Re: New to list - Introduction/Relaxing

[Guest guest]

Diane,

Here is what I do to relax. I go take a hot shower, put on fresh shorts, a

tee shirt, clean socks and my work boots. Then I go out into the garage, put on

a korn CD, turn it up loud and work on my dirt bikes. Don't answer the phone,

don't stop what you are doing for anyone and for God's sake work at what you

love until satisfied, then call it a day. If its not working on dirt bikes

while listening to then go read a book in a warm tub, plant a garden,

knit, paint a picture, write a story, create something that reminds people of

you. Look back on your life and ask yourself what always puts a smile on your

face when everything looks bleak then go do it.

Stevernio...aka Bad Steve

Diane wrote:

I also have a meditation CD called Guided Meditations, by Bodhipaksa

(I got it from Amazon). It's just a ish man with a very soothing

voice talking you through 3 different meditation exercises. The one

for calmness is particularly good for helping you get to sleep.

[Guest guest]

<< Look back on your life and ask yourself what always puts a smile on your

face when everything looks bleak then go do it.>>>

Hi Stevernio!

The problem with what you suggest is that the things that I want to do that

make me smile I can no longer do! I have tried to do them in moderation but

I still end up in more pain the next day and then it only makes me sad that

I can't do it. I used to go out in the garden and plant, weed, and work all

day but now I'm lucky if I can do 15-20 minutes. I love to cook but now

some cheese & crackers and fruit is my dinner many nights.

I am trying to learn some new things to do but so far nothing I've tried has

really turned my on. I'll keep trying but it is hard when everything you

loved to do can no longer be part of your life because it brings on more

pain.

I'm glad you are able to do something you love and that it makes you so

happy...keep it up as long as possible.

Take care,

Ann

[Guest guest]

Ann,

I know from where you speak. After I retired from the Military (25 Years) the

VA rated my disability at 80%. I about fell over when when I read that. My

head was filled with all sorts of thoughts, all of them not good. I don't like

being less then what I was. I went from running 4.5 miles x3 a week, one 8 mile

hike with a 40 pound pack x1 a week, 4 trips to the gym benching 280 pounds and

squatting 600 pounds to a frail ill person that I am today. This is not how I

expected to end up. Like my military Doc said, " you have the health issues of

someone 20 years older then your current age " .

My current health issues are neuropathy, active tremors, chronic abdominal

pain and joint pain and I'm sure I left something out.

If I didn't have anything I loved in life I would have finished my life a

while ago as I detest what I have become. But now that I'm back home in So Cal.

I have my best friend I grew up with. I have my wife and kids who I no doubt

stressed the hell out of through my decline and have stuck with me through it

all. I love to work and help people and I still put in 40+ hours a week. And

above all else I have my beloved dirt bikes which I'll work on and ride until

the day I die. Without these things I would be worm food to be sure.

To be true I can't go as fast as I could 28 years ago on a motorcycle, nor can

I go to the gym and left weights, nor can I jog let alone run. My list of

things I can't do gets longer all the time and I'll have to make adjustments as

things progress. I know I'll get to a point in the near future where I will

have to change the things I love but I will find new things to love. You need

to as well. You can still think and read so you still are you. And just like

me you aren't like you used to be and just like everyone around us they are not

either. You are not alone in your life nor am I. And I'm going to resist that

last 20% disability with all my ability. I don't know if you will find comfort

in this story but that is what I intended to give you none the less. Take care

Ann.

Stevernio

Ann wrote:

The problem with what you suggest is that the things that I want to do that

make me smile I can no longer do! I have tried to do them in moderation but

I still end up in more pain the next day and then it only makes me sad that

I can't do it.

[Guest guest]

Ann,

Steve and all are concerned about you as we have been through it - go

through it everyday. I'd love to have Steve's solution. But, I'm

seeing a path more like you and others here in this post.

Some of the things I used to do:

Gardening - gone, I can't dig the hole or pull the weeds. I even

bought tomato plants this year. However, I've gotten so bad that I

couldn't plant them. We got three golf ball sized tomatoes. Made me

cry.

Fishing - gone, too dangerous to be near the shore and fall down.

Walking - gone, just about too dangerous to be on the ground and fall

down! But I even get a walking stick last week!

Prayer - still helps along with meditation.

Driving - going.

40 hour work week at the best job in the world - going going...

Depression about losing confidence, skills, and self sometimes makes

me cry.

So, some people think the only choice is seeing the glass half full

or half empty. Obviously, you just have the wrong glass; I'm looking

for a differnt glass.

Laughter has helped me. Sometimes I just go outside and laugh. Just

start Hee Hee Hee with a head laugh, follow that with Haa Haa Haa

from your chest and lungs, and finish off with a belly laugh Hoo Hoo

Hoo. One of laughter's best benefits is its analgesic property.

Good luck on you search and please keep us posted.

3 Cheers (live, love, and LAUGH)

Alan

Raleigh, NC

>

> The problem with what you suggest is that the things that I want to

do that

> make me smile I can no longer do! I have tried to do them in

moderation but

> I still end up in more pain the next day and then it only makes me

sad that

> I can't do it. I used to go out in the garden and plant, weed, and