Just a minute ago I had to pee. AGAIN. (I promise, there's a good point to my referencing pee) I can't even count the number of times I've already had to go today--and at inconvenient times, in inconvenient places. And I caught myself slipping into that mindset again of "what a pain in the ass" for having to relieve myself (in my own clean bathroom at home just a few feet from where I was reading....)
My point: In the midst of cursing my situation, I took a moment to reign in my ridiculous 'oh poor me' thinking and countered it with a classic "At least..." thought. The thought was this: At least I CAN. At least I don't need to use dialysis. At least I have full control of my bladder and don't need to use protective measures to control/contain it. My little inconvenience quickly turned into feelings of gratitude for having a healthy body.
This is by far not the first time I've stopped my negative, ridiculous thoughts in their tracks in the recent past.
Only parking space way in the back of the parking lot? At least I have healthy legs that can carry me.
On my not-so-shapely calves? Who cares--they can carry me over many miles and up/over/under/through many an obstacle for two or more hours without a problem.
Belly not looking like the flat six-pack I imagine I need to sport at all times? It may stick out, but it is strong and capable, keeping my guts in and my spine pain-free.
Floppy skin on my tummy and, um, slightly deflated ta-ta's? I got to bear to term two healthy kids and feed them myself.
Seeing "too many" lines in my face and grays in my hair? At least I get the chance to get them. That's a privilege denied to many wonderful people I would have liked to become gray with.
Last week I saw a woman crossing the street just east of west of the Bruckencenter in Ansbach, Germany. It's a pretty short light, and the most mobile of pedestrians have a tough time making it to the median halfway between the four lanes of traffic before the light changes.
Her movements were stiff and halted on one side of her body. She needed to hike and twist her right hip in order to bring her only slightly bending right leg forward for each step. It was both excruciating and inspiring to watch. She barely made it to the median on this four-lane road before the light had turned green for me.
I say excruciating because I could only imagine how difficult and painful each step probably was. And I say inspiring because I could only imagine how difficult and painful each step probably was--and the huge dose of determination needed to simply cross the street before the light changed. It was one of those moments in which I was reminded how fortunate I am to have a healthy body which I can easily move through a pain-free range of motion. It made me appreciate just the simple act of walking, and that even that shouldn't be taken for granted.
So my heart goes out to all those who have chronic pain, whose movement is impaired, who have limitations on their lifestyle due to physical pain, problems, or impairments. And each day I'm taking time to remind myself how fortunate I am, to be grateful for all I have and all I can do. This is why you won't hear me talking negatively about my belly, my butt, my thighs, etc, etc. I have such gratitude for what I have. I hope to spread that gratitude to others, so that we can look at ourselves with a different lens rather than comparing what we've got to a picture we see on FB or in popular media.
Appreciate what you've got. Move it. Enjoy it. Not everyone can, and what a waste it is if you don't.
Appreciate it.
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