So, I started November with a reasonable plan and lots of time to get it done.
Two weeks ago, I was on track to complete most of my list.
Then I started having trouble with my arms. It’s kind of hard to describe but basically I had something going on with my shoulders that was inflaming a nerve? tendon? string? piece of spaghetti? And it caused a pain down the back of both of my arms and made my forearms ache and my wrists hurt.
I could tell by the nature of the problem that it wasn’t anything serious but it did get worse when I moved my arms too much and got better when I rested.
So, in the interest of minimizing my arm annoyances, I rested as much as possible and I dropped some things off my list for this month:
- Try a calisthenics video
- Continue the stretch band strength training program from October
- Go swimming
- 30 minutes on the rowing machine
Sure, this was a bit frustrating but I am proud to say that I was quite kind to myself in the process and I don’t feel at all bad about it.
And, as a result of changing my plan and increasing my rest, my arm annoyances are almost completely gone.*
The list below is what got done (or partially done) in November.
Perhaps I should only give myself partial points for partially done tasks but since I did everything I could do for each task I’m just flicking the metaphorical switch to done and giving myself the point.
After all, I am the boss of me and I get to make these decisions.
Here we go;
- Plan a personal retreat day
Partially done. I haven’t taken the day yet (I will do this in December) but I do have a good list of things to do and how to arrange to do them.
- Rake up some of the backyard leaves (I’m leaving some for the bugs!)
Done! Go me!
- Do a 30 minute yin yoga video
Done! It was really hard to commit to the idea of being relatively still for so long and my brain fought me on getting started but eventually I talked myself into it. It was just as great as I hoped it would be.
- Do at least one 10 minute meditation per week
Done! I did this once a week for the first three weeks and then switched to every day for the last 12 days of the month.
- Find a way to elevate keyboard for a standing writing session
Dan and I are still working on this.
- Journal while sitting on the floor once a week
Done! In fact, I journaled on the floor more often than this and watched TV on the floor and read on the floor quite a bit. This, after all, was more about spending time on the floor than about journaling.
- Practice those three tricky TKD patterns for at least 30 minutes (total)
Partially done! Obviously, having wonky arms affected my practice in this area too.
So, I’m calling November a success, too.
Why?
Well, 7/11 is a pass, obviously.
And I did what I could with what I had.
And I pushed myself a little but respected my capacity.
And I felt good about the things I could do when I did them.
If that’s not a success, I don’t know what is!
Go me!
Now I just have to make a plan for December…
*I can only assume that my stellar attitude about change was key factor in healing as well. (Christine pats herself on the back. Metaphorically, of course.)
(In case you are wondering, the painting is the ghost of Christmas present)
Perhaps the very best part of your good system is making modifications when they are needed! You deserve to be proud that you are willing & able to recognize what’s working & what’s not.
This made me think of a recent family trip when jigsaw puzzles came out. Some of us take one good look at the box, then put it out of sight; others, less regular do-ers or younger kids, want to look at the picture as they go. They have a hard time letting go of their concern when they look, even though the puzzlers who choose not to look assure them it’s not a question of morals!
Keep on listening to yourself. It’s a healthy reminder to all of us not too be too rigid. It feels good to read about it.