Abs, Shoulders, Legs, Brain

Pilates is good for all of these things. It is no joke that when I got hit by that bus the EMTs told me if I had not been so strong they would have let me go. I thanked my Pilates instructor.

It is also amazingly good for my brain. I started out the day full of snark, and after my session I let so much go.

After the session, as I drove to physical therapy, I thought about why I do some of the things I do. I push. I challenge. I dare people to get angry with me, and when they do I can say aha! I knew it. Why would anyone like me.

I know I have said this before, but since my accident, my world has gotten so much smaller. There are friends who I don't hear from for months, and others have dropped me. And these are people I did not push away. I have sung this song before, I know, but it came back today when I was thinking about my life and how I really want to make it better.

Pilates is certainly one way. As my body gets stronger my brain gets clearer. Endorphins, perhaps. Also confidence.

I am trying to figure out ways to get back to water exercise. The solutions presented to me so far are unworkable, but I am not giving up. Water was what got me through my first knee replacement, and as I approach the surgery to have the worn out replacement redone, I want to get back in the pool. There has got to be a way.

I discussed it with my physical therapist. I had a session right after Pilates. A real one-two punch. Or perhaps I should say bouquet. PT also makes me stronger, more resilient, more confident. I will be changing therapists after my knee surgery, but I know I can keep working hard to get strong and more functional.

Whike I am certainly not looking forward to yet another surgery, I am looking forward to my left leg working again.

Just like all of us, I have days when I want to quit, but then I have a day like today which gives me... hmmm, what does it give me? Strength? Definitely. Resilience? I think so. Hope? I'll get back to you on that one.

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