All I want this Valentine's Day is a donation or even a share of my GoFundMe page :)
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Guillain-Barre Syndrome Awareness - Happy Valentine's Day
I thought I would share some nice pictures I came across that were taken before I got sick. These were taken the summer before. I miss that body. Those long, strong legs. Who would think that someone this healthy and fit would be sick and half dead in just a few months, and all due to some strange illness they had barely even heard of at the time.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
I'm Just Walkin' - A Friend's Blog
Some time ago (so long I can't quite remember exactly), Matt embarked on a journey across the USA on foot! That's right, on foot! I followed his journey and made comments along the way, and in doing so formed a sort of distant kinship with him. We sometimes contact one another just to check in, in fact there is a post on my blog about the last time we talked that you can read here.
Ironically, today I decided to head over to his blog to check on him and see how his next journey was coming along, and his last post was today after not posting for quite a while! It's quite the coincidence!
Anyway, I wanted to share his blog with you, which you can check out here, and I think it would be in your best interest to check out his latest map of the progress he's made. He has logged over 7,000 miles in NYC walking every street in every block in every borough! It's really a fantastic story, and he's an amazing person from what I know of him so far.
I hope to maybe meet Matt someday, but until then I will keep checking back to see how he's progressing.
Ironically, today I decided to head over to his blog to check on him and see how his next journey was coming along, and his last post was today after not posting for quite a while! It's quite the coincidence!
Anyway, I wanted to share his blog with you, which you can check out here, and I think it would be in your best interest to check out his latest map of the progress he's made. He has logged over 7,000 miles in NYC walking every street in every block in every borough! It's really a fantastic story, and he's an amazing person from what I know of him so far.
I hope to maybe meet Matt someday, but until then I will keep checking back to see how he's progressing.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
New And Improved Me: Day 3
I had a little slip today and ate sugar (candy) on the way to my doctor's appointment, but I knew better than to let myself get that hungry. I was in a time crunch, but still, no excuses. I didn't go too crazy, but now I will have to endure those three days of cravings again before that goes away and I could care less about sugar. I always feel so much better when I just avoid sugar all together. Yesterday, I did very well. I ate a lot of bananas because for some reason or another I was craving them, and I had a very healthy salad and some oatmeal with honey, cinnamon and a little almond milk. I've grown to LOVE almond milk, and I actually like the unsweetened version much better than the sweetened, not to mention it's less than half the calories at only 30 calories per serving. Plus, it's low carb and very good for you! Can't go wrong there.
So, I saw the Endocrinologist today and he says my thyroid levels are fine to proceed with surgery. Yay! Now, I will call my other doctor tomorrow morning and find out when we can get me on the table and get this devil baby out of me! I'm guessing it's going to be September 9th, or at least I'm hoping! He only does surgeries on Monday, and this coming Monday is Labor Day. I'm really looking forward to the relief and a new chapter in my life. I will be sans uterus, sans giant tumor, and thyroid on the level. I will feel like a new woman!
I just keep telling myself that everything I put in my body from now on is going to affect my health and recovery. I also keep repeating to myself that I want the body that can wear anything again. I loved that feeling. Most of my life I was skinny and able to wear whatever I wanted and look good in it. I want that again. I'm tired of my "fat" clothes, and I'm tired of not having any sort of fashion in my life because I was too busy hiding behind whatever was big enough to cover me. And, I'm just tired of being tired all the time. Even just this extra 20 pounds I have left is enough to drag me down, especially since my lower half is already limited.
Pinterest keeps me motivated as well. Whenever I get a craving or want to eat the wrong things, I go to the health and fitness category and look at all the beautiful and fit bodies and remind myself that can be me. I have to start with mostly diet right now since my body is limited with tumor, stiffness and pain, but once I'm healed up I'll be back on a fitness regimen in no time!
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Never Give Up
So, I saw the Endocrinologist today and he says my thyroid levels are fine to proceed with surgery. Yay! Now, I will call my other doctor tomorrow morning and find out when we can get me on the table and get this devil baby out of me! I'm guessing it's going to be September 9th, or at least I'm hoping! He only does surgeries on Monday, and this coming Monday is Labor Day. I'm really looking forward to the relief and a new chapter in my life. I will be sans uterus, sans giant tumor, and thyroid on the level. I will feel like a new woman!
