Category: SCI

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Earthing: Barefootin’s Benefits

Okay, spring is here. We may still have some temperature dips, but this is a Health Alert about going barefoot; not that it’s bad for you. This is an announcement that it’s good for you!

I remember the good ol’ days when it was acceptable to go barefoot. In fact, my shoes (and books) remained where they were flung after hopping off the school bus on my way to shimmy up a pear tree or climb to the top of the barn! Shoes were an encumbrance to my speed and a major impedance to my climbing skills. And as important: my feet needed to breathe!

The benefits of barefootin’ was the topic of this month’s newsletter, “Chariot Notes,” that went out this past Wednesday.  For those of you not on my mailing list, here’s a smattering…and then some.

Since the invention of plastics in the 60’s, there’s been an increase of inflammation-related health disorders. We moved from leather-soled shoes, and wooden floors, to synthetic-soled shoes, synthetic carpets, and linoleum, which left our bodies depleted of electrons! Our autoimmune systems have become compromised. “Earthing,” or walking barefoot, reduces oxidative stress.

The earth naturally carries a negative ionic charge, so when we are grounded with the earth, free radicals are neutralized in your body. It has been proven that negative ions not only detoxify and calm the body, but also reduce stress and inflammation.

A second benefit is reflexology. Because there are reflex points corresponding to every organ in the body on the soles of our feet, barefooting offers a free reflexology session…helping to relieve what ails ya’. If there’s initial tenderness, it will subside as your body adjusts.

In addition, going barefoot offers a dual reprieve from a fast-paced lifestyle. First, you’re out-and-away from business, taking an opportunity to unwind. At the same time, you must be present, giving attention to where you step, living in the moment. And, research has proven a 62% decrease in anxiety and depression, increasing those feel-good endorphins. Simply quieting the mental chatter relaxes the mind, body, and spirit.

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Whether walking in the grass, on the bare earth, or in the sand, connect with Mother Nature, and her Creator. Feel the warm sunshine on your face. Smell the flowers. Listen to the wind in the trees, and the bird’s enchanting songs. How wondrous are our senses!

Even now, I go barefoot from April through October. Maybe I can’t pound the earth with my feet, but I can prop them up on rocks, or tree roots, while I tune in to earth’s harmony and commune with my Father. Sometimes, I even extend my legs and slide down in my chair just to feel the cool grass under my toes.

Remember, I’m from Tennessee. You can take the country bumpkin out of Tennessee, but you can’t take the country bumpkin-ness out of this Tennessean. (To read about my superintendent reprimanding me for going barefoot in the “My Daisy Dukes” chapter of Views From My Chariot, you can order it here http://booklocker.com/books/6235.html or off Amazon.com.

So today, for your health and happiness, I’m suggesting a barefoot stroll. Be rejuvenated!

 

 

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Journey to Wholeness VI: Sacral Chakra (I Feel)

Oprah talks about life as a class. I’ve recognized its share of tests. Whatever your assignment in life, don’t sweep anger, disappointment, and depression under the rug of denial. The energy it takes to fuel anger and unforgiveness wreaks havoc on our bodies, is emotionally destructive, and opens us up to spiritual confusion. (Did you know that anger affects your liver? http://www.greekmedicine.net/hygiene/Emotions_and_Organs.html )

The Creative or Sacral Chakra connects us to our sensing abilities, issues accepting others and new experiences, our sexuality, vitality, and creativity. ALL about our right to feel!

Artist from memory (Tom Hale)

When this chakra is open: we’re social, compatible, have the ability for intimacy, enjoy a sense of well-being, abundance, and creativity. It’s energy fuels the creative force that enables you as an artist, builder, chef, crafter, organizer, speaker, writer, etc. It empowers you to create a life of love and abundance. Each day, you co-create your life anew. When closed: imbalances may be impotency, frigidity, urinary tract problems, allergies, lower back issues, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders.

Jumper cables to help energy flow from the Sacral Chakra are water aerobics, aromatic baths, massage, or a “Raindrop Technique” by a Certified Raindrop Technique Specialist (CRTS). After one of these, I feel relaxed, yet energized.

The musical note “D” and decrees of “I listen to my gut feelings. I feel my feelings. I love my feelings. I am faith, hope, and love expressed.” help stimulate sacral energy.

