A Eureka Moment.........

[chrysalis8x]

Since discovering this forum, I have allowed myself to be 'obsessed' with two nagging 'mental hangnails:' 1) what type of AF do I have? and 2) what can I do to help myself get to the point where I can dump the NOAC? Neither really matters that much anymore.

It's been a bit of a dry spell for me these past few months, but yesterday I finally broke through the fog, and recognized that I (my ego) and my overbearing need to understand before I could accept, weren't the best choice of 'buddies' to help me get where I need to go. (a more positive mindset).

Early afternoon yesterday found me on the treadmill for the first time in too many weeks; my lungs filled with the air of active exertion rather than breath-work. (at almost 82, muscles like jello and osteo, it didn't take an uphill marathon)....

While stretching out the kinks and 'ruminating,' I realized how much more important it is to 'feel' alive than just 'be' alive. Somewhere along the path of the last year and a half, I had allowed myself to smother that mindset. Tsk, tsk, tsk, on me.

Many years ago after his terminal cancer diagnosis, celebrity John Wayne was stopped at the gate of the studio to greet the guard. Dialogue: "Good morning," Mr. Wayne, beautiful day isn't it?" JW: "Any day you wake up is a beautiful day, Pilgrim!"

True enough. May it be so for you and all in your world.

Chrysalis

[Hidden]

"As long as you can decide for yourself when you have had enough of the bitter chill of winter"

Badger said that.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

Good for you! So great to start the week by reading something positive! As my dad used to say, "Any day you wake up on the right side of the grass is a good day" Have a great day and keep up the great attitude!

[chrysalis8x in reply to SRMGrandma]

Thanks.....grateful for all your great input, as well as that of all the volunteers and more experienced voices on this site. Sounds like an exceptional human being, your Dad.

[SRMGrandma Volunteer in reply to chrysalis8x]

Yes, my dad truly was

[Peddling]

Great post. Hugely impressed by your grit and determination. Nice quote too.

[chrysalis8x in reply to Peddling]

Merci` with a bit of 'word-play'.....True Grit was one of John Wayne's biggest hits.

[BobD Volunteer]

I agree with JW. Having faced the grim reaper on several occasions in the last few years one needs a kick up the a--e occasionally to remind one. Live every day as if it is your last as one day you will be right.

[chrysalis8x]

The first time hearing the popular Stateside song: "Live like you were dying" by Tim McGraw booted me in the bum and got me moving out of my own self-imposed pity party. Link may not transmit, but giving it a go: google.com/search?sclient=p...

[Hidden in reply to chrysalis8x]

A tad sentimental but authenticated by the genuine backstory. I find that my response to sad music, say Mahler or Puccini, is a good marker for my mood, and occasionally an indication I need to adjust my meds.

[chrysalis8x in reply to Hidden]

H-m-m-m-m...music as a 'med marker'.....interesting....I learned to stay away from Bach and Wagner.....made me shudder....'to each his own' and 'whatever works!'

[Finvola]

Great post chrysalis - living with AF has made me much more appreciative of my life, health and relationships with myself and others.

Shout it out - TODAY I CAN. . . . do this, do that, do the other and then do some more!

Enjoy!

[chrysalis8x in reply to Finvola]

Right on, Finvola.....I CAN and I DO (much to the chagrin of family and friends). That said, however, I bow to the voice of reasonable expectations. (most times)