Sometimes the struggle is real.
And you just have to allow it to be so.
Then comes the question: How do you allow the struggle to be real, accept it but not go down the tunnel and become anxious or depressed about the things you can’t control?
It’s all about choosing your thoughts which, by its very nature, is a lesson in mindfulness.
Recently I fell & broke my wrist. As in broke my radius (forearm bone) into 4 pieces, necessitating surgery; three screws and a plate!
For a couple of weeks I couldn’t do ANYTHING with that arm or hand (fortunately it was my left hand and I’m right-handed).
But… can’t cut food to cook it.
Ever try to cut a root veggie or peel an orange with one hand? It doesn’t work!
Can’t open a jar, a bottle, or a can.
Now when you live alone and you don’t eat the things most other people do, it makes things even more difficult.
I do have one friend that made me (cheeseless) veggie enchiladas. Thanks, Gina!
Not only that, I can’t do the one thing that helps keep me centered… Ride my bicycle. AND I have to postpone the European bicycle trip I was in the process of planning!
And have you ever tried getting dressed with one hand?
So, I took on the attitude that it was ok to struggle.
- It was ok to go anywhere I needed to in sweats or leggings with no make-up (or bra!… layers!)
- I could read more and take time to watch some of the Olympics.
- It was even ok to eat a little (more) chocolate and less veggies.
- And It was ok to do less work or no work.
Thus this is the first blog I’ve written in over a month.
But within the struggle, I found some victories.
Victories that looked like acceptable alternatives allowed me to stay out of the tunnel.
So, the aerobic exercise isn’t as great but I’ve been walking the beach instead of riding my bike.
And I’ve been preparing more smoothies and eating more apples, carrots, and bananas; things I can manage.
I’ve also been buying a lot more prepared foods. I’m becoming more of an expert on the acceptable frozen foods list available at Trader Joe’s, California Fresh, Lassen’s, and Sunshine Health Foods. (You’ll notice the corporate ‘health food store’ that isn’t mentioned here because I don’t shop at it.)
My dog has also had far more attention than she’s used to.
And I did allow myself to just ‘be’ when I started feeling overwhelmed.
So what’s the point here?
Just to say that self-acceptance and allowing are the first steps.
A few days after my injury, I had surgery and I mostly slept for about 4 days.
But after that, my desire to feel better kicked in.
For me, feeling better emotionally is tied to being better physically.
I’m not one for covering up the pain with drugs. That only makes me feel worse.
So I started doing some stretching & got on the bicycle that now sits on a trainer in my living room. I’m not riding it much. But anything is better than nothing.
And at this point, I’m back to doing most of my stretches and the core work I can do that doesn’t involve my hands or arms.
Now, a month after my injury and 3 weeks after surgery, I’m feeling more resilient. I know that rehabilitating my arm and my upper body will take some time but I’m strong in my conviction that I will be able to continue to do the things I love.
And I’m beginning to re-plan that bicycling trip.
Stay tuned!
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