Orange represents the Sacral Chakra. I LOVE orange! I wear it, use it in accent colors, and eat lots of carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spaghetti squash, oranges, and salmon.

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Using Young Living’s Orange Essential oil #3602 ($14.14 for 15ml) for aromatic hot baths provides emotional support, as well as support to the digestive and immune systems. Orange EO can be added as a food enhancement, to water for natural flavoring, as for hot “tea.” Yum!

Young Living’s Essential Oil Trauma Life #6350 ($64.47, or $49 member price, for 5ml retail) is an oil blend that D. Gary Young, the founder of Young Living, created at Steven Seagal’s request for his work in hospital trauma centers. It can cleanse and release emotional trauma from accidents, assault, abuse, loved one’s death, etc. It may relieve anger, fatigue, and stresses that compromise the immune system. https://www.myyl.com/4wholeness

(Due to the fact that one essential oil contains hundreds of biochemicals, and that each person’s body chemistry is different, one essential oil can be used in many situations. And, because of their “strong bioactive constituents,” some oils should not be used on babies, children, or pets.)

How are you progressing on your journey? I’d love to hear your experiences.

If you’d like to learn more about Young Living Essential Oils, email me or click here to purchase these oils or become a member for discounts https://www.myyl.com/4wholeness    

Disclaimer: I am offering my insights and what has worked for me. This is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat any condition of the body. Always consult your health professional before changing any program. I am not legally responsible for anyone else’s thoughts, words, actions or ramifications of such. Quotes I have used, and books or information I have referenced are not indicative of their authors agreeing with or condoning my suggestions and approaches.

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Journey to Wholeness (V) I WILL–Root Chakra

“There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true.” –Soren Kierkegaard

This week is the Root or Coccygeal Chakra, located at the base of the spine or coccyx. It is connected to our physical self with survival (self-preservation and instincts) and security issues of relationships, finances, and food.

When the Root Chakra is open, we possess confidence, a sense of belonging, and the ability to stand up for ourselves. We demonstrate “backbone.” If closed or imbalanced, body issues—colds, fatigue, anemia, lower back pains, etc., isolation, depression, and constipation (physically and financially)–may manifest.

Activities relating to the physical world prime this Chakra. Jogging, gardening, exercise (and restful sleep), Yoga and Pilates, involvements with sports, and dancing help.

music and mindThe note “C,” and the utterance (toning) of “uh” as in bug, help balance and bring healing to this chakra, as does humming. Sound healing can also be achieved using tuning forks. After striking the fork on your knee, hold it over the chakra for several seconds. Just because you don’t hear its sound after a couple of seconds doesn’t mean it’s not vibrating. Wait before striking it again.

The color associated to the Root Chakra is red: red clothing, red room color, red gemstones (ruby, garnet, red jasper, etc.), red food and drink: red apples, cherries, pomegranates, beets, and their juices (KNUDSEN is an organic brand that doesn’t add sugars). And, you can eat red meat. Ar-r-r!  Season with Saffron. The hot spices of cayenne and Tabasco sauce will certainly plug you in to N-ER-G!

The “Golden Rule” or Karma governs this energy center. (Just in case you missed it…  http://conversationswithcynthia.com/2013/03/15/be-aware-of-karma-bang-bang-duck/ )

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Use your body as a “choice determining instrument.” (Depok Chopra) Its energy will inform you of the likelihood of your choice’s ability to meet your safety need or increase the threat. Listen to your body talk.

The single oil, Sandalwood #3509 (15ml $14.80), has the umbrella effect of safety and security under it branches. To help move forward confidently, diffuse Into The Future #3369 ($34.54 for 5ml retail or $26.25 member https://www.myyl.com/4wholeness), or “put in bathwater, apply over the heart, on wrists, neck, as a compress, and dilute with V-6 Oil for full- body massage.” (Reference Guide for Essential Oils-Connie and Alan Higley)

Though oils work differently on different people, by dropping one drop on each chakra (starting on the Root Chakra and working upward), diffusing into the air, or inhaling directly, Harmony #3351 ($91.78 retail, $69.75 member price https://www.myyl.com/4wholeness) opens the energy flow and balances ALL the electrical fields, and promotes physical and emotional wellness, among other benefits. It’s the best bang-for-your-buck.

Each week, I will progress up to the next chakra, one by one, to the Sacral, Solar Plexus, etc.

