My Battle Has Been Won (Update Photo Of My Car After Crash)

[mercuryblues]

53. Thank you

for your kind words. Just like our body's systems are all intertwined; I believe people are. When I get behind that slowpoke I sometimes say to myself, maybe they are preventing me from a speeding ticket. Perhaps the result of my medical problems is that I am here able to share what I have learned. I wish I could have learned this a decade ago.

Just by talking to you, I have realized how much my siblings took advantage of my stress level. When we would all get together and our kids would start getting a bit too rambunctious (as kids do) they would ask me to quiet them down, knowing that I would take no prisoners. This holiday season, I will just say- eh it ain't bothering me, you take care of it. I will keep saying it to myself so when it does happen, and it will, the noise/running really won't stress me as much and I have already rewired my response to it.

Check locally, perhaps there is a chronic pain support group. Even though things sound like great ideas, they may not work for you. Just like I am having a hard time relaxing my body and mind. I know I will get there and in the meantime what little bit I can accomplish is helpful. I think your goal is to have the least amount of pain as possible, using the least amount of pain meds as possible. Fortunate enough, that I have been learning about one aspect, stress that can manifest into physical pain and ailments. Others here have great ideas to look into. It isn't easy but with a steady effort you will notice changes. If you slide back into the old thinking don't sweat it, take a deep breath, acknowledge, apologize if need be and get back on track.

Instead of thinking of what a burden you might be. Realize you are assigning emotions to someone that may not be there. By doing so you are helping to create an environment where it can become a reality. Instead think, what a blessing you are to your wife and kids. You are able to kiss their scraped knees, help with homework and ease the stress your spouse may be feeling from work, just by listening and engaging. You can help them when need be and the true joy is to watch them take the lessons they have learned and soar on their own. Because you have created an environment where they feel secure to know they have a nest to come home to for guidance.

There were 2 main household chores that I dreaded. Vacuuming and doing laundry. Both because of the stairs. I didn't mind washing, folding or putting clothes away. What I minded was lugging it all up and down the stairs. Moving is not an option. Now I say, I am doing laundry in the morning. Can you (kids or spouse) bring it downstairs for me.. Then have them carry it up when it was done. The same with vacuuming. I didn't mind it, but I hated doing the stairs. Now I vacuum and my youngest's chore is to vacuum the stairs. Both were because of the stress I created for myself I was prone to pulling muscles in my back by carrying heavy stuff up and down the stairs. It has the bonus of the kids learning responsibility and the household happiness is a group effort, not what I can do for you.