What do you do to relax? How do you find people, places or things that take you away from your troubles and allow you to enjoy a quiet breath? What makes you forget your pain, even for a moment? Whose quiet smile gladdens your heart? (Here's an article about how tough it is to deal with pain and another about how it's OK to say "Owww!!!")
Taking time for yourself is crucial. Finding that safe space may be more difficult when you have peripheral neuropathy because of mobility limitations. Our pangs of pain continually threaten to bring us back into the deep difficulties we desperately need a break from.
For me, getting outside to look at the backyard maple bursting red, gold and orange is a most excellent break. My eyes are washed clean by the beautiful colors. I love watching the grandkids playing with their toys, goofing around in a box, or trying to find their shoes. Taking a short ride in my scooter in the fresh air can be refreshing, even heart-warming.
Reading a book, listening to a vinyl record like the original soundtrack to Emma (2020), or sipping hot cocoa with lots of tiny marshmallows are are all fun options as well. Maybe you can even do more than one thing at a time! Frankly, these days, some diversions are easier than others, some far harder now than they used to be.
What about you? What small things brighten your day? I'd love to hear what makes you glad just to be alive as you continue to look for the good. Keep hoping and trying and trusting.
Thanks for listening. If you have time, here's an article about some of the changes I've faced and a brief introduction to my journey with neuropathy.
John
P.S. If you'd like to follow my Life with Neuropathy blog, visit lifewithneuropathy.blogspot.com. Find the three lines next to the search button in the upper right hand corner. Then click follow. You'll be notified of my future blogs.
P.P.S. To see an archive of Life with Neuropathy articles find the three lines next to the search button in the upper right hand corner of the home page and click on Life with Neuropathy Archives. Or cut and paste https://lifewithneuropathy.blogspot.com/2023/into the search line.
Thanks, Frank, for the awesome image. Photo by https://unsplash.com/@frankvanleeuwen.
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