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I had a wonderful reminder a few days ago that I should always be aware of the beauty and goodness in the world around me. To be mindful and to live in the present moment.
I had finished a particularly sweaty Zumba class, was in pain and overheated, so I headed to Starbucks for an iced venti nonfat latte. The place was packed with people waiting for drinks, waiting to order. I was a bit miffed about having to wait, thinking about my upcoming knee replacement surgery (more about that later), all the things I needed to get accomplished for the holidays, etc.
An attractive man in front of me smiled at me, and I just took my phone out to record my drink in my food diary. Another man came up behind me, talking with the man in front of me, and my grumpy internal dialog was like "great, I have to listen to these guys talk over my head". Another cashier showed up & I thrust my money at her & ordered my drink.
The man leaned down and told me that he was trying to buy my drink, but he couldn't get my attention. I blushed, told him was a sweetheart, then scooted away to wait for my drink. I watched him quietly arranging to pay for other peoples orders, then sit with his friend a glow with joy at the surprised pleasure of the recipients of his anonymous gifts.
Tears stood in my eyes, and my mind opened. I got my drink, went over to the gentleman, and said "Excuse me, I just wanted to say thank you for reminding me to keep my eyes open to the beauty in the world around me".
I've been holding on to that feeling, that acceptance of what is, the joy in the beauty and goodness, as well as empathy for what others (and myself) are going through that may make them grumpy. I let other drivers cut in front of me, I open doors for others, I try to make grumpy cashiers smile or laugh. I tipped some friendly (and lonely) baristas five dollars after ordering my $4 drink. I took a beautiful box of home-baked cookies to my Zumba instructor to a party she put on in a mall dance studio to raise money while one of the other places she teaches is closed for the holidays. Next party she gives I'm going to pay more than she's asking.
I'm being gentle with myself about my fears about surgery while kicking my butt to get in awesome shape before the surgery so my recovery will be easier. I won't be able to exercise strenuously for quite a while after, and I fear gaining more weight, but I also know that I know that I know how to eat light and right (remembering how much weight I lost!)
I live with pain daily, so a few weeks of intense pain in order to greatly reduce my pain levels is a small price to pay. My orthopedic surgeon explained in detail what the surgery entails, how much work and pain will go into healing properly, regaining strength and mobility.
My physical therapist is gleefully giving me strengthening exercises to stabilize my core, strengthen my right leg that will have to do all the work while my left knee heals. I'm researching toilet risers, walkers, crutches, etc. I tried and expensive brace my orthopedic surgeon ordered for me, but it put painful pressure on my shin and I couldn't use it. I went to Beaverton Pharmacy and found a lot less expensive brace that just might work to keep me dancing and lifting weights right up until surgery. :o)
February 3 was the earliest date available for my surgery, so I have time to prepare. To get strong, to ready my home for easy maneuvering and comfort, to prepare and freeze healthy soups, stews, & casseroles & freeze portions of all for easy healthy meals. Of course I'll freeze some healthy cookies, too. ;o)
Diet Calendar Entries for 19 December 2013:
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2075 kcal
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Fat: 57.89g | Prot: 100.16g | Carb: 312.09g.
Breakfast: Coffee (Brewed From Grounds), Milk (Nonfat), nature's path pumpkin flax granola. Lunch: Starbucks Nonfat Iced Latte (Venti), Seapoint Farms Dry Roasted Edamame (Seapoint Farms), Trader Joe's Dried Baby Sweet Pineapple, Trader Joe's Roasted & Salted Pistachios. Dinner: Cauliflower, Hunt's Perfect Squeeze Ketchup, French's Classic Yellow Mustard, Kroger 100% Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns, Red Tomatoes, Foster Farms Ground Turkey Breast. Snacks/Other: Ghirardelli Dark Chocolate Intense Dark 72%, Water, Baked Lemon Donuts. more...
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1774 kcal
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Activities & Exercise:
Sitting - 3 hours, Housework - 1 hour and 30 minutes, Desk Work - 3 hours, Resting - 7 hours and 30 minutes, Sleeping - 9 hours. more...
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