Being on the coast – any coast – is my all-time-favorite view! Looking across the water and seeing the edge of the world has a way of calming my senses and putting thoughts at ease. It’s a relaxation I can’t get anywhere else. The distance goes on for miles while the sound of the waves create a soothing, peacefulness within, almost hypnotic.
During my last visit to the ocean, I sat for the longest time admiring the magnificence of the view, wishing for a way to bottle it as a souvenir. Then my eyes focused on the nearby waves. Some were gentle, while others crashed with an explosive energy, disrupting the flow. Inconsistent and very unpredictable!
Reflecting on my own existence, I began to compare the ocean waves to life experiences and noticed a parallel. Arthritis waves – inconsistent and very unpredictable!
Allowing my mind to wander, I thought about the extent rheumatoid arthritis has taken on my overall being in recent years, both physically and emotionally, and let the comparison continue. Without a doubt, I’ve experienced hurricane-like waves that were not only disruptive but also harmful – causing permanent damage and disarray.
My (very real) fear is there’s a rheumatoid tsunami lurking in the depths. I try to prepare myself and loved ones for the worst, then I ask, ‘Are we ever really prepared?’
Arthritis can be fierce! It has the power to uproot and destroy everything in its path. Unless you live with it day in and day out, you’ll never truly understand the destructive nature of the disease – the hold it takes on a body, the grip it has on a person’s mind or the unsettling combination of the two. Predictions are made based on the patterns from the past, yet there’s no consistency in the direction it takes.
How does a person prepare for the unknown when no one is sure of the timing or the actual strike? Is being aware of the possibility of devastation and destruction all we have? Are we better off knowing in advance or not knowing until it happens?
I find exercise to be very helpful. Starting gradually at first and building it up. For me, mental attitude helps also and nutrition.
I stay away from wheat gluten and try not to eat much sugar. Losing weight helped too and having folks that can support you and your goals (emotionally, etc.)
I too like the serenity prayer.
I was featured in arthritis today January edition, but want to provide you with my webpage in case you want to get in touch with me: KateWalkerWorldChampionPowerlifter.com;
Thanks for posting your concern! All is well with The Tin Mom. A new title should go up soon. :o)
When I can't walk due to painful feet, I have a list to remind me what I CAN do...crochet, do puzzles, pay bills, call family and friends, shop online, etc.
When I can't use my hands due to pain I have another list of things I CAN do...watch a movie, read, call family/friends on speaker phone, invite family/friend over to visit, etc.
I actually rarely look at the list, but the act of making the list was very enlightening and therapeutic. Dwelling on what I CAN'T do is not as much of an issue as it used to be.
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