Remember back in January when I fell and broke my wrist? Yeah, that was fun. NOT!
I tripped over some landscape edging because I was trying to quickly plant bulbs before I went in to work to teach an art class.
Slow down, Vic.
I fell again last week. Only this time I sprained my knee AND ankle. That’s two trips to the ER this year. Two ER bills. UGH!
And to top it all off I’m not bouncing back like I’d like to.
I fell because I was rushing out to feed the quail before I ran off to do something else.
Slow down.
I saw my Primary Care Doc the other day. She looked at me very sternly and said, “Slow down woman – before you kill yourself.”
How old do you think we have to get before we realize we aren’t 25 any more and can’t go whizzing around doing a thousand things at a time?
Slow Down.
Honestly, part of this is due to the cancer meds. I just had another bone density test and have gone from “strong like bull” to osteopenia in the space of about two and a half years.
I have 7 more years of that stuff to go.
Realistically, I know I need to slow down a bit but most of all I need to slow my brain down and pay more attention to where I’m stepping. Yeah, that would help a lot. 🙂
Time to slow down, be present in the moment and stop worrying about what I have to do next.
Anyone here manage to slow down a bit without feeling ancient? I’d love to hear about it.
I’ve been semi-retired for almost two years now. I knew I would never be bored, as there were too many crafts I still wanted to do, that working full time interfered with. I try to be “mindful” now when I’m doing things and concentrate on what I’m doing at the moment instead of my mind racing ahead to a dozen other things. My last full time job was high stress and constantly juggling a never-ending line of customers who all wanted to be served “right now!”.
I am so, so lucky to have found a little cottage in the rain forest. It’s located on five acres and is owned by a woman who runs a dog resort. And, best of all, I get to work with the dogs!!!! They are masters at living in the moment.
When I’m not with the dogs, I’m working on cross stich again – have many, many UFOs I need to finish. I’ve also been a Stampin’ Up demo for 10 years and still love stamping and card making. And now, I’ve branched out into exploring mixed media and doodling.
It’s so wonderful to have the time to focus on fun things!
Wow Gail, it sounds like you have found a good balance between keeping active and doing what you love.
That’s the best!
Vicki
I’m putting in another vote for Tai Chi. I’ve been doing Qi Gong which is some kind of variation on the theme. You could check out some tutors on YouTube while you are off your feet. Yoga poses and stretches might help with body awareness, tuning in and that. I found it took me a whole term to learn which sensations meant I was pushing the pose too far. It’s that same driving force to do just that little bit more, try that little bit harder, so perhaps the best piece of advice would be to watch out for that pushy voice! I know yoga had some adapted poses for seated people, because there was a lady in our class used a chair the whole time, she couldn’t get down on the floor. An in person class with a teacher used to dealing with people recovering from surgery, falls etc might be your best bet.
Best wishes for speedy healing!
Hi Caroline,
Thanks for stopping by and dropping a note.
I’m the first born child in my family. The power of that pushy voice is mighty strong! Haha!
But yeah, I need her to chill a bit and then get back to yoga. I will definitely try out the Tai Chi and Qi Gong if I get a chance.
Bright Blessings,
Vicki
I decided two months ago that I needed to not really slow down, but change my perspective on what I do. So, I left my part-time job, which always messed up my schedule. I had just resigned from a committee that never accomplished anything. Two issues to go, one I put in another persons hands, they were much more qualified. The last is something “I” can’t change, so off my shoulders. I still have things I have to do, but I can spread them out. I also started regular exercise; not dieting, but changed my diet (food choices). Reading more, crafting more, cooking more, all things I enjoy. I am choosing what I want to do and find I have less I “have to do” things. Life is better!
Hi Dara,
I’m glad to see you again.
Cutting back is a great way to slow down. I think that’s my problem. I just do too many things. I’ve always been like that.
Guess it’s time to re-think things. 🙂
xoxo Vicki
I’m 58 and retired for almost 2 years. After I sat around for 4 months, I knew I had to get up and move. I realized that if I was going to live an enjoyable full life, I needed to start taking care of myself. I signed up for a local Tai Chi class because Tai Chi helps with balance issues that develop as we get older. A couple of months later, I started attending a fitness class for seniors. I figured I wouldn’t be intimidated as much if I took a class with senior women. I’m not intimidated and these women are AWESOME! These classes have helped me to build stronger bones, improve my balance and flexibility and I’ve improved my cardiac endurance. I’m enjoying my retirement!
These are some great changes you made Sharon. Why is it so hard for women to take care of themselves?
I hope you make lots of friends in your exercise class and I’m gonna let myself be inspired by you. Just as soon as I’m back on my feet.
♥ Vicki
I’ve had the luxury of having been retired for a long time… But I take time each day to “listen to by body”. It’s purposeful and a matter of practice… Sometimes it tells me that I need to rest, sometimes it tells me not to lift that heavy box over my head or that I can’t take that mirror off the wall by myself. Sometimes it says, you’ve got about 30 minutes before your done! But I see this as a spiritual practice that feeds my intuition. Listening to myself is something I have realized I need to learn.
Oh, Carol. I do need to practice listening to what my body is saying in stead of listening to whatever it is that pushes me so far. I know when I should quit or say NO but I just don’t. One more hour, one more thing. Ugh!
xoxo