Thankyou TangoCharlie. ❤

[Kendrew]

Eight days ago, TangoCharlie wrote a really uplifting post that started a lovely, and quite long thread, relating to 'feeling sorry for ourselves' and the things we can do to bring some positivity back.

Some would call it synchronicity as I had just arrived in Devon a few days earlier for the annual holiday and was definitely feeling sorry for myself the morning I read it and I was definitely in danger of wallowing in my own misery!....you see I'd just discovered I was not as able to walk as far or for as long, as when on holiday last year! It came as quite a shock!

Thankfully, TC's post facilitated a complete turnaround of attitude though, and instead of wallowing in 'poor me' syndrome I took on some of her ideas and over a week later I can honestly say I'm having the time of my life!

Josh & Sophie (my son and fiancée) spent 5 of those days with us and we had the loveliest time walking around Dartmouth, Salcombe, etc, but with frequent ice cream and coffee stops for a rest so I didn't get too exhausted.

I spent time on the beach outside our holiday property laughing at Josh's antics on his newly acquired paddleboard.

I had my first ride on an open-topped bus and in an evening, we all had a little walk up to a viewing point looking back down to our house and the lake and sea. As you can see from the photo I took, it was quite a climb (for me) but I took it very slowly and in stages (there were about 40 steps in total) and I did it!!.... and with no repercussions!! The view from the top was incredible and to have missed out on that 'moment' would have been unthinkable now.

I'm scared of water but I've been in the sea with hubby for a paddle....and a short swim!..... and OH MY GOODNESS!... the feeling of exhilaration and achievement when I came out.

David and I had a beautiful walk around part of the lake and saw water birds and butterflies we'd not have seen from the car. It wasn't a long walk, but it was long enough for us both to enjoy it.

So!....THANKYOU TANGOCHARLIE.

If I hadn't read your post, I may have still been wallowing in my own misery and missed out on so many wonderful and new 'memories made'. Instead, I'm having the most enjoyable and fun holiday I couldn't ever have imagined possible!

Your 'Problems & Solutions' list definitely triggered a little spark of much-needed magic!

❤ ❤ ❤

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

You seem to have posted this twice 😊

[Kendrew in reply to DorsetLady]

🙄🙄🙄😄😄

[Kendrew in reply to DorsetLady]

Not sure how that happened but I've removed one now!😂😊 Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Kendrew]

It happens ….. blame HU or the weather. 😉

[Rose54]

How lovely I think those are a lot of us feeling sorry for our self’s at present . Last Thursday lying in bed l gave myself a good talking to .

Got up and went out for a few hours intending to Bus to our nearest seaside resort . I am lucky living on a island surrounded by sea .

I ended up on one of the costal buses that went around quarter on the Island took 1 hour and forty min but it was worth it . Spectacular views .

Must do the rest of the island before the winter comes .

[SheffieldJane in reply to Rose54]

A great way to see a place. I’ve done it in York, Bath, Edinburgh and London, seeing all the sights, getting the history without any physical stress at all. Today you’d need sunblock, parasol , water, sunglasses, hat and a handheld fan. Where there is a will, there is a way.Great post Kendrew. As I said, she is a ray of sunshine as are you, or should I say, a drop of refreshing rain.

[Kendrew in reply to SheffieldJane]

Haha!.... well a drop of refreshing rain is definitely preferable to a big drip!!..... as my sister used to call me! 😄😄Thankyou. ❤

[SheffieldJane in reply to Kendrew]

That is mild to what mine called me - slug was a memorable one. 😂

[Kendrew in reply to SheffieldJane]

Haha!... oh dear!... how rude!!😂

[tangocharlie in reply to SheffieldJane]

*Blushing* but glad it helped people as it helped me

[Charlie1boy]

Nice one. Really happy for you. You have a super attitude, and, this time, it just needed the little prompt that you got.Good wishes.

Paddy

[Koalajane]

So glad you are able to do more and that TC helped. I have realised that I am not walking as far as I did last year but I think that is due to my sciatica. Keep strong

[Kendrew in reply to Koalajane]

Thankyou. You too.I know I'm in that dreaded area where my adrenals are trying to get going again, so I'm not surprised that activities like simply walking or going up a small hill are proving more challenging at the moment.

Haha!.....maybe next year, and in the words of Kate Bush,.... "I'll be runnin up that hill"!! 😄❤️❤️

[SheffieldJane in reply to Kendrew]

Hey Ho silver lining! 😃

[Kendrew in reply to SheffieldJane]

Haha!.... Well for anyone who remembers the late, great David Bowie..... we're all 'Heroes' here!

