Because of my knees, I cannot really jump. I mean I guess if my life depended on it, I could do a few jumping jacks, but not well or pain-free. However, I could not resist laundry day’s unmade bed. My inner child forced me to climb up and start “jumping.” The hubs documented (because he wouldn’t join in) and I “ran” and “jumped” around until I just had to “fall” down. It was pretty fun and totally recommended for adults. Kids should probably ask permission first.
At the end of the day, I was struggling with my motivation to do something fun. I flipped through my HGTV Magazine looking for a quick decorating solution. The hubs tried to challenge me to a game of chess. Nothing inspired me to do anything. Then I started thinking about yoga. I’ve referenced the recent time in my life where I struggled more with RA than I ever remember struggling before. Well, before that, I was quite active; yoga a few times a week, walking the dog every day, taking public transit (which does require more physically than driving everywhere), etc.
Recently, I told myself I would get back in to yoga. I even looked up the gentle class schedule at my old studio and put classes on my calendar. But I never went. Tonight though, when I could think of nothing else to do, I went to the closet, dusted off my mat and started a solo practice. I felt rusty and old. My bones were creaking and popping. I could barely get down to sit on the ground on my own. I couldn’t put too much pressure on my wrists or left shoulder, which made it near impossible to do planks or downward dogs let alone move between those poses and standing. BUT I did what I could and I actually felt good about it. After just 15 minutes of rusty practice, I felt strong, challenged (in that good way) and relaxed.
I admitted to the hubs later that I had been scared to try again for fear of failure. I know it is something many people struggle with all the time, but fear can be so paralyzing, no matter what it is that scares you. Yet once you set your mind to conquering it, the rewards are so gratifying!
I’m thinking now about how to tailor a practice to my specific needs that flows the way yoga should and maybe works in elements of physical therapy as well. More on that to come I’m sure. Tonight ended up being a lot more fun and empowering than I thought it would be.
Elphie’s and my walk today was more like an experiment: can I take pictures with my new camera and walk her at the same time? The answer, reached via the scientific method of course, is not really. But here is a sample of what I photographed anyway, along with some others of E at home.
On New Years Eve the hubs and I made some resolutions, one of which involved smoothies. Since then, we bought a Vitamix and lots of spinach, fruit and yogurt.
This morning, the hubs made two smoothies. One he took to work, the other he left in the fridge for me. While quite good, we decided the recipe might need a little more fruit. I’ve heard the key to an effective smoothie–and by effective I mean one with a lot of vitamins and enough protein to be satisfying–is to have more vegetable than fruit, but enough fruit to make it taste good. We are still finding that balance, so we will see how they taste tomorrow.
Our plan is to make smoothies every night, one for each of us for the next day. At least during the work week and we will see how we feel about it on the weekend. Here’s our current recipe:
4c spinach
1.5c milk
.5c yogurt (we use Chobani Greek for the protein content)
1c berries (we use blue and raspberries)
1 banana
1 orange
A little bit of honey and maybe some nuts.
Blend the spinach and milk first to smooth out the leaves. (After this, the smoothie is Ninja Turtle green) Then add everything else. This is when the smoothie turns brown, so we bought some cute and colorful cups to keep it in.
Last September, I started writing this blog and since then, I’ve received so much love and support, more than I could have ever anticipated. Back in September, I desperately needed that love and support all for myself. Now I feel strong and healthy and would like to pay it forward by uniting my family, friends and readers to walk in and donate to the 2013 Arthritis Walk in Chicago. For general information about the event, click here.
“As the Arthritis Foundation’s signature event, The Arthritis Walk® raises funds and awareness every year to fight the nation’s leading cause of disability. We aren’t just fighting arthritis and helping the millions of people who live with arthritis pain. We’re making the impact of arthritis unacceptable and taking a stand, moving together to help prevent and treat this serious and painful disease through research, education and community programs.
Participants walk for friends or family members with arthritis, and those with arthritis wear blue hats to signify their action to take control of their condition. The event features a three-mile and one-mile course, with arthritis information and activities for the entire family. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their dogs at participating events.”
I started a team under the name Year of Fun. I’m looking for people to join my team, which means you will walk with me on May 17 and help me meet my team fundraising goal of $3,000. To join my team, click here. If you would like to donate to me and the Year of Fun team, click here. From here, you can choose to donate to me individually to help with my pledged amount for the Year of Fun team or to donate to the team as a whole.
By joining the 2013 Arthritis Walk®, you become part of Let’s Move Together, a nationwide community that encourages people to prevent or treat arthritis through movement. Start moving today for better health!
year of fun 