I just keep telling myself that everything I put in my body from now on is going to affect my health and recovery. I also keep repeating to myself that I want the body that can wear anything again. I loved that feeling. Most of my life I was skinny and able to wear whatever I wanted and look good in it. I want that again. I'm tired of my "fat" clothes, and I'm tired of not having any sort of fashion in my life because I was too busy hiding behind whatever was big enough to cover me. And, I'm just tired of being tired all the time. Even just this extra 20 pounds I have left is enough to drag me down, especially since my lower half is already limited.
Pinterest keeps me motivated as well. Whenever I get a craving or want to eat the wrong things, I go to the health and fitness category and look at all the beautiful and fit bodies and remind myself that can be me. I have to start with mostly diet right now since my body is limited with tumor, stiffness and pain, but once I'm healed up I'll be back on a fitness regimen in no time!
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Never Give Up
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Monday, August 19, 2013
Kind Words and Uplifting Encouragement
A while back, I came across a man who was walking across America. He was featured on Yahoo! news, and I became a little obsessed with his blog for a while. As I've explained to him, I experience such joy when I see people using their able bodies, and that is what drew me to him, and his story. I commented on a few of his amazing photos, and also emailed him to share a little of my story and let him know I thought what he was doing was great. Since then, we have emailed a few times back and forth, with quite a long while in between that we didn't communicate, until just recently he sent me a mail out of the blue just to say hi and give his regards.
It's so wonderful when people you have never even met in real life come out of the woodwork just to say "Hello" and give you words of encouragement and praise. Matt has informed me that he has a new appreciation for the struggle I have been going through, and he just wanted me to know that. It's unfortunate that he had to experience a tragedy to see it, but it's so wonderful to me that he thinks of me and applies my struggle to situations in his own life. I always strive to inspire anyone I can, and although Matt didn't need any inspiration from anyone, he uses it anyway to keep going.
Matt is an ambitious walker. He does the very thing I struggle to do again, and he does it every single day to the fullest extent that he can. Matt simply walks. Simply probably isn't the right word to use there, but I'm using it anyway because it truly is a "simple" act until you are unable to do it anymore and you realize how much actually goes into walking. Even standing isn't as "simple" as one might think. It takes over 300 muscles just for the body to be able to stand and balance upright. Most people go through their lives never knowing what truly goes into being able bodied, and that's great, I don't wish hardship on anyone, but I do enjoy nothing more than seeing someone use their abilities as best they know how.
Thank you, Matt. You have inspired me, encouraged me, and given me strength.
Never Give Up
It's so wonderful when people you have never even met in real life come out of the woodwork just to say "Hello" and give you words of encouragement and praise. Matt has informed me that he has a new appreciation for the struggle I have been going through, and he just wanted me to know that. It's unfortunate that he had to experience a tragedy to see it, but it's so wonderful to me that he thinks of me and applies my struggle to situations in his own life. I always strive to inspire anyone I can, and although Matt didn't need any inspiration from anyone, he uses it anyway to keep going.
Matt is an ambitious walker. He does the very thing I struggle to do again, and he does it every single day to the fullest extent that he can. Matt simply walks. Simply probably isn't the right word to use there, but I'm using it anyway because it truly is a "simple" act until you are unable to do it anymore and you realize how much actually goes into walking. Even standing isn't as "simple" as one might think. It takes over 300 muscles just for the body to be able to stand and balance upright. Most people go through their lives never knowing what truly goes into being able bodied, and that's great, I don't wish hardship on anyone, but I do enjoy nothing more than seeing someone use their abilities as best they know how.
Thank you, Matt. You have inspired me, encouraged me, and given me strength.
Never Give Up
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Testing My Faith
My Faith is continually being tested; from faith in my abilities, to faith in other human beings, I am constantly feeling like Faith just isn't enough. It seems like more so now then ever I am feeling like there is no end in sight to the physical and emotional pain I feel on a daily basis.
So, I decided to repost this just in case anyone else needed a "Faith Boost" like I did today:
TWENTY THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16 . We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking! Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
So, I decided to repost this just in case anyone else needed a "Faith Boost" like I did today:
TWENTY THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kinda like calling home every day.
4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be still so He can untangle the knot.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16 . We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves too fast, so enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. Its all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking! Learn from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Inspiration
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Day 161
I am so unbelievably excited and nervous to go back home this summer that I added a countdown timer to the top of my blog :-) I don't know if it helps, or makes it worse, but it's nice to know how much time I have left to prepare for the trip anyway.
