On Sunday I did a 2.8 mile hike with my hubby, son, and daughter in law. I must admit it was a bit ambitious, as it was a hike to a waterfall, so there was an abundance of steps. And treacherous ones at that, because they were quite step and those closer to the top of the mountain were covered in hidden ice. But if I am going to deal with pain, hiking is one of those things that are worth it to me. Even if that means, I am always behind and there is a slim chance I will catch up.
I took my time and rested as needed. I also focused on relaxing my muscles and breathing through each step so I kept getting plenty of oxygen to my muscles. There was as much mental work as physical going on. But it was all worth that huffing and puffing and moments of despair that crept in when I felt like heading back down that mountain.
I tried to stay in the moment and look at all the breathtaking scenery around me. I focused on the rush of the water in the river, and used its power to propel me. And it worked! I made it to the top and reveled in the immense spill of the waterfall. The mist coming off of it was cold and exhilarating. I learned and relearned that I can partake in these rewarding paths, despite the trials of taking the rougher trails.
I was surprised the next morning that my stiffness and soreness was no worse than most mornings. My calves just felt a bit tight. I was ready to start my week off on a positive note, so I began working on a post for this blog. Here is where I started making some wrong decisions.
It was a rainy, dreary day, so it was perfect for snuggling up on my bed and typing away as I listened to the rainfall. Unfortunately, I wasn’t listening to my body. I worked on writing and researching. I took some time to pay bills and gather tax information. I sorted through mail and paperwork. But I didn’t take the time to do yoga or any type of physical workout. And what a mistake that was.
My sleep last night was so sporadic. My pain had increased. It is as if I have spent a day wrapped like a mummy and curled inside a small box for hours with no room to move. I know this is what happens when I don’t move enough. That’s the thing with fibro, you can either move too much, or not enough. Balance is important. I’ve learned this, I know this, yet, from time to time, I have to relearn it.
There is something else I relearned. I have to be authentic. I enjoy writing, but there was no real joy in yesterday’s writing. It wasn’t totally coming entirely from my voice. My style. So, even though it was an accomplishment, it was also a lesson. Not only was it too long for me to sit and write, it likely was too long to read. I’m not even sure it was as coherent as it should be. But, I am better for having written it. Just as I am better by having hiked that mountain.
Willpower to Well Power 