If you’d like to learn more about Young Living Essential Oils, email me or click here to purchase these oils or become a member for discounts https://www.myyl.com/4wholeness

Disclaimer: I am offering my insights and what has worked for me. This is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat any condition of the body. Always consult your health professional before changing any program. I am not legally responsible for anyone else’s thoughts, words, actions or ramifications of such. Quotes I have used, and books or information I have referenced are not indicative of their authors agreeing with or condoning my suggestions and approaches.

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Journey to Wholeness (IV) I AM GROUNDED, Foot Chakra

For me, it’s a spiritual experience when something someone relates resonates deep within; even if it’s not an immediate aha, it makes me think, “Huh?” I count it as a spiritual whisper. Sometimes, it takes not getting a concept to inspire questioning. You don’t know what you don’t know until you realize you don’t know. You know?

I desire my “conversations” do that for you. Stay open-minded. Each “next article” is built upon the last, with a week in between for settling and practice.

Grounding earthing

Usually omitted in the charted chakras is the Foot Chakra. It’s really the first and represents our foundation, the feeling of being grounded. It’s our ability to walk the walk.

If the Foot Chakra is closed, you may feel ungrounded and confused, even tired, irritable, and unreasonable. Integration with others and understanding other’s points of view is challenged. In extreme cases, there may be destructive behavior, super-sized temper tantrums. As a result, people may avoid and doubt you.

If you feel uncertain, when life serves up lemons or, the other extreme, when mundane activities interfere with your energy release, the Foot Chakra may be/become blocked.

Any workout or increase in activity will help return energy to its status quo. Take nature walks (earthing/grounding), jog, or jump rope. Smell the earth. Play in dirt; gardening can be transformational meditation.

If your MO is a wheelchair, have someone assist you by placing your feet on the ground, even pound them against the earth. (Here are some “earthing” products that may be of interest https://www.earthing.com/ ) If this isn’t feasible, go quantum: think and envisioning yourself earthing. While you’re at it, you might as well Dance Like No One is Watching! 

The color Brown represents the Foot Chakra. Wear it. Look at it. Eat it.

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As for “eating it:” eat root vegetables like potatoes and turnips; raw or boiled non-GMO peanuts; brown and black rice. Season with ground Cumin (get it?), and nutmeg. Treat yourself to dark chocolate, rich in flavonoids and can aid in lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

Remember brown molasses? Molasses (“light”–first boiling, “dark”–second boiling, “blackstrap”–third boiling and has the greatest health benefits) is made from sugar cane, sugar beets, sorghum, carobs or dates. I drowned my mother’s handmade biscuits with this hearty syrup.

Also, remember molasses is sugar. When something sweet calls your name, EAT FRUIT. Your body is communicating its need for sugar–natural unadulterated sugar for brain support. Have you noticed sugar cravings when you are taxed or stressed? Glucose prevents brain tissue scarring from these experiences. “Comfort food” is not “soul food.” Although, soul food does emotionally and physically comfort your body…the best preventative to taking drugs!

Concerning drugs, and the perfect segue into essential oils, I recently read this:

“While synthetic drugs are simplified, isolated compounds, (essential) oils are complex structures that vary slightly from batch to batch. This means that while pathogens such as viruses can eventually ‘figure out’ the simplicity of drug structures, they cannot adapt to oils because they are always slightly changing.” -soundconcepts by Kari McDermott

In other words, new strains of diseases reinvent themselves to outsmart the pharmaceuticals, aka “medicines.” Essential oils are products of nature, subject to environmental influences. Because their chemistry varies year after year, they inherently outsmart drugs!

By defusing and/or applying two drops on your wrists or temples, Young Living’s Essential Oil Envision #3337 (5 ml, $24.67 retail) https://www.myyl.com/4wholeness  helps to renew faith for the future.

Applied to the back of the neck and on the temples, Grounding #3348 (5ml, $23.36 retail) https://www.myyl.com/4wholeness can help you cope with reality.

Any life upgrade requires knowledge, mindfulness, a decision, and taking action to change. DO IT! Color outside the lines!

Disclaimer: I am offering my insights and what has worked for me. This is not meant to diagnose, prescribe or treat any condition of the body. Always consult your health professional before changing any program. I am not legally responsible for anyone else’s thoughts, words, actions or ramifications of such. Quotes I have used, and books or information I have referenced are not indicative of their authors agreeing with or condoning my suggestions and approaches.

