The day I saw the test results from my endoscopy online over a week ago, was the same day I had an early dentist appointment and in my rush to get out of the apartment so I wouldn’t be late, despite waking up early, I forgot my hat and left with wet hair. There was no wind going to the appointment so there wasn’t much of an issue. Coming back to go home, the wind picked up and I just knew I’d be screwed. The pain in my head and sinuses from the frigid air was brutal. Normally I would have had a nice hot cup of tea or any warm drink but that was not an option as I can’t have anything hot due to my irritated esophagus. Next day and the days that followed I had the worst sore throat and then running nose, cough etc… So for over 10days I have been stuck at home not being able to go out and enjoy the outdoors. Enjoy the cold weather that brings me to life, gives me an extra pep in my step that I have always loved.
I was starting to go stir crazy honestly being in the stuffy apartment and today I couldn’t take it anymore so today, I figured I’d go out at least for a few blocks, with my new super warm hat and layer up in. It snowed today in New York and the snow covered trees made me smile and filled the air with Christmas vibes. I walked a block and half to a discount store to see if they had any apple cinnamon candles I have gotten there before but left after seeing they sold out. Despite the temp being 27 with a reel feel of 17, I was determined to go to the other discount store 6 blocks away but as soon as I felt the wind pick up and I started to cough, I walked as quickly as I could over the sheets of ice on the street and retreated back to my apartment.
Yeah it’s a bummer but with the icy wind seeping through my hat and the familiar stinging pain from the glacial air stripping my face of feeling, I thought it best to come home and give myself kudos that I at least tried to go out and got some fresh (albeit biting) cold air.
To continue keeping the blood flowing, I also did a few stretching and chair stand exercises to continue to build my glute and leg strength. Both of which have slowly been getting better.
So today was a win for me because I had the energy to get up and go out and while it was a super quick stroll, the point is, I got out. It’s the little wins, the little things sometimes, that we should appreciate and celebrate as I have mentioned before.
Tomorrow is a new day, and as I get better from both this cold and from Barrett’s/gastritis, my heart is full knowing that I will be able to go for walks more, will be able to see my friends more and hang out spend time with those I love.
For now, I am resting as much as I can and doing things I love that I had stopped caring about like drawing. I leave you with a pic of the latest artwork I did with inspiration from the Wise Potato chip bags that are celebrating Peanuts 75th anniversary. Here I used a combination of acrylic paint for snoopy, colored pencils and markers. Plus to make it even more festive, I added some blingy stickers from the craft store for the tree.
Continue to celebrate the small wins my phoenixes and remember to NEVER GIVE UP!
Mind Body Synergylia 