I know the timer says "Time left to Minnesota", and earlier I posted that I would be going home to Grand Forks, North Dakota. I assure you they are the same place. I was born in Grand Forks, ND, but lived in East Grand Forks, MN. It's a little twin cities type set-up in northern Minnesota, with a river and a state line separating the two. So it's basically all the same place.
I can't help but go over the details of the trip repeatedly in my head. So much so that I could hardly sleep last night. It will definitely be all-consuming for the next 50 days.
Sometimes I am excited and feel strong and confident that I will be able to go without my chair, and other times I get really scared and start to feel the separation anxiety. In reality, I know I can do this, it's not a second thought as to whether or not I am physically capable. The only issues I will have will be the mental aspect, and I just need to start getting myself prepared for that now. I have depended on that chair for so many years that it's a natural reaction to want to reach for it when I get tired or when something is so far away I know it's going to take me a while to walk there. I have to get over that and learn to leave that chair right where it is and just go for it. People walk around with crutches and walkers all the time, and down here in Florida some of them are a LOT slower than me, so I have to stop worrying so much. I'm just so young that I get stared at a lot more, and then I get nervous, and then it's harder to focus on my walking. Must learn to block the looky-loos out.
Yesterday I started off kind of tired and weak with my walking, but I forced myself to push through it. I managed to do quite a bit without my chair like showering, making food, etc. These are things I will need to be able to do quite efficiently before I go. Making food is pretty easy as long as it's simple (easy meaning I don't have to sit down), and showering was fine as long as I have a shower chair to sit in while in the shower. For that obstacle, I will be buying myself a folding camping stool that folds to the size of my hand so I can carry it around with me in my backpack. This will be my shower chair, and emergency place to sit should I be somewhere without its own place to sit down. I know I will only be stronger and more in shape by the time I leave, but I want to be prepared and safe. My entire trip would be ruined should I fall and injure myself. As much as it pains me to even think about it, I am prepared for that, too. In the event that I should fall and injure myself, I will have to rent a wheelchair for my time up there. If the injury is so bad that I cannot manage to drive home, I will have to fly back home and go back up again when I've healed. This is all just plan D, because I know I will not fall.
I've made myself a checklist and will keep checking it and making sure I am fully prepared for the journey. I certainly wouldn't have to do all of this if I were going with my chair, but that's the fun part. The planning and the training are all part of the trip, and that makes it that much more exciting and fun. It's definitely hard work, but I have never been afraid of that!
So, once again today I will be walking as much as I possibly can. I am gradually working my way to not using the chair at all during the day, only at night for late-night bathroom trips. Eventually, I will get back to no inside chair like I was before my last major fall. I am much stronger and more confident now so another fall is a lot less likely, although still possible.
Step count today: 252
Steps I'm behind: 6,915
I know the timer says "Time left to Minnesota", and earlier I posted that I would be going home to Grand Forks, North Dakota. I assure you they are the same place. I was born in Grand Forks, ND, but lived in East Grand Forks, MN. It's a little twin cities type set-up in northern Minnesota, with a river and a state line separating the two. So it's basically all the same place.
I can't help but go over the details of the trip repeatedly in my head. So much so that I could hardly sleep last night. It will definitely be all-consuming for the next 50 days.
Sometimes I am excited and feel strong and confident that I will be able to go without my chair, and other times I get really scared and start to feel the separation anxiety. In reality, I know I can do this, it's not a second thought as to whether or not I am physically capable. The only issues I will have will be the mental aspect, and I just need to start getting myself prepared for that now. I have depended on that chair for so many years that it's a natural reaction to want to reach for it when I get tired or when something is so far away I know it's going to take me a while to walk there. I have to get over that and learn to leave that chair right where it is and just go for it. People walk around with crutches and walkers all the time, and down here in Florida some of them are a LOT slower than me, so I have to stop worrying so much. I'm just so young that I get stared at a lot more, and then I get nervous, and then it's harder to focus on my walking. Must learn to block the looky-loos out.
Yesterday I started off kind of tired and weak with my walking, but I forced myself to push through it. I managed to do quite a bit without my chair like showering, making food, etc. These are things I will need to be able to do quite efficiently before I go. Making food is pretty easy as long as it's simple (easy meaning I don't have to sit down), and showering was fine as long as I have a shower chair to sit in while in the shower. For that obstacle, I will be buying myself a folding camping stool that folds to the size of my hand so I can carry it around with me in my backpack. This will be my shower chair, and emergency place to sit should I be somewhere without its own place to sit down. I know I will only be stronger and more in shape by the time I leave, but I want to be prepared and safe. My entire trip would be ruined should I fall and injure myself. As much as it pains me to even think about it, I am prepared for that, too. In the event that I should fall and injure myself, I will have to rent a wheelchair for my time up there. If the injury is so bad that I cannot manage to drive home, I will have to fly back home and go back up again when I've healed. This is all just plan D, because I know I will not fall.
