As I have mentioned in the previous motivational video, I was proud to have been walking a mile a few times a week until I fell in the bathtub and bruised my back. I have been in pain off and on, but two days after I fell, I walked a mile and then a few times after that. I even ventured out the day the blizzard started last Sunday.
This week, I did nothing except on Monday when I walked only 3 blocks to take pictures with my mom and brother in the snow around our area. No stretches, no movement, just a lot of sitting to rest and give my body a bit of a break from the cold weather. (I love the cold, but my body’s immune system still isn’t as strong as I want it to be..yet)
Aside from being busy, this week has had a lot of tests for me. Yesterday I got the response from United Healthcare of an appeal their representative filed on my behalf for the endoscopy and colonoscopy I had done which was very deflating. They rejected my appeal and will not pay for either procedure totaling $40,000. Two necessary procedures and they won’t pay a dime. With everything I currently owe for my glasses, dentist, ER etc…I cannot afford to get anymore tests to figure out what is causing the intestinal inflammation and high levels of calprotectin. All of this stress, lack of movement this week, made my body super stiff and the pain worse (especially my back and calves). Honestly, it took all I had to not give in today and crawl back in my messy unmade bed. (It’s one of the reasons I make me bed before I brush my teeth first thing in the morning.)
My mom listened to my verbal back and forth I had with myself until I finished making my bed and toward the end of my rant, I decided I needed to shake off the yucky feeling and hit the mat. I made sure to layer on the wrist protection and with heavy modifications I completed the Trish Stratus Yoga 10 minute legs/glutes and the 10 minute shoulder/calves workouts. I skipped crow pose and single-leg Down Dog calf raises completely again, but was able to stay in downdog for the full 5 count without straining. I did notice that the shoulder impingement has gotten worse in my right arm from lack of movement, so afterwards I did some stretches I learned in physical therapy like the wall crawl, plus wall slides and a few others I learned online from physical therapists Bob and Brad.
Afterward, I felt super calm and ate my breakfast in peace while trying to brainstorm on what to say in my letter to file another appeal in my own words. Then the worry started to set in a bit of ‘how am I going to get through this’ and figured now is the best time to go for a walk. My mom joined me to get some groceries and get some fresh air, but then the pain set in hard on my left side. The more I walked the worse it got which is funny because as I was doing yoga I felt nothing but relief in my muscles and joints.
Since I fell, not only has my back been hurting a bit, but the left side near the ribs even though I did not hit my ribs or hips at all. I figured it would go away but here I am in a ton of pain kind of regretting getting on the mat, but what can you do? Just rub some natural pain ointment or put warm compresses of chamomile tea which have helped before when I’ve had pain or been slightly injured. If that doesn’t work then Tylenol it is.
What I am NOT going to do is wallow in the pain, the disappointment, frustration and worry because it’s not going to help me at all. Embracing all these feelings fully will not pay my bills, help me heal, or mentally make me feel better. I now acknowledge these feelings and darkness that want to set up shop in my mind, heart and soul for just a minute and say, “You Shall Not PASS!”
In doing this, I can move on and go about my day. In doing this, I was able to shower and make an Ayurvedic dish called Kitchari that I learned to make this past Monday. I was able to tap into my inner MacGyver to modify it even more this time to accommodate my sensitive stomach. I was able to enjoy the time in the kitchen with my sous chef in the kitchen (my mom) who I love cooking with more than anything. We laugh, we joke and most importantly, the kitchen allows us relaxing and fun quality time with each other. Yoga and all these activities today, all quell the negative thoughts and emotions that keep peeking through trying to take over my day.
As I have mentioned in my post Calm the Chaos: Things You Can Do to Alleviate Stress there are many things you can do to ensure those negative thoughts and stress that comes from the constant curveballs life throws at you don’t take over and ruin your day.
Another thing I have been practicing despite have a crappy day or pain? Being thankful for one good thing that happened to me in the day no matter how small. Yesterday for example, I was grateful that the Oui yogurt I am able to eat was on sale again. One jar costs $2.19 and they were on sale at 3 for $5.00. This may be small for some, but for me and my budget, it was big.
Today, at the supermarket, we found Wise brands Honey Butter chips on sale as well. Normally I don’t buy much junk food, but these are chips have flavor other than just salt that I am able to eat and I haven’t had these chips in well over a year, because the supermarkets here haven’t stocked them.
What are you grateful or thankful for today? What can you do to flip the switch on a crappy day? I will always say that finding one good thing each day that happened to me isn’t easy. However, since I started doing this, it has filled my day with a little bit of joy and ended my day with a smile and happy heart, even amidst all the unpleasant things going on in my life.
Until next time my Phoenixes. Be kind to yourself and others, keep going and look for things to be grateful for if you can!!!
Mind Body Synergylia 