Sunday, January 31, 2016

Healthy 65 update

My Healthy 65 challenge -- which began Nov. 30 and was to end Feb. 2 -- was pretty much just a concept by Christmas. I was trying to maintain a daily attitude of gratitude and to refrain from complaining. But I had stopped keeping track of my progress toward accomplishing my goal. 

I was thinking about assessing where I was with it the first week of the new year. 

But before that happened, I made a trip to the emergency room that led to abdominal surgery and a whole new set of reasons to have an attitude of gratitude and look for the good in every situation. 

Monday, January 25, 2016

Antidote to fear

I suppose there are many possible antidotes to fear and anxiety, but for today, the most effective seems to be taking things one day at a time, praying to know and do God's will and trusting in His mercy, love and grace each present moment. 

This is especially true in the case of anxiety over fear as False Expectations Appearing Real. What can I do about it this moment? Nothing. And so I will go to bed. 

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Back on track? Or a better, new track

So, I started setting some goals Saturday, in high hopes of using this little health surprise as a wake-up call to a better, more intentional life.

I did pretty well the first day. Saturday's goal was to start getting back on track. My inspiration was Elaine and so many others who do/did as much as they can as soon as they can or whenever they can. My surgeon actually encouraged it. In the morning, I walked on the treadmill -- slowly! -- for 15 minutes. After a rest, I showered. I knew to take it slow and pace myself.

Sunday's top desire was to attend church. I knew it might be a little ambitious, and I ended up not going. I am disappointed but undaunted. Maybe I will figure out where this Life.Church is online and give that a try. And I still have other goals I can accomplish today, even as I continue to rest and recuperate. I'm praying and trusting and continuing to be grateful for all prayers, support and encouragement!

Seeking positive changes, I'm trying to make an honest assessment: What excuses have I let hold me back from being the person I want to be? Mainly some little aches and pains; crazy brain that is not good at figuring out what to do (perhaps due to some ADD); and even some general laziness.

It helps to have Gene, who continues to be an amazing partner, care-helper and encourager -- and cook!!

And of course I am grateful to God for His continuing love, presence and healing.

Monday, January 11, 2016

Not what I expected

Much has not gone as planned for me since Thursday. I'm doing amazingly well, though, accompanied by God's presence, lots of prayers and angels on earth and in heaven!! 

Wednesday, I took a comp day from work and enjoyed spending time with my husband. Among other things, we went to the gym and I worked with a trainer. I was very excited about our healthy future. 

Yet, before Thursday was over, I was in the emergency room. I ended up in the hospital, then had surgery and now am recovering. 

There are many things I will never understand. But I know and am grateful for this: God never leaves my side. And He sends His angels on earth and in Heaven to help. 

Friday, January 8, 2016

What a day!

The final day of the first week of 2016 was pretty much a marathon. Someday I will write about it. 

Friday, January 1, 2016

What a difference a year makes!! (Or: one day at a time will tell)

So, I started and am ending this Jan. 1 about as unfocused and goalless as I can ever remember being. And I just reread last year's Jan. 1 blog post, and it confirms my suspicion. 

Last year's goal was to live in the moment. And maybe that's what I am still doing. Maybe it only seems unfocused and goalless. Maybe I'm really being more spontaneous and faithful and trusting in God. 

I know this is another "cheating" post, at least for now. I'm starting it on Jan. 1 and saving it as a draft, so I'll have the day's time stamp if I do decide to post it. That's what I did yesterday, too. (I have not posted that one as of 10:30 p.m. Jan. 1.)

The good news is this dishonesty isn't as bad as the dishonesty I carried in my life a year ago. The frustrating part is that I still seem unable to just be honest, who I am, and not have to cling to these ideals of posting pithy observations on key dates on the calendar or whatever other expectation I have for myself. 

I had so hoped to be able to articulate some goals for the year. And I have nothing. For tonight, that feels like a step backward. I guess time will tell if it really is. One day at a time will tell.