Spoon theory

[30048]

After reading the conversation about the common personality traits that we seem to share ( who knew?) I wanted to make sure that everyone had read the Spoon Theory that was posted awhile ago. I found it very helpful.  The woman who wrote it had Lupus but it was something we could all relate to I think.  The best line was " planning your day is like strataging a  war".   I think it can be found on the " but you don't look sick " website.

[HeronNS]

During Lent this year I resolved to do constructive things that would be helpful for me (having spent a lifetime denying myself).  There were several activities in addition to the regular walk and exercises I do daily:  sing, play the piano, read aloud to myself (so I maintain my voice as I live a rather solitary existence) keep up with Spanish and French on Duolingo (q.v.), make a Zentangle drawing, and practice tai chi.  None of these are particularly "constructive".  I'm not going to end up with a great work of art, nor become a good linguist or pianist.  But somehow over the past few weeks I've begun to feel more contented, and perhaps these simple actions performed over a longer period of time will eventually lead to my becoming more genuinely creative again. 

And now that the weather is improving, I'm going into the garden to destroy some coltsfoot!

[Pat9442 in reply to HeronNS]

Loved the gorilla in the house!  Knew we had a third person living with us.  Mine is taking an awful long time to tame though!

[Cemmein in reply to HeronNS]

Well done! Do rember that never mind the body singing, playing the piano & taichi are good for the soul! That in itself helps!

Fortunately I can still sing with others once or twice a week if I rest during the day & take maximum tramadol for the evening (150 mg out of my maximum of 400 mg per day.)

However much as I love Tai Chi I always get a flare up after about three sessions so had to give it up. Also I can no longer play the piano because my upper arms and shoulders ache.

 Likewise playing the violin which I had to give up years ago so singing is quite the best! One can always sit down if having a bad day but it is so important to be singing with others because one feels so uplifted! Painting is OK to if not too long though it is easy to get carried away & not notice time but suffer later. 

Church is  wonderful for keeping in touch with people but I always sit atvthecfront to avoid extra bugs being coughed at my compromised immune system, and only pop in to say hello  cypher wise it is too tiring. Having had PMR for many years I have invested in a buggy which I can ride on to shops & church & carry lots of shopping & it has transformed my life as it is easier than the car which is difficult to find disabled parking places.

I have recently bought from a magazine a wonderful swivel stool on wheels which I can sit on to reach the year th and garden so thrilled to be able to garden again!

We are so lucky to enjoy these activities so good luck with them just watch you pace yourself which is really important! C xx

[HeronNS in reply to Cemmein]

It's interesting how we all find ways to adapt to our diminished circumstances.  You are so right, nurturing our soul is really important, especially as the body dwindles.  If you like art but find it tiring, do consider Zentangle - it's a kind of formalized doodling, and I find it very relaxing.  I belong to a community choir where people are kind enough not to remind me that I have no voice.  However I think I can now carry a tune....

[polkadotcom]

There's also "A Gorilla in the House" which while being very enlightening to those who are healthy, also made me laugh out loud.  A Google should find it.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

butyoudontlooksick.com/arti...

for those who struggle to use search engines!

And thank you polkadotcom for the gorilla - I knew batsgirl but not this:

batsgirl.blogspot.it/2008/0...

[Caro12line in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the link to the Gorrilla...   I have forwarded it to my husband and my boss ...   Don't think they will totally get it ...  But they just might X