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Journey to Wholeness-“Are Chakras ‘New Age?'”

I’ve received some questions about Chakras, so before jumping in this week, I’m quoting from David Stewart’s article, “Are Chakras ‘New Age?’” (He’s a PhD who authored Healing Oils of The Bible.):

“Chakras are not ‘New Age.’ They are Old Age being rediscovered. They are mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. The Jews even have a symbolic representation for the seven Chakras in their Menorah of seven candles, the center one representing the heart chakra.

The first thing to understand is that we all possess an electromagnetic field in which our physical bodies are immersed. Even the medical and biological professions acknowledge that human beings have, not only a physical body of flesh and fluids, but also a subtle electromagnetic field upon which their physical body is superimposed.

Physicians measure your electromagnetic (EM) field to detect problems with your heart and brain by means of EKGs (Electrocardiograms) and EEGs (Electroencephalograms), but they don’t understand, nor utilize, the connections of our EM bodies to our physical bodies in a way to provide pathways to healing. They don’t understand that physical maladies, conditions, and sicknesses usually show up as irregularities in our EM field before they manifest physically. They are unaware of the connection between our minds and feelings to our electromagnetic field and how the condition of the EM Field affects our physical well-being.

Chakras are electromagnetic centers along the spine of our EM fields. They are the dynamic, functional organs of our EM body, which is a template that causes our physical bodies to materialize and manifest as it does. It is also through the EM Field that our physical bodies are energized and are enabled to maintain a healthy state directly from God’s consciousness.

The Bible says, in both Old and New Testaments, “Man shall not live by bread, alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” (Deut. 8:3 and Matt. 4:4) The phrase, “By every word…” is in reference to God’s constant and continuous vibrational energy that emanates from Him constantly, which permeates the universe omnipresently, and which maintains us as living, conscious beings. If God’s constant attention on his created worlds flickered, even for one second, the universe and everything in it, including us, would vanish. (Psalm 121:3-4) It is that subtle EM field, a living spark of Gods consciousness, that ignites the life of a new human being at conception, that provides the pattern for the union of a sperm and an egg from a man and a woman to assemble into a complete body, molecule by molecule, cell by cell, into a completely ordered physical form. Without the electromagnetic blueprint enshrouding the developing fetus in the womb, the dividing cells would not know into which organs to differentiate and arrange themselves to form a complete, functional living body. Without the electromagnetic body, we would have no physical body.

When we die from this physical form, we become aware of our EM body, which is a body of light and energy.

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Our bodies of light are usually not seen by us when we are living in the physical plane encased in flesh, but our etheric body becomes quite visible to us when we discard our material frame at death. The principal functional organs of your etheric body are the seven “chakras,” as they are called in Sanskrit in India. But the word, “chakra” in Sanskrit simply means “wheel.” This is appropriate since the chakras are all circular in appearance and contain geometric shapes and colors in their detail that could be likened to petals of a flower, spokes of a wheel, or points of a star. I prefer to call them “electromagnetic centers,” which are to our heavenly body what the various ganglionic centers are to our physical body. They are intelligent switching, coordinating, and routing centers for our electromagnetic (EM) bodies and perform functions that keep our physical bodies functioning in contact with God’s vital life force. Chakras are simply a part of our electromagnetic physiology.

We all have chakras or we wouldn’t be alive. To be fearful of the word chakra, or to be afraid to explore what they are and how they are a part of every human being, is like being afraid of your navel or your toe nails. They are essential features of your energetic anatomy.

Everyone has a set of seven chakras, be they Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Hindu, Atheist, or whatever. Some religious systems recognize them and understand their spiritual implications and some don’t. But they are still there for everyone. The more you know and understand what they really are, the closer you can draw to God, whose essence is spirit. For example, in countries where the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church is prevalent, the chairs in the alter area of the church are narrow and have armrests that are high. When visiting one of these churches in Romania a few years ago, I was told that the high arm rests are for the priests to rest their elbows so they can close off their ears with their thumbs, shutting off physical outside sounds, in order to more easily hear the sounds of the chakras and commune with the Holy Spirit. They call it ‘sound meditation.’ Your electromagnetic field is simply a part of your human physiology.

