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.
This post was a relief. Thank you.
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Thank you so much.
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Thank you. Starting the day of in pain and finishing up with less pain and being happy is always a great thing.
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I would definitely agree. Thank you for your comment.
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I”m sorry you were in such pain, but I love what you did with it! xo
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Thank you. I appreciate your comment. Though the pain was difficult, the happiness that followed made for a beautiful day.
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I am glad you had a beautiful day!
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You DID create something very beautiful out of your pain!
What a spirit you are!
♥♥
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Thanks, Jane, for your continued support.
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I am sorry that you have this pain to deal with it is the last thing you need.. Take care and don’t over do it … Husbands are a great at these times…
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Thank you for your comment. While the pain has not been totally alleviated, I am utilizing self-management tools for pain relief. These are tools and skills acquired after a 20 year fight with chronic pain. Hopefully, the new medication recently prescribed for RA will kick-in, as projected, within the next several weeks.
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You are truly an inspiration for all of us. xoxox
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