Those who consider their path superior are condescending.
A parrot who speaks of the totality of the self is absurd.
Many paths lead to the summit,
But it takes a whole body to get there.
Deng Ming~Dao
It's been a little while since I have visited here hasn't it? It's been a challenging week here for me. As you know, I have been dealing with the never ending back issues and they have been particularly bad these last 2 weeks. It was suggested to me last week after my second PT session that I might want to use a cane. Me….I say "WTF?" No, that is not going to happen, but after 2 days of almost being unable to walk, I started to wonder if the PT lady was right. Just as I was about ready to give up hope and get that cane, the work the PT woman, Karen, along with the neuro massage I had with an amazing Massage Therapist, Tamara, on Monday started to kick in and I started feeling much better and hopeful.
I don't like to talk about this stuff here on the blog, because…well….I don't like to be that person who complains and this is not what this post is about if you continue reading. 🙂
As I was flipping thru my little Tao book to find a passage for today, the above one just jumped out at me. I belong to a very supportive group of knitters who are trying to stay fit. A lot of them have become runners by using the C25K program (which is a great app btw)
As much as I want to run, it's just not a reality for me right now. I had started the program and had to stop when my back flared up, but I stayed with the group to cheer on those who were making milestones in their progress and to stay motivated to get back to it again someday.
The above pictures were taken today on my 3.2 mile power walk. I will admit that I had to limp the last 10th of a mile home, but it was huge for me to be able to do this just a week after being told I might consider getting a cane to hobble around with.
Soo….last night I signed up to walk a 5k race in December. It's called The Hot Chocolate Run. It's a fund raiser for Safe Passage,the organization addressing domestic violence in Hampshire County. I actually signed up for the 2 mile walk, but I plan to walk the entire 5K.
One person who has been a real inspiration for me is Cate. Running didn't come easy for her either, but she has hung in there and is doing great now. She inspired me to sign up for this race and she is actually trying to raise money by running the 5K sponsored, so if you would like to help her along, you can sponsor her here.
There definitely are different ways to get to the same summit and I am climbing along in my own limited way, but I am so fortunate to have a whole body of people who have supported me along my journey….emotionally and physically. They have lifted my morale when I needed it, given me a push when I needed that too. I am one lucky lady and I hope I can always pay it forward.
Have a wonderful weekend!!
The Woolen Rabbit 
We don’t need no stickin’ cane! 3.2 miles is an impressive distance when you’re dealing with back issues. I walk 2 miles a day and need to push a little more.
You go, grrl!!
LikeLike
I’m so proud of you for sticking with this, Kim. When I don’t want to go to the gym I tell myself that I am privileged to be able to run without pain and I think of you and off I go.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for your writing. 3 hip replacements and I sometimes use a cane, beautifully decorated in Costa Rica.
LikeLike
Kim, congratulations on a 3.2 mile walk! My sister has back issues and I,have asthma issues. I am trying to get out every day and walk a short distance. You are so,delightful about answering comments to your blog, so I’d love to hear from you on where to start on back problems–sis and I went to,the grocery store today and she had to sit down a couple of times. It’s a holiday week and I am not expecting a quick answer! Happy weekend and hPpy thanksgiving. Xoxox. Jo
LikeLike
If folks are reading your blog, they know you are not a complainer, but a doer who is simply frustrated by the occasional (but highly annoying) fact that sometimes your body simply can’t keep up with all the things you want to do. I prefer to read a ‘whole’ person blog; one that reflects the ups and downs of life, rather than some ideal persona blog. Remember, this is your space. And in the immortal words (attributed to either Dr Seuss or Bernard Baruch): “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.”
LikeLike
You go girl! What a great attitude. None of us think you are complaining and are proud of you continuing to work towards your goals. Back issues are a constant challenge ( 2 compressed disks and lumbar scoliosis), but when we stick together and lift each other up, we can accomplish so much!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and be good to yourself,
Lisa
LikeLike
I have friends who just signed up for that race. (My majorly broken arm has me on the sidelines right now!) What a great cause and what a fun town! Here’s to a healthy back soon!
LikeLike
They told me the same thing about a cane. I told them the same thing back! LOLOL I’m not to the point of walking like you are (Hip and knee keep factoring in there, darn it) but I’m working on it. It may sound trite – but you really are an inspiration for me. Stupid back problems are soooooo tiresome. You GO!!!!
LikeLike