I've made myself a checklist and will keep checking it and making sure I am fully prepared for the journey. I certainly wouldn't have to do all of this if I were going with my chair, but that's the fun part. The planning and the training are all part of the trip, and that makes it that much more exciting and fun. It's definitely hard work, but I have never been afraid of that!
So, once again today I will be walking as much as I possibly can. I am gradually working my way to not using the chair at all during the day, only at night for late-night bathroom trips. Eventually, I will get back to no inside chair like I was before my last major fall. I am much stronger and more confident now so another fall is a lot less likely, although still possible.
Step count today: 252
Steps I'm behind: 6,915
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 160
So, it's official, I will be going up north to see my family this summer! I am very excited about this new development, and have a lot of work and planning to do as I will be going sans chair! That's right, I will be taking a walker only... eek!
I did very well walking yesterday, and I did it all barefoot, something that has been quite difficult for me over the course of this journey. The last time I tried walking barefoot for any length of time (over 400 steps or so), my feet would get very fatigued and then turn inward onto my arches and I did not have the strength to get them back straight. To prevent this, I would simply wear my sneakers and my foot brace. Yesterday, I didn't need the shoes, or the brace, and I did rather well considering I walked over 800 steps in a somewhat short period of time!
Going on such a long trip without my wheels is something I would have never thought of doing even two months ago. I have come so far that it's almost unbelievable. This will be a huge trip, and something I need to start planning for today, but I am up for the challenge! I'm strong and capable, and I will do this.
The biggest obstacle I see as of now is the airport. I will have to get there several hours early to be sure they have a chair available to get me through the vast expanse of the airport, to the gate, and on the plane. No problem there, it just takes planning. The other obstacle will of course be fatigue, but provided I bust ass walking from now until then, I will do nothing but get into better shape than I am now, and I could do the trip now if I had to.
I will of course be in constant motion up north, going from place to place trying to see as many people as I can while I'm there, but there will always be time to sit and visit, and rest.
Who knows, maybe by then (seven weeks from now) I will be able to just take some crutches. Those would be easier to transport, although as of now they are not easier to walk with, so time will tell.
The big event will be the trip home. I am driving. Driving is the easy part, it's the stops and the walking that's the hard part. Although, after hours of being on the road, the stretching and moving around will no doubt feel good.
Besides, how can I possibly not be happy on the trip home when THIS is what I will be driving:
And P.S., the lavender house in the background is the house I grew up in! My cousins own it now. Yes, it has been that color since I can remember.
I am just vibrating with excitement right now. Time to get to work!
Step count today: 726
Steps I'm behind: 6,893
I did very well walking yesterday, and I did it all barefoot, something that has been quite difficult for me over the course of this journey. The last time I tried walking barefoot for any length of time (over 400 steps or so), my feet would get very fatigued and then turn inward onto my arches and I did not have the strength to get them back straight. To prevent this, I would simply wear my sneakers and my foot brace. Yesterday, I didn't need the shoes, or the brace, and I did rather well considering I walked over 800 steps in a somewhat short period of time!
Going on such a long trip without my wheels is something I would have never thought of doing even two months ago. I have come so far that it's almost unbelievable. This will be a huge trip, and something I need to start planning for today, but I am up for the challenge! I'm strong and capable, and I will do this.
The biggest obstacle I see as of now is the airport. I will have to get there several hours early to be sure they have a chair available to get me through the vast expanse of the airport, to the gate, and on the plane. No problem there, it just takes planning. The other obstacle will of course be fatigue, but provided I bust ass walking from now until then, I will do nothing but get into better shape than I am now, and I could do the trip now if I had to.
I will of course be in constant motion up north, going from place to place trying to see as many people as I can while I'm there, but there will always be time to sit and visit, and rest.
Who knows, maybe by then (seven weeks from now) I will be able to just take some crutches. Those would be easier to transport, although as of now they are not easier to walk with, so time will tell.
The big event will be the trip home. I am driving. Driving is the easy part, it's the stops and the walking that's the hard part. Although, after hours of being on the road, the stretching and moving around will no doubt feel good.
Besides, how can I possibly not be happy on the trip home when THIS is what I will be driving:
And P.S., the lavender house in the background is the house I grew up in! My cousins own it now. Yes, it has been that color since I can remember.
