Before I get started, I have a quick celebration to share! Today I am 128 days sober. This is uncharted territory for me. I am feeling strong and excited 🙂
Now that all of our summer trips are done with, I was able to start a nice morning routine and so far have been able to stick with it.
I’ve been trying to get up during the 7-8:00 hour, as that allows me a good deal of time to read and journal. I’ve been reading The Lotus and the Lily, by Janet Conner. This is a 30 Day Soul Program and I am really enjoying it. I am currently on day 13 of 30, so almost halfway through.
This week, I’ve done my reading and reflection in my journal. Then most days I was able to take Jules to the dog park. Going to the dog park is therapeutic in itself, I could spend all day there. One day it was busier than usual, so I left my phone and headphones in the car. I usually listen to a book or podcast while I walk around the perimeter. But on this day, I was walking with nothing other than the thoughts in my head. I reflected on what the reading for that day was about, which was Thought Worms (those negative persistent thoughts in your head that won’t leave you alone). I was pretty stumped after reading that day’s chapter, but gained much clarity on the subject while I walked around the dog park cuddling all the cute muzzles I encountered. I was so pumped that I filled my journal when I got home because I didn’t want to forget my ideas.
I’m finding that sometimes after I read, I need some extra time to process the information before applying it to my life. Time walking around without my earbuds has been helpful and I will continue to purposely leave my phone behind. I said earlier that I am enjoying this book but wanted to mention it again. The exercises are easy and quick to read through, and have been helpful for me in regards to finding inner peace. Having a morning routine came from this book and has helped me stay out of that summer funk that I’m so overly prone to. I recommend this book if you are looking to pep up your life and cleanse your soul a bit!
I’m not sure if it was having the morning routine, or the daily exercises in general, but this has been the most happy and productive week I’ve had in awhile. My front flower beds have been looking horrible for at least 4 weeks now. I hate it because it makes our house look so dumpy from the road, but I just couldn’t get out there– mentally I couldn’t do it and my ankle has been bothering me so that was an excuse too. Maybe it was realizing that I want my house to look dumpy because I don’t deserve a nice house, well thought I didn’t deserve it (that pesky worm!). But every time I pulled in the driveway the sight of all the weeds gave me feeling of dread. I finally realized and decided that, YES, I DO deserve to live in a house that doesn’t look dumpy. I spent a good 3 hours yesterday cleaning up and it was so satisfying 🙂
I also started physical therapy for my ankle. This has been SO helpful I only wish that I knew about this resource sooner. I am doing specific and effective exercises daily at home and going in twice a week. She does a great massage on my ankle and calf when I go in, it’s terrific! The best part is that after my ankle is better, she is going to design me an exercise regimen for home to keep all my joints healthy and will tweak it as needed or if I’m having a flair.
In my opinion, ANYONE who is diagnosed with a chronic physical disease should see a physical therapist at least occasionally for maintenance and I’m disappointed that it was never even discussed with me as being an option. I thought to go on my own and requested a referral, in which my rheumatologist sent me immediately.
OK– that’s my update ❤ ❤ ❤
