It’s been a pretty good week for me. I am feeling better, both emotionally and physically. I am also feeling motivated and inspired. A nice change from feeling overwhelmed and defeated because I can’t do as much as I want to. It’s a shame when in your mind, you feel 25. Full of vim and vigor. Yet your body says “Yeah, right!” and laughs hysterically.
My friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer only 3 months ago, and had surgery 3 weeks ago, is doing well. That weighed heavily on my heart, especially since I have so many friends that have had to battle cancer.
Hubby and I have started exercising together a few days ago. Only twice so far, but still it’s a start. I have to admit I do feel much better. Not nearly as sore as I expected to be after a couple of years of minimal exertion. I find it funny how physical activity improves mental health.
I missed writing several posts because I’ve been pretty scatterbrained this month and couldn’t stay focused on writing. But I have accomplished a lot that brings me joy. I have been cleaning out and reorganizing. Things that needed to be done while I was motivated and feeling somewhat energetic. I’ve also started crafting, which I really enjoy doing. I’ll share those projects over the next few weeks.
Video – One Moment in Time
I’m not really a music-lover, but every once in awhile I’ll hear a song that reaches my soul. This is one! It gave me goosebumps. Dana Winner is a Belgian singer who is famous in Flanders, South Africa and the Netherlands.
The words of this Whitney Houston song was the theme song for NBC’s coverage of the 1988 Olympics. The words were perfectly fitted for the Olympics. However, I can relate too because of what I have gone through with lung disease and how far I have come. I’m never going to be healed and be able to do all I want to do. I had to choose some other avenues for creative outlets and work around my limitations. I know it could be so much worse though.
Chronic Pain
I had a conversation several months ago with a friend of mine who is in constant pain. She uses a TENS unit (see below) to be able to get through her work days and all of the things she wants to do. She belongs to volunteer organizations and goes to lots of seminars and workshops for personal enjoyment.
Her theory is: I could lay around doing nothing, waiting to die or I could go out and enjoy every day of my life.
I am amazed at what she gets accomplished and I am trying to follow suit. She has much different issues than I, but the message is the same, regardless of the health issues.
TENS Unit
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Here is a TENS unit on Amazon, if you are interested in learning more about it and read some reviews. This unit comes with 8 self-adhesive and reusable pads, but more will need to be ordered later. I saw that a TENS unit is also available through Walmart, but that may only be at Walmart.com. I didn’t realize they could be bought retail, or I would have gotten one a long time ago.
I know several of my friends suffer from chronic pain. It might be worth a shot to try it out. If it doesn’t work, you can always return it.
Neuropathy Treatment
I saw they also had Acupuncture Massage Slippers compatible with some TENS units. Wish I had seen those last year when I went through months of neuropathy. The only thing that helped me then was a hand held massager with the little rubber spikes on the bottom of my feet.
Haphazard Homemaker 
Happy to hear you are doing well and starting to exercise. The TENS Unit looks interesting. I might try it. I have to deal with a lot of pain. the unit is inexpensive, so it’s worth a try. I had physical therapy for chainsaw elbow several years ago. The only thing they did that worked was put liquid ibuprofen on the injured area, stick electrodes on the same area and turn up the power. It felt like little needles on my skin. It worked.
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Thanks, Tim! That’s pretty much what the TENS unit does. My friend turns hers up and down as needed to control pain.
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I’m glad you’re feeling better, Robin. It is so very hard to be motivated and mobile when you’re in pain. I understand what you mean about a young mind. My mind doesn’t feel like I’m 57 but my body says otherwise and sometimes adds more years to it. I have a TENS unit but it’s been a while since I used it. I think it got shuffled around and ended up in some unknown place because I haven’t seen it. I guess I’ll have to look for it. It does seem to help with ‘some’ of the pain I experience….but only while it’s going. As soon as I turn it off, the pain rears its ugly head. It may be different for others. It’s great for relaxing, I might add. I’ve gone to sleep with it going a few times. I’m starting my exercise and weight loss journey, yet again, tomorrow. I keep getting off track! Have a great week!
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My friend wears hers most of the time. I just can’t imagine how hard it is for you. My heart goes out for you every time you talk about going out.
Good luck on your journey. 🙂 Look for some chair yoga videos. They were helpful for me to get started and the least dangerous.
(((Hugs))) to you, my friend!
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I don’t have much mobility in my knees – at least not without excruciating pain, but I’ll look into it. I had a dvd several years ago of chair yoga and it was so slow and boring I quit. Lol. Thanks for your thoughts, my friend. Hugs back! đź’śđź’śđź’śđź’ś
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Yes, it’s boring by yourself. 🙂 I went to a class 3 times a week for awhile, then at home for a bit.
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They don’t have that type of thing in my neck of the woods. Only if I want to drive 30 miles or more one way!
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Yep, same thing here. Which is part of the reason why I quit going.
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So glad you’re feeling better and that M continues to improve. Love y’all 🤗
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Thanks! How are you doing on your great adventure?
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I’ve had a TENS unit a long time and found it helpful. After my cancer diagnosis, though, my PT said cancer patients are advised not to use them (on the theory that they could stimulate cell growth of the kind we’re trying to avoid). I don’t know if this is a widespread view in the medical community.
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Thanks for the info Katherine! Definitely sounds like a good question for the oncologist.
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Life prevents its struggles but also joy when looked for. Keep on truckin’ as the saying goes. I am glad you are feeling better.
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Thank you 🙂
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I meant the word “presents”. May God bless you.
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Sounds like getting things done and starting to do craft is the best medicine for you. I am so glad you feel better.
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Thank you, Diane!
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I hope everyday you keep feeling better and better. It is good that you are decluttering and organizing because having an organized home helps relieve stress. Crafting is so fun to me, I can’t wait to see what you have been up to. Keep up the good work and have a great week.
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Such a wonderful post and so uplifting! I loved listening to that video…quite inspiring! Wishing you many blessings with your exercising. You have accomplished so much and the year is young!!! 🙂 I am glad you are feeling better!
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Thank you, Linda! ❤
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