I am just vibrating with excitement right now. Time to get to work!
Step count today: 726
Steps I'm behind: 6,893
Friday, May 28, 2010
Day 148
I took the past couple of days off of walking. To be honest, I just didn't want to, and I needed the rest. My legs have been screaming at me, and I know when to listen.
I am sure that most of you have heard about Matt, the man who quit his job to go "walkabout" across the US from New York to Oregon, but just in case you've just come out from under your rock:
http://www.imjustwalkin.com/
Most people only dream of doing something like what Matt is doing. I am one of them. I think his journey is amazing, and I only wish I had the ability to do the same. The sites he has seen, and the people he has encountered, are incredible. I'm just blown away by the whole thing. If I had the resources, I would travel to him and walk beside him as long as I could.
So, after staying up until the wee hours of the morning reading every post and looking at every picture Matt has posted along his journey so far, I am now filled with wanderlust. The best I can do to cure it is walk in my home and add to my step count, then maybe hit the park later for some much needed cardio.
Step count today: 520
Steps I'm behind: 7,064
I am sure that most of you have heard about Matt, the man who quit his job to go "walkabout" across the US from New York to Oregon, but just in case you've just come out from under your rock:
http://www.imjustwalkin.com/
Most people only dream of doing something like what Matt is doing. I am one of them. I think his journey is amazing, and I only wish I had the ability to do the same. The sites he has seen, and the people he has encountered, are incredible. I'm just blown away by the whole thing. If I had the resources, I would travel to him and walk beside him as long as I could.
So, after staying up until the wee hours of the morning reading every post and looking at every picture Matt has posted along his journey so far, I am now filled with wanderlust. The best I can do to cure it is walk in my home and add to my step count, then maybe hit the park later for some much needed cardio.
Step count today: 520
Steps I'm behind: 7,064
Monday, May 24, 2010
Day 144
I got so overwhelmed yesterday that I never got the chance to enter in my blog, so I am carrying over yesterday's step count to today.
Step count today: 623
Steps I'm behind: 6,548
Step count today: 623
Steps I'm behind: 6,548
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 141
After walking 1,103 steps yesterday, my left hip is hurting me a bit today. I also suffered with a terrible leg spasm all -- night -- long. My left leg spasmed hard, and quite painfully, from the time I laid down until the time I got up in the morning. I'm sure it's just the extra movement, or it's pissed off, or whatever. All I know is it was painful, I couldn't sleep, and it was terribly annoying.
So today I thought I would take it a bit easier in the step department, although I don't seem to be doing that as of yet.
Step count today: 713
Steps I'm behind: 6,624
So today I thought I would take it a bit easier in the step department, although I don't seem to be doing that as of yet.
Step count today: 713
Steps I'm behind: 6,624
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 140
The day after I did my 1,031 steps, I took a break. I had company coming, so I had to clean all day, and my legs were feeling the affects from the day before, so I figured it was a good time to rest and let the muscles repair themselves. Yesterday, I took as many steps as I could muster, but after having company and not getting much sleep, I did just below my daily requirement and then called it. I figured it's best to be a little short, than fall and get behind even further.
Today will be my day to attempt to squeeze in 1,000 again, and do three miles in my chair. The miles are getting easier and easier, as I get in better and better shape. The better shape I am in, the longer distances I can walk before becoming fatigued. It's all such a great process, and I love how it's making my body feel. I've always had a strong ticker, and I love that it's getting even stronger with all the cardio I am doing. It's going to need to be strong to once again pump blood through 6' of standing me!
So, it's off to the races today. The last thousand steps I did made me feel so accomplished and proud that I just can't wait to get another thousand down.
Step count today: 1103
Steps I'm behind: 7,063
Today will be my day to attempt to squeeze in 1,000 again, and do three miles in my chair. The miles are getting easier and easier, as I get in better and better shape. The better shape I am in, the longer distances I can walk before becoming fatigued. It's all such a great process, and I love how it's making my body feel. I've always had a strong ticker, and I love that it's getting even stronger with all the cardio I am doing. It's going to need to be strong to once again pump blood through 6' of standing me!
So, it's off to the races today. The last thousand steps I did made me feel so accomplished and proud that I just can't wait to get another thousand down.
