I had an extremely rough start yesterday, hence the short post with a black hole picture. I made myself go swimming, and while slogging through that, intuitive nagging (Spirit's nudge) indicated that I should make a list of positives in my life. So here goes, admittedly done with a bit of crankiness:
- I have started physical therapy with two-times-daily stretching and strengthening exercises.
- It could always be worse.
- My husband is well and taking good care of me and our family.
- I don't have a terminal illness, cancer, anything long-term-horrible.
- I am able to walk short distances.
- I'm not having any bowel or bladder difficulties with this nerve impingement. (TMI, sorry)
- I am able to swim.
- I have Cubs baseball and NBA playoffs to entertain me, as well as the occasional Jeopardy show and nature documentary.
- I am able to do laundry.
- I am improving, even if I can't see it at the moment.
- I have an angel dog Barney to keep me company, and he stays by my side so sweetly.
- I have a friend who is a dog sitter-walker and she is walking Barney everyday for me while my husband is away.
- My husband left me lots of good leftovers so it's easy for me to feed myself.
- I am enjoying my spiritual practice time even if I cry through it.
- I am able to go up and down stairs comfortably, which is helping to strengthen my legs.
- I have friends who are checking on me and inviting me to things to help save my sanity.
- I now have a good cane for walking, which doesn't hurt my hand and wrist like the walking stick did.
- I have my blankie to comfort me.
- Each day I am one day closer to my husband returning home.
- I have cut way back on pain meds.
- My soul is getting very well rinsed. (Crying = soul-rinsing)
- I have M&Ms!
The quote below came in an email from my PT office. No. 1 is Keep Moving.
2. Continue Pain Free Activities -- Many people with pain initially limit their activity because they are afraid to cause additional damage. As mentioned above, staying active is very important in your recovery. We would like you to keep doing as much as you can do without increasing pain. The severity of pain doesn't always match the level of damage; with that in mind be conscious of pain, but don't let it scare you.
That's the biggie I'm dealing with right now--fear. This is a helpful reminder.
Progress, not perfection...
Leta
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Indigenous art near Uluru, Australia |