even a little bit humorous!
 
Thank you for your continued trust and support. Here’s to making the rest of the year as successful as possible—together!
 
Warm and slightly amused regards,
Juanita Nieuwoudt

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