Many people can see the energy bodies around others. Perhaps you have seen them yourself and weren’t sure what you were witnessing. Many can also hear the sounds made by the chakras from their own bodies (which I do).

Just as you can hear the sounds of your physical organs like your heart beating, your lungs breathing, or your digestive tract pushing through its contents, so sensitive people can hear the sounds of their astral bodies working.” ~David Stewart, PhD

For Dr. Stewart’s complete article, go here:  http://www.raindroptraining.com/messenger/v11n4.html#newage

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The Power of SCI

What is cooperation?

Merriam-Webster.com says “cooperation” is: “(a) a situation in which people work together to do something, (b) the actions of someone who is being helpful by doing what is wanted or asked for.”

I hear disheartening reports of unmotivated SCIs, bitter about their circumstances, making life miserable for their families/caregivers. Not only are they unwilling and uncooperative to “work together” to get with the program—exercise, dressing, bowel and bladder, etc.—they resentfully and begrudgingly battle self-improvement, as well.

Because this character quality is lacking in so many able-bodied and disabled adults, I began explaining, talking about, and demonstrating lessons in cooperation to my grandniece when she was three years old. Teaching her skills for successful relationships is part of my contribution to her personal growth.

How is it that man is born with the reasoning capacity and capability for concerted cooperation, but it’s most often witnessed in the animal kingdom? It makes no sense; unlike the band of three bottlenose dolphins around Savannah, Georgia who work as a tactical unit.

The dolphin’s operation is to swim into the shallow tidal marshes. With their bodies, they patiently and strategically flush the herded fish onto shore. It’s life-threatening if one were to become marooned, but they risk it for food. They not only feed themselves, but also the egrets and gulls who have learned to rely on the dolphins.
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From this example, I’m comparing the ministry of caregivers who daily sacrifice their health for ours to that of the dolphin’s risk, and how we SCIs benefit from caregiving, to the egrets and gulls reliance on the dolphins.

Come on, SCIs. Let’s get with the program! Yes, it’s tough to lose physical independence. It’s the biggest bummer I know! No matter how hard you try to deny it, close your eyes to your needs, and barricade your heart from the disappointment, the situation remains. It’s time to accept the new reality of being dependent on others for things we took for granted prior to disability.

It doesn’t mean you’ve lost control of your life! (Look for the upcoming series on how to increase the power in your life for the New Year.) It just means that others may have to serve as your backbone, legs, and hands. You have control over the energy in the room, negative or positive.

For everyone’s health and happiness, make the decision to cooperate, “to work together to do something” beneficial for all. Become an enthusiastic member of the loving team working toward your rehabilitation and well-being. It’s within your power.

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SCI Bonus Serendipities

In the SCI community, we’re familiar with most professional’s prognosis for expected return: Whatever return you’re going to have, you’ll have by the second year. Anything else is a bonus. “Bonus” is the optional—left to personal choice—word.

For many, this is a disappointing truth. But for a large majority, serendipitous bonuses continue to surprise us for many years post injury!

Until I joined Apparelyzed http://www.apparelyzed.com/disability-directory/disability-forums-chat/, I had no idea of the number of happy, productive wheelchair warriors there were like me. I’m a young whippersnapper of 37 years post-injury compared to some 45, 50, and 60+ years post-injury; most of them, still happily and positively contributing to society.

I didn’t know the importance of SCI like-mindedness: the nonjudgmental acceptance of normal depression, grief, and denial following a life trauma; an understanding sounding board to rant—to cleanse the emotions in a safe environment; to learn from others’ similar or like experiences, and how-to cope with such.

I didn’t know the importance of annual evaluations by my spinal cord injury and rehabilitation doctor, or even wheelchair and cushion evaluations from a SCI-specialized PT.

Late in the game, I’ve learned a lot from those contributing on this forum. I’ve learned that many others have also earned bonuses of increased muscular strength, movement, and sensation (my sensation continues to improve after this long!); urinary and bowel control or a maintenance program; having children and grandchildren; achieving professional/financial success; living a wonderful life.

No matter the circumstance, the best medicine for long-lasting mental and physical health, as well as productivity is: having an empathetic and understanding ear to talk to, a sunny outlook, a full calendar, and faithful maintenance of our body and lifestyle.

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We’re not the creators of our bodies, but I believe the more we know about them, understand their hints and hitches, envision and profess our hopes for them/our future, and optimistically work toward their fulfillment, the greater our bonuses!

