Today: Pain and Happiness

I woke up this morning in pain.  It’s been a long-time since I experienced the long lasting, penetrating, stabbing and burning pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis.  But, I was determined to stick with my “routine” – 5:00 a.m. morning meditation, inspirational/spiritual reading, and quiet time.   While this was spiritually and inspirationally uplifting, the pain remained.

So, I returned to the bedroom, looked at the unmade bed, and crawled under the covers.  This lasted for no more than five minutes; I hopped out, made the bed, and said “not going to let this happen.”  I began thinking back to those days when I allowed pain to control my life.  The many days of lying in bed, the darkened room, the heating pads/ice packs and receiving no relief from the prescribed medications.   These memories were enough to get ME up and moving for breakfast.  Even though the pain was more severe with walking, arm movements, sitting down, and getting up, I joined Hubby at the table.

After breakfast, Hubby encouraged me to at least lie back on the recliner chair in our bedroom.  Within five minutes, I was asleep.  One hour later, I woke up.  The pain was still there, but bearable.  Bearable pain, for me, is doable pain.  I can function.

Dressed in outdoor work clothes, I began the long-delayed job of cleaning out our container flower garden area around the pool.  The pruning, cutting, and bending, though far from pain-free, distracted ME from focusing on the pain.  When finished, I immediately cleaned up the area, stood back and admired MY work.

Following lunch, I was geared up to complete the remainder of the job; but Hubby said, “let it wait until tomorrow.”   I took his advice.

I am thankful for a Hubby who reminds ME to stop, rest, and pace as I carry out these many different projects that I proclaim will make ME happy.

I learned today it is not necessary to “finish” a “happiness” project.  There are times when happiness will come from just “doing” the project.

The movement today as I gardened brought pain relief.  The distraction of gardening brought ME pain relief.  Just the “doing” of gardening brought ME happiness.

Author: SeasonedSistah2

During this final season life, I am going on a journey to define "ME." Opening up and going outside of my comfort zone to redefine ME.. Exploring and pursuing new interests that will lead to personal happiness, serenity, and tranquility. In undertaking this mission, overcoming the FEAR is my greatest challenge. Fear has played a large role in my life, but I overcame the FEAR of breast cancer, chronic pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and Sleep Apnea. My new mantra: FEAR has two meanings: "(1) Forget Everything And Run, or (2) Face Everything and Rise. The Choice is Mine." Blogging here I come ready or not!!! View all posts by SeasonedSistah2