Step count today: 1103
Steps I'm behind: 7,063
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Day 132
It has been a great walking day today. My legs feel strong, and thinking back to how I used to walk, I am taking much more normal steps with a more normal stride. I can also walk a lot further before becoming fatigued, both in my arms and my legs. I will shoot for 400 steps a day for the rest of May, and I can't wait to see how much I progress after that!
Step count today: 579
Steps I'm behind: 7,275
Step count today: 579
Steps I'm behind: 7,275
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Getting Motivated - Day 131
I'm having a hard time getting motivated today. It happens sometimes -- days when I feel like not doing much. They are rare, but they happen. Today is certainly one of those days.
So what do you do when you can't seem to find the motivation to do what needs to be done?
Me? I try not to think about it and just get in "robot" mode, and do it. Once I start, it seems I forget all about being lazy and unmotivated, and I'm off to the races.
So, the biggest hurdle is that initial hump. That little push we need to get started. Afterall, energy breeds energy, so once you are up and moving you will remain up and moving.
Some days my coffee is enough, some days I need something else. Today, I strapped on my Livestrong
bracelet so that the sight of it on my wrist will make me feel even lazier if I don't get up and get started on something (I mean Lance Armstrong rides for like five hours at a time!). I need to do some crawling, it has been a few days, and I definitely need to do some walking. Maybe the power of Lance will inject me with the energy I need to accomplish those tasks.
On other days it seems no matter what I do, I just can't summon the energy it takes to do anything. Those are the days I listen to my body and take it easy. Afterall, even God rested one day out of seven.
Food is good energy, too. I just had some of my famous boneless wings (no breading) and a big glass of water.
It's off to the races I go...
Step count today: 413
Steps I'm behind: 7,580 (eeks!)
I found this and thought I would add it as a tasty treat of motivation:
So what do you do when you can't seem to find the motivation to do what needs to be done?
Me? I try not to think about it and just get in "robot" mode, and do it. Once I start, it seems I forget all about being lazy and unmotivated, and I'm off to the races.
So, the biggest hurdle is that initial hump. That little push we need to get started. Afterall, energy breeds energy, so once you are up and moving you will remain up and moving.
Some days my coffee is enough, some days I need something else. Today, I strapped on my Livestrong
bracelet so that the sight of it on my wrist will make me feel even lazier if I don't get up and get started on something (I mean Lance Armstrong rides for like five hours at a time!). I need to do some crawling, it has been a few days, and I definitely need to do some walking. Maybe the power of Lance will inject me with the energy I need to accomplish those tasks. On other days it seems no matter what I do, I just can't summon the energy it takes to do anything. Those are the days I listen to my body and take it easy. Afterall, even God rested one day out of seven.
Food is good energy, too. I just had some of my famous boneless wings (no breading) and a big glass of water.
It's off to the races I go...
Step count today: 413
Steps I'm behind: 7,580 (eeks!)
I found this and thought I would add it as a tasty treat of motivation:
Yes, that is me, about 13 years ago shortly before my illness. My motivation.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Day 128
It is a sweltering day here in Florida. The humidity is thick as butter today! Should make for an interesting cardio session later, especially when I add some weight to my chair for an even better workout.
I was tired yesterday, and lacking energy. We went to the trail to get in our miles, and I was struggling so I called it at one mile. I felt like such a pansy, but I guess my body was just having "one of those days". I know something is better than nothing, but it frustrates me when I feel like I just can't go on no matter how hard I try. For someone who is now doing three miles at a time, one mile just seems like defeat. I know it's not, but it seems like it.
Today will be better. I also need to get some more steps and crawling in today. It will be a busy day of working out so I can make up for being such a weakling yesterday ;^)
I can't wait to get out in the heat and sweat off some frustrations.
Step count today: 277
Steps I'm behind: 7,171
I was tired yesterday, and lacking energy. We went to the trail to get in our miles, and I was struggling so I called it at one mile. I felt like such a pansy, but I guess my body was just having "one of those days". I know something is better than nothing, but it frustrates me when I feel like I just can't go on no matter how hard I try. For someone who is now doing three miles at a time, one mile just seems like defeat. I know it's not, but it seems like it.
Today will be better. I also need to get some more steps and crawling in today. It will be a busy day of working out so I can make up for being such a weakling yesterday ;^)
I can't wait to get out in the heat and sweat off some frustrations.
Step count today: 277
Steps I'm behind: 7,171
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Day 126
I celebrated Cinco de Mayo yesterday with five miles. That's the first five mile "roll" I've done since I began training. It felt great!