Yes. In time, we will face one or more repercussions of SCI. Meantime, what we do with our abilities—imagination, determination, hope, and faith—assuredly makes a difference.

I wish a long life of serendipitous bonuses to you all!

Would you like to share a few of yours?

http://booklocker.com/books/6235.html (Views From My Chariot) 

http://booklocker.com/books/6811.html (HOW TO BE THE BEST YOU)

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SCI and The Law of Possibility

At one time or another, most of us have used a crutch or have used something as a ‘crutch.’ Whether as a prop or for support, I think when our lives are newly interrupted by disability, denial is as good a crutch as a crutch.

In the beginning—the first ten years—I used it (denial) to my advantage. I wasn’t going to be in a wheelchair the rest of my life and tried to live as if I were still able-bodied; but, obviously, needed help because of my disability. Others telling me how I inspired them wasn’t a help. My wake-up call, out of denial’s slumber, was realizing my pride and stubbornness.

Yes, I charged back into work, and being independent, but I look back at the foolishness of thinking I was more capable than I was, putting myself, and others, at risk.

There were several falls: a back flip off the toilet, a nose-plant onto my pantry floor, a “…tilt me over and pour me out” in my carport, and a semi-twirl off my back porch. The law of universal gravitation is especially cruel to those of us with effected muscular function/responses. Dead weight falls hard. Why hasn’t someone invented an ‘Iron Man’-like rocket boost for wheelchairs?

Anyway, the most dangerous denial was ignoring signs of autonomic dysreflexia (also known as hyperreflexia). http://calder.med.miami.edu/pointis/automatic.html

Autonomic dysreflexia in the SCI has numerous stimuli but most commonly results from an extended bladder or UTI (urinary tract infection), over-exposure in hot weather, constipation, and pain. I would ignore symptoms until a rocketing blood pressure-induced migraine escalated into distorted s-l-o-w m-o-t-i-o-n speech, always requiring emergency assistance. If not treated, stroke, coma, and death can result.

Time, experience, and gained confidence work out the need for ‘crutches,’ but facing the truth on the wings of hope deals with denial.

Whether we improve physically or not, emotionally we can get better, day by day. If you lean on a crutch in the transition, that’s okay. If you’re honestly seeking to fit the puzzle pieces together for adjustment, this fellow SCI even recommends it. A little propping up, a little assistive support, goes a long way on the flight of optimism.
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After all these years, those initial ailments have either changed or improved. More importantly, I’ve become wiser dealing with new ones.

I’ve learned: that opportunities are peeking out from under every weight of limitation, and that some things are “in our head:” Possibilities.

“The Law of Possibility:” the unaffected space of weightlessness in the aerodynamic mind where possibilities abound, and gravity has no influence!

 

 

 

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SCI and Holes of Inadequacy

In the “Excuses” chapter of HOW TO BE THE BEST YOU, I told you the story of beginning a weeknight toddy habit with my mother, and how I was coerced into giving it up. It was after the fact that I realized its significance.

The initial teetotaler stage was hard; it got my attention. I wondered if I could have become an alcoholic if I hadn’t cut it out. I’d never been a “dependent” personality (even during my first couple of years of disability, I was working toward independence), but it made me ponder my feelings on the matter.

In order to get to my point…Some will say that I’m a little weird…maybe alotta’ weird, with what, when, how little, and how often I eat. I may eat lunch for breakfast then, lunch at 10:30am and again at 1:00 or 2:00pm, and even breakfast for dinner—which can be between 4:00 and 6:00pm.

I eat when I’m hungry which is pretty often; but I eat small portions because I feel satiated very quickly—another reason people think I’m weird: I don’t gorge. I detest that uncomfortable feeling!

The twain meet here. My toddy had to be around 4:00 or 5:00 while preparing dinner or waiting for its delivery. Once I eat, that’s it. Nada. Unless it’s water.

The significance of continuing our toddy habit after Mother passed away was my attempt to fill a social void. Mother was gone. After years of disability many friends have fallen by the wayside; those that have endured have families of their own and businesses to run. It was my “happy hour.”

The effect of SCI affects us differently. Whether it’s a loss of movement, a loss of freedom, or a loss of spontaneity, we’re dealing with the common denominator of loss.

