I had it. It was there. For two glorious months I felt better than I had in ages. June and July were wonderful! Swimming every day. Lots of sun. Family visiting and friends around. Happy. I felt happy.
So tell me! Was it the sun? The exercise? The lake? The people? The fact that work was in a relatively slower period? Less financial stress? How do I capture that happiness, box it, and save it for a rainy day?
And nope I don't expect every day to be like that. But today I'm tired. It's stormy, cloudy, and dark. I really hate shorter days, and these days are going to keep getting shorter for 3 months. So I'd like to be able to open up a box of sunshine and happiness whenever I want it. Gosh, is that too much to ask?
Hmmm... actually, I already feel a little better. Maybe writing about it is the secret. Maybe a light box, physical therapy, baths, and more family and friends are all I need. And a hug and a guitar. And a pizza. And...
Maybe I just need a nap. I feel the zzzs coming.
G'nite.
Sunshine... on my shoulders... makes me happy. Of course it does. And music. And friends. But my own personal tip is that exercise makes a ton of difference. It increases my energy - makes me feel good. It's my way of giving thanks and a kind of praise. And who can be stressed or angry when you are working hard at having fun? Doesn't matter if you're walking, biking, dancing, or hula hooping? Pick something that gives you joy and do it a little. Then increase your time at it. Then see if you have brought a little more sun into your life... xoxo
ReplyDeleteI agree on exercise. Part of the problem is I screwed up my knee swimming the breast stroke (frog/whip kick). I know - too many jokes about me getting screwed by the breast stroke. LOL. But now I'm in PT as the strains/pulls heal and the inflammation subsides. Ice, stretches, ice, stretches, ice. And today, for added fun, they started the strengthening exercises... OUCH!
ReplyDeleteSo for now, exercise is limited a bit. And my FAVORITE exercise is swimming. Sadly - fall means it's kinda cold to swim in the lake. Now that I know I can swim as long as I do the flutter kick, that'll be better.
I am negatively affected by lack of sunshine. December, January, and February especially are hard. Days are too short. Maybe I do need one of those light boxes. :)
But I am trying to get back to exercise... just trying to do it the right way. Thanks for your two cents.
Movement - I find it really helps to keep me balanced. Yoga & Pilates are both ways to exercise and not sweat/hurt. Anything really that moves you out of your head and into your body. If you stay on the treadmill long enough eventually you will make the shift...and now you know why at times I am on it for hours at a time.
ReplyDeleteI think movement helps tremendously. This chronic knee issue brings me down. Really a drag. But I'm glad I'm in PT even if it hurts (the good way), b/c I'm confident it will get better and I'll be able to start walking my way through the fall. Thanks J.
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