The only downside I can see to doing so much cardio is that it has increased my energy levels exponentially, and now all I want to do is get out there and do more cardio. I am finding mundane everyday tasks boring and effortless. These are all good developments, it's just going to take some getting used to. I am learning to manage the higher energy levels, but I never thought it would be so hard to do. I'm suddenly like Speedy Gonzales on steroids... ZOOM!
Getting in shape has never felt so good, and with each pound that comes off, and each mile I add to my workout, I notice how much easier it is to walk and crawl. I still have my "off" days of course, but I can really start to feel results and I'm loving it. It has become my way of life that every single day I have to do something to work up a sweat, and something that makes me use my body more than the day before. It's as if I'm 21 again (I wish).
Today will be no exception. Once this coffee kicks in I'm off to do something good.
Step count today: 250
Steps I'm behind: 7,175
The only downside I can see to doing so much cardio is that it has increased my energy levels exponentially, and now all I want to do is get out there and do more cardio. I am finding mundane everyday tasks boring and effortless. These are all good developments, it's just going to take some getting used to. I am learning to manage the higher energy levels, but I never thought it would be so hard to do. I'm suddenly like Speedy Gonzales on steroids... ZOOM!
Getting in shape has never felt so good, and with each pound that comes off, and each mile I add to my workout, I notice how much easier it is to walk and crawl. I still have my "off" days of course, but I can really start to feel results and I'm loving it. It has become my way of life that every single day I have to do something to work up a sweat, and something that makes me use my body more than the day before. It's as if I'm 21 again (I wish).
Today will be no exception. Once this coffee kicks in I'm off to do something good.
Step count today: 250
Steps I'm behind: 7,175
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day 124
My legs hurt like hell today. I guess that's a good thing, but it doesn't make the pain any more bearable.
I think I'm having an all around "I feel like crap" day. We all get them. Today is mine. I own it. Maybe I need a nap.
The heat is insane here in Florida. It's like Mother Nature woke up and forgot what month we're in. Someone needs to tell her she's way off. I would, but I'm too busy being lazy.
Must... go... do... something... productive...
Step count today: 50
Steps I'm behind: 7,157
I think I'm having an all around "I feel like crap" day. We all get them. Today is mine. I own it. Maybe I need a nap.
The heat is insane here in Florida. It's like Mother Nature woke up and forgot what month we're in. Someone needs to tell her she's way off. I would, but I'm too busy being lazy.
Must... go... do... something... productive...
Step count today: 50
Steps I'm behind: 7,157
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 118
I accomplished what I set out to do yesterday, minus the exercise bike. By the time I had done my five minutes of crawling I felt like I had just ran a marathon, and I still had to go do three miles in my chair, so I figured I'd save my strength. I am going to get on the bike today, however.
Apparently I'm getting in shape again since yesterday's three miles weren't necessarily a piece of cake, but it wasn't exactly hard either. During the three miles I felt the usual pains; shoulders and triceps burning, hating it at certain points, wanting to stop, but I pushed on. Afterward was when it didn't feel like I had really done anything. I was waiting for that "wow, I just did three miles" feeling to kick in and it never did. I guess my body is getting conditioned and I will need to pick up the pace a bit and start adding distance. YAY!
I will do some more crawling today and see if I can't go a little further. Although I did the five minutes yesterday, I had to break for a little bit about mid-point and let my arms go back in their sockets and catch my breath. I would like to see if I can go farther than 2 1/2 minutes before breaking. Yesterday it felt like I left my arms on the floor when I had finished, but I guess that means I'm getting a good workout :^)~
This crawling thing is proving to be a very hard workout, and I love it. I need to try to add as much every day as I can. Muscles are getting worked that don't normally do anything, even when I walk, so I am very happy about that. Between the walking, crawling, and miles in my chair I should be a rail in no time! A very muscular rail :^)
I'm a little less annoyed with people today. Yesterday was good -- I didn't have anybody bother me at the park -- even though there were lots of people there. That's how it should be. I realize that some people are just ignorant, or they just don't know any better, but that shouldn't be my problem, and just because I'm in a wheelchair it sometimes becomes my problem, and that makes me even more upset. There are days when I can take it with a grain of salt and brush it off as just another clueless person, and then there are days like the past few when I just get fed up with being nice all the time. I suppose with everything there has to be balance.
The good news is that for every person that says something stupid or does something stupid, there are countless others who totally "get it" and make my life enjoyable. People like my close friends who don't treat me any differently, yet quietly look out for me and keep my disability in mind. The cool people in my life who love me for me. The new people I have met over the past year who have turned out to be amazing, and the people I have known most of my life with whom I have recently renewed friendships. And, let's not forget those of you who support me and my effort to try to walk again. I could gush all day about you people. You know who you are (I hope), and I just want to say thanks. It's people like you who get people like me through every minute of every day.