[RoomsonFire]

Thanks for sharing your Thoughts and recent Holiday Experience Kendrew 🙏 I have been Alternating in thinking I should be able to do things as I did “ Before “ and the hopeless feeling of I cannot do Anything ! 😂 - 18 months with this Problem now , Your approach of Trying Activities and planning Support and Modifications seems the Positive way to do it ! On Holiday and Everyday , It’s encouraging to know we are the same Age with the same Issues to deal with Creatively 🙏 🥰

[Kendrew in reply to RoomsonFire]

It's definitely about changing your expectations....which I'm now usually pretty good at, but occasionally I start to overthink things too much again and once you start to get maudlin it can very quickly become a slippery slope down into that pit of self pity again!I know the things that I categorically am unable to do at the moment, but there are many things I either assume I can't do or won't attempt to do.... just in case!!! Sometimes it is ok to 'jump off the cliff' as long as you've a support network to help you fly!

Good planning and pre-empting any anticipated complications is key to successful outcomes.

My life has changed but it hasn't stopped!

[RoomsonFire in reply to Kendrew]

🥰 On Holiday last year on a short Walk to the Pub - I attempted to step up and over a Stile , in a Field , 😂 My Husband literally had to Heft me up and Lift me over ! We found a different Route back ! 😁

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to RoomsonFire]

For your husband’s sake if not yours😂🤣..you might have managed it easier after a couple of drinks.

[Kendrew in reply to DorsetLady]

Hahaha 😂

[Kendrew in reply to RoomsonFire]

Love that. 😄

[cycli in reply to Kendrew]

happy for you. Also envious as Dartmouth is one of my favourite locations. Fortunately every day is like a holiday where we live as the farm is situated in one of the most beautiful Teesdale valleys with our own stretch of river and every day I wake I can see unrivalled countryside, a plethora of animals and wildlife such as 12 hares in one field in March many birds if of prey raising families along with the moor and marsh and field varieties of bird. Saves on travel and accommodation.

[Kendrew in reply to cycli]

May I ask where in Teesdale you are??

[cycli]

DL12 9LU google maps will show.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to cycli]

Probably should have put in PM not on open forum….🤨

[cycli in reply to DorsetLady]

maybe, but i'm an open book and anyone is welcome to drop by if passing. easy drop off 66.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to cycli]

Fair enough, but some get a bit twitchy about it…bit too far for me to come for a mooch and a couple tea….. 🤣

[cycli in reply to DorsetLady]

haha. you never know

[Kendrew in reply to cycli]

Haha! We still have relatives up that way, so I'll let you know next time we're your way and you can get the kettle on!😄

[cycli in reply to Kendrew]

no problem

[Kendrew in reply to cycli]

👍👍👍

[Kendrew in reply to cycli]

How beautiful...my MIL had relatives not far from you. Yes, you're very fortunate.... nature on your doorstep is a great mood booster and definitely helps me to cope when things become challenging.

[Lookingforideas]

Thanks for that too 😁. I wasn’t feeling particularly down when I read TC’s post but it still resonated as a reminder of the ‘always being grateful for what we Do have’ rather than what we don’t frame of mind - (and vice versa with the negative stuff!). I’ve just had a fantastic driving club long weekend in Wales. There was one viewpoint that I assessed as too high/hard to attempt - more because of the MS slightly dodgy leg than the PMR, but apart from that everything else was fine and we are so lucky to be able to do all those lovely things, meet so many fun and likeminded people and generally have a great time - when so many others in the world just can’t even imagine the benefits we have - so yes, it’s always wonderful to be given a little nudge into the ‘gratefulness’ frame of mind’!!!Many thanks to both of you for that 😁👍xx

[Bcol]

Lively uplifting post , its so easy to get stuck in a rut when feeling low/down and sometimes all it needs is a little nudge, from whatever source, to help with seeing life in a different and positive way. Great news. You've sorted the water problem now, so pictures of you on the paddleboard next year please!!

[Kendrew in reply to Bcol]

Actually...I'm hoping to have a go before the end of this summer if we can get a weekend with Joshua and Sophie. Its very good for strengthening, legs, arms, core AND very good for balance training too. So.....watch this space!!

😀😀😀

[Bcol in reply to Kendrew]

Fantastic, will watch the space with great eagerness. After my adventure today perhaps I'd better do some balance training as well!!

[Highlandtiger in reply to Kendrew]

Go for it! I had my first shot at it on Sunday and it was great fun! And yes it does involve all sorts of muscles…