Today I am eating whatever I want! I enjoyed a Burger King veggie burger and fries for lunch and tonight I'm having a cupcake!
On Friday I left my rehabilitation program feeling energized, motivated and strong. I'm improving my endurance and strength and I'm not stopping there! I feel the need to also improve my appearance along with my confidence and self-esteem. I'm going on a diet! I do admit that the cruel comments from a family member and my need to be accepted by him play a role, but for the most part I am doing this for me.
Today I received a large styrofoam container that holds the tools I need to achieve the new and improved me. I will eat the frozen meals along with sensible snacks and I WILL achieve my goal. There will be triumps, temptations and disappointments on the way. I've never taken this journey before and invite you to come along via my blog. Won't you join me?
Xoxo
Tuesday, 17 April 2012
Saturday, 7 April 2012
A Very Good Friday
I'm ashamed to admit that lately I have been too self-absorbed. Being at home a lot will do that to a person! Today I entered the fold of beautiful people and was inspired by their zest for life.
We took the hour long drive to Onoway for a long overdue visit with my mother in law. As she lives in an assisted living facility I was concerned about her living conditions. Tim and I were greeted by a bright homey place. The facility reflected warmth and welcoming. We quickly found our way to Tim's mothers room. I was saddened how time has ravaged her. She is very thin, almost gaunt, and has lost use of one of her arms as a result of a stroke. She led us to the dining room where we could visit over coffee. On the way there she was happy to introduce us to her fellow residents.
Once we made our way to the dining room I felt as though I was entering someone's living room. The kitchen staff and residents bantered back and forth as though they were family. I know my mother in law to be an introvert with no interest in socializing. She immediately took part in the conversation and banter. Two ladies joined our table and we got into a lively discussion. These spunky seniors have a debate club. They debate abortion and same sex marriage!
For all intents and purposes, these people have lost their freedom. Many have lost the ability to move freely in the community. There is one meal served at dinner, they have no freedom to chosse what they want to eat. Despite this, they embraced the freedom they have to chose happiness, to cherish friendship and to enjoy life. I saw this change my mother in law to someone who is engaged with others. People in this circumstance have every right to become self-absorbed, but they didn't! What was meant to be a pleasant visit, was a true eye opener for me!
Xoxo
We took the hour long drive to Onoway for a long overdue visit with my mother in law. As she lives in an assisted living facility I was concerned about her living conditions. Tim and I were greeted by a bright homey place. The facility reflected warmth and welcoming. We quickly found our way to Tim's mothers room. I was saddened how time has ravaged her. She is very thin, almost gaunt, and has lost use of one of her arms as a result of a stroke. She led us to the dining room where we could visit over coffee. On the way there she was happy to introduce us to her fellow residents.
Once we made our way to the dining room I felt as though I was entering someone's living room. The kitchen staff and residents bantered back and forth as though they were family. I know my mother in law to be an introvert with no interest in socializing. She immediately took part in the conversation and banter. Two ladies joined our table and we got into a lively discussion. These spunky seniors have a debate club. They debate abortion and same sex marriage!
For all intents and purposes, these people have lost their freedom. Many have lost the ability to move freely in the community. There is one meal served at dinner, they have no freedom to chosse what they want to eat. Despite this, they embraced the freedom they have to chose happiness, to cherish friendship and to enjoy life. I saw this change my mother in law to someone who is engaged with others. People in this circumstance have every right to become self-absorbed, but they didn't! What was meant to be a pleasant visit, was a true eye opener for me!
Xoxo
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Priorities Priorities!
Being at home has been brutal! I love to get dressed up everyday and accomplish something, its how I roll. Notwithstanding this, my job is not my life or my identity. It is a means to have enough money to enjoy my life and a great place to make friends.
This morning I was talking to my sister and she asked me when I was going back to work. I won't know until I begin my rehabilitation program next week. I told her that as eager as I am to go back to work, my number 1 priority is my health, family and friends. She then continued to lecture me on my bad attitude and lack of caring about my job. Wow! Check out the judgement! She was aghast that my job is a means to have my life and is not my life. I'm not going to lie to you, at first I was pissed! After some reflection, I'm now sad. Our working years don't last forever and during our working years we build a foundation for our retirement. My foundation is not only financial, but social and emotional. I can say with some confidence that my retirement will be full of love and friendship. If my whole sense of being was based on a job where I was easily replaced where would that leave me.
Remember that although we can be replaced at work, we can never be replaced in the important relationships in our lives!
Xoxo
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