Step count today: 341
Step's I'm behind: 6,708
Apparently I'm getting in shape again since yesterday's three miles weren't necessarily a piece of cake, but it wasn't exactly hard either. During the three miles I felt the usual pains; shoulders and triceps burning, hating it at certain points, wanting to stop, but I pushed on. Afterward was when it didn't feel like I had really done anything. I was waiting for that "wow, I just did three miles" feeling to kick in and it never did. I guess my body is getting conditioned and I will need to pick up the pace a bit and start adding distance. YAY!
I will do some more crawling today and see if I can't go a little further. Although I did the five minutes yesterday, I had to break for a little bit about mid-point and let my arms go back in their sockets and catch my breath. I would like to see if I can go farther than 2 1/2 minutes before breaking. Yesterday it felt like I left my arms on the floor when I had finished, but I guess that means I'm getting a good workout :^)~
This crawling thing is proving to be a very hard workout, and I love it. I need to try to add as much every day as I can. Muscles are getting worked that don't normally do anything, even when I walk, so I am very happy about that. Between the walking, crawling, and miles in my chair I should be a rail in no time! A very muscular rail :^)
I'm a little less annoyed with people today. Yesterday was good -- I didn't have anybody bother me at the park -- even though there were lots of people there. That's how it should be. I realize that some people are just ignorant, or they just don't know any better, but that shouldn't be my problem, and just because I'm in a wheelchair it sometimes becomes my problem, and that makes me even more upset. There are days when I can take it with a grain of salt and brush it off as just another clueless person, and then there are days like the past few when I just get fed up with being nice all the time. I suppose with everything there has to be balance.
The good news is that for every person that says something stupid or does something stupid, there are countless others who totally "get it" and make my life enjoyable. People like my close friends who don't treat me any differently, yet quietly look out for me and keep my disability in mind. The cool people in my life who love me for me. The new people I have met over the past year who have turned out to be amazing, and the people I have known most of my life with whom I have recently renewed friendships. And, let's not forget those of you who support me and my effort to try to walk again. I could gush all day about you people. You know who you are (I hope), and I just want to say thanks. It's people like you who get people like me through every minute of every day.
Step count today: 341
Step's I'm behind: 6,708
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Day 114
Ah, Saturday. I am markedly less sore today then I was yesterday, and thank God. I could hardly move yesterday! Between the walking I did the day before, and the crawling, my entire body was so sore it hurt to breathe. All in a good way, of course, but painful nonetheless. It was an ibuprofen kind of day to say the least.
I can still feel some remnants of soreness today, but not so much that I'm not anxious to get some more walking/crawling in today. For something that seemed so silly, and somewhat embarrassing, it has become fun to me. My little dog gets all excited and walks with me, and I enjoy knowing I am getting great results. I can already feel the added strength in my core and thighs. Hallelujah! I'll be dancing before I know it!
Although I had planned to do quite a bit of crawling yesterday, the soreness was too great so I only took a few steps. I did get in two miles in my chair, however. Even doing that took every last bit of willpower I had to get out there, but just as always, once I did I was glad I did.
Every day that goes by I am more and more glad that I made the decisions I have made these past couple of years. Who knows where I would be, or what I would be doing had I stayed where I was and kept doing what I was doing. God works in mysterious ways, and I thank Him everyday for opening my eyes.
Step count today: 300
Steps I'm behind: 6,357
I can still feel some remnants of soreness today, but not so much that I'm not anxious to get some more walking/crawling in today. For something that seemed so silly, and somewhat embarrassing, it has become fun to me. My little dog gets all excited and walks with me, and I enjoy knowing I am getting great results. I can already feel the added strength in my core and thighs. Hallelujah! I'll be dancing before I know it!
Although I had planned to do quite a bit of crawling yesterday, the soreness was too great so I only took a few steps. I did get in two miles in my chair, however. Even doing that took every last bit of willpower I had to get out there, but just as always, once I did I was glad I did.
Every day that goes by I am more and more glad that I made the decisions I have made these past couple of years. Who knows where I would be, or what I would be doing had I stayed where I was and kept doing what I was doing. God works in mysterious ways, and I thank Him everyday for opening my eyes.
Step count today: 300
Steps I'm behind: 6,357
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