I first took this challenge in November 2014 and I think now is a good time to revisit it. Click here for a list of the Gratitude Challenge prompts.
Day 25: Movement Today I walked .7 miles between my train and the restaurant and it took less than half an hour each way.* This is a big deal because, frankly, from the waist down I'm pathetic. Spinal stenosis, arthritis in the right knee, meniscus tear in the left, and Achilles tendonitis that extends to my left heel.
Yet today I was fine! For that I am grateful.
No pain killers to mask the pain. Just yoga stretches every morning and a trip to the chiropractor every week (or every other week) for an adjustment and laser treatment on my heel.
As recently as March I was icing my knee or my ankle, or my knee and my ankle, and applying an OTC camphor/capsacin/methol cream every night (much to the chagrin of my cats and their sensitive noses). I was worried that I wouldn't be able to comfortably get around at the TCM Film Festival in late April.
Today I was walking at a brisk pace in the sunshine with few ill effects. My knees are still bad when I take stairs, but I am 68 years old and my original parts are wearing out. Shit happens.
But, as my yoga instructor tells us, quoting Ghandi, "Movement is life." I'm grateful I work with her and listened to her. I'm better for it. (And so are my kidneys because daily ibuprofen can't be good for them.)
*Actually I wish it had taken a little longer because it was a beautiful day and I miss The Loop.