Know this: the feeling of powerlessness can initiate addiction.

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In the moment you feel something is out of your control, what do you gravitate toward—think about, want to do, or physically need? That longing is an emotional, even physical, craving for worthiness. Subconsciously, we are trying to adjust to something that has slipped from our grasp.

Gary Zukav, The Seat of the Soul, says you can stop the cycle of addiction by feeling your pain, lack, or loss. Each time you challenge your inadequacy—own it, face up to it, readjust, seek help—you get your control back, little by little.

It doesn’t have to be SCI loss. It can be habits of gossip, jealousy, anger, sex, alcohol, drugs, pornography, shopping, gambling, loneliness…whatever. The situation you are trying to change may never change, but you can take control to change your thoughts and responses to them!

Be brave enough to ask yourself: When I…what hole of inadequacy am I trying to fill? What am I longing for?

Whatever unhealthy thing you’re doing to feel like you’re getting your power back is a smoke screen and a procrastination of truly taking back your control? Every temptation is an opportunity for a dress rehearsal for a life change OR a repeat of consequences. Make a responsible choice.

You’re worth it.

YOU CAN!

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SCI Wish List: Helping Hands

It’s my birthday. It’s my birthday! Today!

As the Girl Scout motto encourages, “Always be prepared.” I used to always prepare a written or mental wish list of suggested gifts for my birthday and Christmas. Although I love giving gifts, to a fault, at this point in my life, I prefer no gifts. After our family tended to my mother’s things after her death, it gave me a whole new perspective on stuff.

First of all, what we surround ourselves with are our own personal preferences. They aren’t necessarily another’s taste. Who will want them after we’re gone?

Secondly, I have acquired all that I need. It’s time to begin passing on those things that I know my loved ones like. Why wait? I’ve enjoyed them. It’s their turn.

Now, when asked what I would like, it’s a service that I request. Living with a SCI, it’s usually something I can’t do for myself, like: planting flowers that brighten my yard and light-up my days, arrange a bouquet from those that already bloom, pull dastardly weeds, make a favorite dish, a ‘drop in’ for a visit, or a transport and accompaniment to an appointment or errand.

Daily, life presents its demanding schedules and impromptu requirements. Expediency takes precedence in our busy-ness. Quality time is at a premium and my greatest treasure. For my birthday this year, with my deceased mother in mind, I requested some of her favorite food fare and helping hands from my sister and youngest niece.

For our lunch, (control your gag reflex, or your appalled, “WHAT!” response) I asked for Mother’s garlic sandwiches, her cottage cheese side dish, Zoe’s pimento cheese, and tea.

Because my sister knows how I love flowers, she picked Zenias from her neighbor’s prolific garden. (She says Jan can “spit” on a seed and it produces an orchard.)

For Mother’s garlic sandwich recipe, she rolled de-crusted whole wheat bread flat, spread a thin layer of softened butter and freshly pressed garlic on each slice then, rolled them into “shotgun slugs.” MY FAVORITE! Mother used to bring me a dozen or so to keep frozen until I needed one…or two.

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For Mother’s cottage cheese side dish, she combined cottage cheese, onion, and cucumber with a generous portion of coarsely ground pepper. OMG!

On my “3-seeded” wheat bread, we spread Zoe’s cayenne pimento cheese, and sliced some plump, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, also from Jan’s garden. YUM!

After lunch, Candace acted as my hands to help me place a very special symbolic collection of items into a shadowbox to hang in my bedroom. See!

Calling to my heart
Calling to my heart

Its contents are: a small Indian doll, I have kept since childhood, and an arrowhead. With hair braids, dressed in white leather, the doll represents my Native American Cherokee roots; an antique china picanniney baby with bushy hair plaits representing mixed children that I love and never got to adopt; a small map of Ethiopia, and a charcoal sketch of an Ethiopian woman sent to me from a ministry I support in Addis Ababa. I’ve had a heart for Ethiopia since my early teens after reading about Solomon and the Queen of Sheba; and a colorful silk embroidery of a Chinese woman dressed in the traditional Cheongsam, a piece of their currency, and a hand-carved wood elephant representing my love for Asia.

Happy Birthday, to me!

P.S. Don’t expect others to read your mind. When I told my sister what I wanted, she was totally surprised, but selflessly giving.

I hope your birthday is as special!