things to remember on the tough days

Prayer is a comfort. Be honest with God how you feel.
A friend or loved one is just a phone call away.
Many have gone through the same thing. You really aren't alone.
Rest and a good night's sleep will help. Take good care of yourself.
Nourish your body. Don't give in to the temptation to eat a lot of "comforting" crap.  It will make you feel worse.
Crying was designed to release grief and pain. Let it out.
If possible take time for a bubble bath.  It is luxurious and healing to the spirit.
Become a better person not bitter.
Sometimes we just need to wait out the storm.  Things change.  Nothing stays the same forever.

"Toss your dashed hopes not into a trash bin but into a drawer where you are likely to rummage some bright morning." ~Robert Brault

De-stressing

Doing some of my favorite things this afternoon...

Enjoying the warm fireplace on a cold day
Baking
Sipping coffee and a homemade blueberry muffin
Writing
Reading
Simple things, huh?

The morning found me back at my physical therapy appointment. Although the heat, ultrasound, massage, stretching and well-trained techniques of the therapist are HEAVENLY, they really aren't healing me thoroughly... meaning.. I still have pain. The pain and limited movement of my neck remains. My doctor demonstrated by just a light touch on an area of my neck that the joint is also damaged. Exercise can help train the joint to move and wear in the right ways. My next session will be deeper and more painful but also touch those small muscles around the joint that need to be worked.

Stress.

Goes to show you that stress has to go somewhere. I seem to handle my stress well on the outside, but the tension no one can see is accumulating in my neck! Between learning how to handle stress, physical therapy, and exercise I should get relief from this nagging problem, but it's not going to happen over night.

My doctor today was talking to me about releasing grief and the big stresses of life. We all have them from time to time. I was glad to know there are people in the world who understand. Having the tools and techniques needed during stressful times is valuable. The better I take care of myself, the better I can help take care of others too. Sheesh... you live and learn. I know I am never going to stop learning as long as I'm alive.


Today I am feeling the luxury of being home after confronting the cold and windy morning. My doctor also suggested I wear a neck warmer when I can... so I am. It is filled with natural grain and lavender oil. Mmmm....

I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but TODAY is a day of exhaling and breathing, and peace.

Don't let your mind bully your body into believing it must carry the burden of its worries. ~Astrid Alauda

There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won't cure, but I don't know many of them. ~Sylvia Plath

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