In reading many posts this morning, I'm moved by the numbers of
major health challenges our fellow HOODlums are facing.

• choosing quality nutrition during illness
• dealing with stigma of MO in public
• trying to make the best choices while still weak post-op
• staying hydrated with the flu
• travel and putting protein first

The list goes on. Each one is like the proverbial Ball & Chain...
holding us fast and keeping us from moving on, doing what we need to do
to climb to that new level of competence. What is my personal Ball & Chain
today and how can I break free from it, into the actions that will make
me rejoice in my journey?

• Allow thoughts that encourage joyful action
• Dismiss thoughts that lead me to the paralysis of despair (this is my Ball & Chain)
• accept and love who I am today
• choose one or two simple things I can to do to care for myself (that could be scheduling a nap and taking all vitamins)
• DO THOSE THING and ONE more
• STAY in the NOW (yesterday cannot be changed... tomorrow is crystal ball stuff)

When I break free from wasting energy on "if only," and "WHY couldn't he/ I/ she/ they?" or "I can't
now but I will when...." I can expend positive energy toward less thought and more doing and being.
It's the doing and being I see so much of here in the Neighborhood. The day to day honesty & bravery
that keeps me checking in for inspiration and information second to none. It keeps me "going"
"doing" in a patient way that keeps me moving on the path we've chosen. Last week, Kim posted a quote
I printed out and have taped up all over my house... in doorways, on mirrors... stuffed in my shoes.
The gist is about the beauty of the journey, the road. The fact that the road is all there is, really.
That the idea of "destination" is a false one that infers that we will come to a place with a finish-line
some day. There is no finish line. The road is the goal and so each simple step leads me to the
ecstasy of success! Here's the quote again.
"Once you realize that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its
beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy."
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Today, I will break free of negative thoughts to enjoys the beauty of the road.

WOW..thanks for the inspirational speech..I am heading to work with a positive attitude and let NO food stand in my way....


=)

There's the mickee I know and love! You must be feeling a good deal better.

For me, it has become very simple,

Productive work
Proper diet
Moderate exercise
Love of friends and family
ACCEPTANCE of my body and learning to actually LIKE it.

Now if I can just remember to moisturize my poor dry skin, I will be on the way to recovery!

Sure can't beat that prescription for motion, celadon!
And I hear ya about the dry skin. Funny though, I used to love looking at my
mother's and grandmother's beautiful hands... and now I see that same look in my own
at 58. There's a crepe-y look to my skin and my bone structure is prominent since WLS,
but I guess I associate all of it with the way theirs were and kind of have to smile and like what I see.

Oh, my goodness! I never heard anyone say "crepe-y" skin, but that is the perfect description. Mine look just like my Mom's and Grandma's, too. And, yes, I smile. I miss them both...Grandma (my Scrabble opponent) passed away 10 years ago & Mom lives 4 hours away from me. I used to not enjoy my Mom, but have really loved our short visits since we moved away from home. I can't get her to come for a visit often enough and she never stays more than a week.

My ball and chain: Exercise. I am struggling with it so much. But I will keep trying to find something that I enjoy. And, warm weather is on its way; that will help.

BALL & CHAIN = EX HUSBAND!! Yep...for 10+ years....but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now....4 years, 4 months to go! WOOHOO! but who's counting? lol..

OH wait...that wasnt what you meant by that question..sorry!


My B & C right now....MENOPAUSE and all the lovely changes it brings on! Dont women get the SH***Y end of the deal?? Dannnnng! lol..

Julie

Mickee...you always seem to have just the right thing to say...and for that, I thank you.

Thanks Marianna, but don't you think that's what makes the Hood so
exciting? The fact that we all want... need similar stuff and are willing to
work for it??? I always feel that way at another recovery meeting I go to
that's at the front off the phone book. When you're working an honest program
with others who have walked in your stinky shoes (excuse the metaphor) they know what those
shoes smell like and are real ready for a new pair!

My current ball and chain=fear. I have to face my fear and let go and...well, YOU know.

Wonderful post, Mickee. Thanks so much.