Healing by any means

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No, this is not another ‘no longer vegan,’ posts.  It’s just a commentary on trying work around meds and supplements that aren’t exactly veg-friendly. 

It’s a struggle,  y’all.  Not sticking to my way of eating, but trying to find vegan supplements and meds.  I’ve found many that work, but not all are veg-friendly.   Does it make me less compassionate?   No.  It means I’m one of the many dealing with this.

If you choose to judge me based on this mindset, so be it. Step into  body on a high pain day(well, week)  and talk to me afterward.  I’m doing what needs to be done while I find the optimal balance.

Does it mean veg-friendly instead of certified vegan supplements?   If the veg-friendly products work best, yes.  Does it mean dealing with meds that have no vegan alternative?   Yes, unfortunately.   Does it make me sad?  Yes.

I need to keep it together while on the journey.   On days like today, that means healing by any means necessary.

It’s on!

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Happy  2016!

So, what goals have you set for yourself?  I registered for the Shrimp & Grits 5K on January 16 – my first non-virtual event!  The 5K is part of the Charleston Marathon series of events that include a marathon, half marathon, 5K, and bike ride benefitting the Youth Endowment for the Arts.  I’m so excited!  This will not be my last. Are you running, walking, or biking?

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My other main goal for 2016 is to become more flexible.  My joints and muscles will thank me for it.  As for weight and fat loss, food, etc., I like the path I’m on and will keep on it.  I’m seeing progress and that’s all I need.

So, what are your 2016 plans?

August is here!

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Yes, it’s a new month complete with a new tropical storm (hi, Bertha).  Kids are heading back to school, tax-free shopping weekend sales are starting,  and the thought of a quiet house between 8 and 3 pm is making parents giddy.

Sorry, kids.  Well, no, not really.

To me, the start of a new month is time to reflect on the gains of the previous month and set new targets for the current month.  Notice I said gains?  It’s my way of focusing on the positive.  In July I increased resistance, speed, and strength.  I hit a smaller size.  I wanted to shop for clothing instead of just grabbing whatever I thought would fit.  It sunk in that I need to eat if I’m going to succeed.  No more drastic cuts to calorie intake.   For August I want to increase my aquatic therapy sessions.  I want to wear a certain top and have it look good.  I want to improve on July’s fitness targets.  See, all positive and also realistic and attainable.   It took years to fall apart and it takes time to fully recover, heal, and thrive.

What are your August targets?  You can reach them.  I’ll be right here, cheering you on.

Happy Friday, all! What’s shaking?

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So, what’s shaking?  The same old thing here, but with a little more happy.

If it seems like I’m extra happy right now it’s because I am.  I went to physical therapy as usual on Wednesday and was released as a pt client.  That means I’ve improved enough that I can start the work on my own.  While I plan to stay on as a wellness client (to use that fab Endless Pool), I’m also going to slowly get back to my old activity level.  Part of my ramped up activity includes more low impact bodywork, including PiYo.

piyo 3 day

I’m sure you’ve heard of PiYo by now because it’s the newest Beachbody release from Chalene Johnson – love her!  It’s a home version of the PiYo classes offered in clubs all over the place.  I need low impact workouts like Pilates and yoga so that I don’t hurt myself or slow my recovery.    As much as I love 21-Day Fix, even the modified movements are too much for me right now.  I’ll go back to it when I get the all-clear to do so.

There’s no shame in admitting that you need a change and moving on.  Never feel ashamed or let anyone tell you that you’re lazy because you recognize your limits and are working around them .  Do not ignore them for the sake of proving you’re not lazy.  It’s better to work harder and smarter than to go all out when you’re body is unable.   Trust me, I fell into that trap and did much more harm than good.  

Now back to my regularly scheduled message. 

PiYo has a six days on, one off weekly schedule.  Because I’m going to listen to my body, my plan is to start with three days of PiYo with one day of aquatic therapy each week.  I’ll train for a day and take the following day off.  On my rest days, I’ll still get in my usual five to ten minutes of gentle yoga and walking.   My eating plan will stay about the same for now with one exception.   Gluten has to go, doc’s orders.

So that’s what I’m up to.  If you want to know more about PiYo, my eating plan (regular and cheat day), or how I modify fitness and eating plans to suit my needs, give me a shout.   I’m on Facebook and all over social media.  Just look for Sherrie Thompson or WAHMinSC.  I’d love to hear from you.

 

 

Goodbye, 2012

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It was a good year. 

I’m still here and doing well.  I’m slowly getting to the place I want to be. Not long ago I’d be frustrated with the speed of progress, but I’ve finally learned that I cannot force it or I’ll end up further behind.  I wish I’d realized it before, but I know now.  Dwelling kicks my butt as much as sitting still does.

Here’s some of what I learned this past year:

  • I discovered two sources of pain that I can control.  That made a world of difference in how I feel.  
  •  My dogs must be up my butt, every second of every day that they’re awake.  Well, just Victor.  Poor thing is a mess lately.  If his routine is off, he’s a neurotic 80+ pound lap dog.
  • I love these people more every day.  
  • Gray hair knows no bounds.
  • I’m more patient than I realized.
  • My tolerance for bull ish is much lower.  Yes, I realize these last two may clash, but it is what it is.  

I’m not making resolutions, but setting goals.  Three simple ones:

  1. Make the new year healthier than the year before.
  2. Embrace love and light.
  3. Release the negativity. 

Not so bad, right?   Do you make resolutions or set goals for the new year?  Wanna share?

So here’s to 2013.  May yours be filled with love, laughter, and light. 

Peace!