Sometimes hubby and I go to a motocross track on the weekend. Hubby races a sports quad, and I really enjoy going too because I grew up around fast cars because of my brothers. I am familiar with the noise and the smells. My dad owned a shop for car repairs, so it was something I was always around. The smell of grease and oil actually reminds me of good memories and that has continued with my hubby.
When we first started going to the track, I was in much better health. Traveling to the motocross tracks was easy, and I could run from jump to jump watching them ride. Since my pain level has increased, we’ve had to improvise.
Hubby brings a generator so I can plug in my heating pad. I have sat in 90-degree heat with it against my back. On the sweltering days, he brings a powerful fan that everyone enjoys. We have a pretty good set up. I know how lucky I am that he helps me to be as comfortable as possible.
The obstacles have been worked out so I can enjoy being there even though I have chronic pain. Hubby loads up all my extra bags of needed items for the trip. I will decide when to take medication or apply a patch, so it is all working together for the most extended moments of pain coverage during the trip and watching him race.
Before chronic pain, I made videos of the guys riding which I really enjoyed doing. Now, I video from a stationary position because I cannot run around the track anymore.
Everything in my life had to change to accommodate my illnesses and going to the track was one of them. At first, I fought it. I wanted life to be like it always had been for me, no struggle to do the things I love.
I am a creature of habit, so I am not too fond of change, but I needed to reinvent myself. I was tired of grieving my old life or the life that I thought I should have. I was profoundly depressed and full of anxiety, and I decided I needed to change. I am learning to reinvent the activities I love by finding solutions to each problem I faced. It’s been two years since I started the process of determining what I needed to do to have a fulfilling life even with chronic pain. Bottom line: I have to accept it.
You may cringe when I mention acceptance of pain. Change is hard, and many people think if you accept your pain, you give up, but it does not have to be that way.
Acceptance is only accepting that you need to make changes to your life. That is all you agree to. You need to look at it differently and get creative. If life gives you lemons, make lemonade!
This is accomplished by learning new ways to do things you love to do. The activity may not be exactly the same, but the passion will be there. You just have to look for it.
Life is messy and painful. It is so hard for me to accept that, but that is what we must understand when living with chronic pain. Reinventing yourself or your activities will not make it easier, but it can resemble the life you had before.
I encourage you to take an inventory of what you loved to do in the past that you can no longer do because of your illness. Break down each problem by finding solutions one by one, then you will reinvent your life.
Much Love & Many Prayers,
Cindy
Photo credit: Cindy
Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here.
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Great post! Glad to see you are adapting instead of giving up!
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Thank you for writing about the need to accept pain in order to find happiness again! I’ve believed this for a long time, and I know others who are trying to absorb this message. I hope this post will help them 🙂
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It really is a hard hurdle to jump, but when you are over, the journey just seems lighter. I fought for almost 10 years with the back and leg pains. Now, I find my joy in the simple things I can still do to help others. I enjoy writing to encourage others. Thank you for reading today.
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I am so thankful you have a wonderful husband and the two of you work together so you can still do what you both love. Sent up prayers for you this morning. May be blessed with a smile or three today!
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Aww! Thank you so very much for the prayers and the smiles!
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it is truly my pleasure! 🙂
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I take my hat off to you… and showing yourself and others it’s possible to live with painful circumstances. For me it’s embracing all of yourself and focusing on celebrating you and your life. If we are obsolutely intentional here the love we each are absorbs the pain and allows us a new freedom. Yes❤️ Barbara x
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I like that, the love absorbs the pain. You are so right! Thank you for the encouragement!
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Great post with simple but important information. I struggle with who I am now after being house bound for so many years. It is damn hard but I know the answers are out there, Have a great weekend. 🙂
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Thank you, M. I’ve been looking in the wrong directions for my self-worth. I’ve been reading an awesome book called The Search for Significance. It only took the first two chapers to help me see my worth from a different perspective. I highly suggest it. Love and Prayers.
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I’m thrilled you found a support system to,show you another view. I had a thought but. Will email you. 🙂 You’re on the right track!
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Cool beans! I’ll email back as soon as I can.
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I’ll do the same.
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Yes, a supportive partner makes all the difference too. We are never the same person again after chronic pain, we need to manage the pain in the best positive way possible…
Sounds like fun with the bikes. I grew up with bikes and cars. In the ’80s there were these ATCs, 3-wheeled dirt bikes for kids and adults. They were great fun. 🙂 xo
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Good to see you out and having fun with your spouse Cindy! Blessings & strength to you. Very encouraging post. 🙂
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Thank you so very much for your encouragement!
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All praise and honor to the Most High God in heaven. You’re welcome!
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