Please help a friend in need!

Prayers for Carie

I’ve known Carie since we were in elementary school. I can say with total confidence that she is one of the sweetest, kind hearted people I will ever have the privilege of calling a friend. Although she and I don’t see each other often, when my father passed away last September, she and her husband, Tim, helped when we were cleaning out his apartment, and trying to raise money for his memorial, by buying a shelving unit of his. She also came to the memorial with her daughter, Norah, when none of my other friends were able to. Her support meant more than she’ll ever know.

Now, she needs help. On Christmas morning last year, Carie had a stroke. Within the past couple of months, she’s been improving significantly; she began speaking, and has recently been able to hold herself in a seated position, and has a little movement in her arms and legs. She’s still unable to open her eyes on her own. She still has a long way to go in her recovery, and her family is in need of financial assistance to pay for the treatment she needs.

A friend of the family set up an online fundraiser to help pay for those accumulating medical bills, and has raised almost $4,000! To make a significant impact on the cost of her hospital stay and therapy, though, that amount needs to be, at least, doubled. So, I’m asking you, if you’re able, to give a little to this wonderful family. If you’re unable to donate, please share the link to the fundraiser on your blog, Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or whatever social media you use most! The more we can get the word out, the more money we’ll be able to raise. Click on the photo above to read more about Carie’s story and progress, and to learn how to donate.

Gentle hugs,

Chels

 

 

 

When your body feels older than you are.

I had a couple of days of relief from fibro pain, and the, bam! It hit me again. I think it’s the weather change. It’s been nice and rainy here in my part of Texas. So, what do I do when my body feels older than it should? (Whether it’s chronic or not?) Here are a few tips:

1. Epsom Salt. Lots of it. Pour it in a bath and get in, or soak a washcloth in a sink full of hot water and epsom salt and apply it to the areas that are sore.

2. Eat something healthy and drink lots of water. Especially if you’re starting the day, drink plenty of water throughout, and start the day with a healthy meal to continue the trend all day. You are what you put in your body.

3. Moist & dry heat. Some people swear by ice packs, but I swear by heat. Ice packs constrict the bloodflow and muscles to numb the area, but in turn makes me hurt. So, I reach for a heating pad, or head to the shower to increase healing bloodflow and relax my body.

4. Aromatherapy. There are certain scents that are said to be energizing, like peppermint, eucalyptus and tea tree. You could also use a relaxing scent, like vanilla or lavender. Put a couple of drops on a cotton ball, and swab your light bulbs, or put a couple of drops in your bath. You can even create sachets to put with your clothing, so that your favorite scent stays with you all day.

5. Yoga. Honestly, I’ve not been doing well practicing yoga lately (I need to find my motivation!) Yoga has helped me in the past, though, because it’s so easy to modify the poses to your ability level. It can be gentle or dynamic, depending on how you’re feeling, and it’s low impact, which generally means less joint and muscle pain. If you can barely get out of bed, just gentle stretching can help so much.

6. Breathe.  This is another reason I like yoga – it forces you to focus on your breath. If you find yourself tensing up, stop what you’re doing, face away from a stressful task or just close your eyes, and take 3 deep breaths. This is something my mom and I have done for as long as I can remember. Inhale for at least 6 counts, then try to make your exhale longer.

7. Visualization.  I’ll visualize while using breathing techniques before bed when pain is keeping me awake. A simple visualization is to picture a healing ball of your favorite color of light in the middle of your body. As you inhale, it grows, and as you exhale, it begins to spread. Do this until the light is covering your whole body.

8. Isometric exercise. They’re great to keep your muscles active, but also to relax you. Tense your muscles, starting in your feet, for a few seconds, then relax completely. Move to the next body part, your calves, and repeat. Move up into your thighs & glutes, then your stomach/back, arms & hands, shoulders & neck, even your face, and when you’re done, your muscles will feel less tense, and you may feel less pain.

9. Rest. Well, duh, right? Really, though, you know your body better than anyone, so listen carefully to what it needs. Don’t overdo your activities for the day, and practice two magic words: “no,” and “please.” Helping yourself by saying no to certain tasks is important. There’s no shame in saying you aren’t up to an activity; you owe it to your health. Asking for help is also hard, but it’s essential. You may also be doing a loved one a favor by allowing them to do something to help you.

Gentle hugs,

Chels

 

Yoga pose of the week!

Last night, Tom and I babysat our friends’ little boy, and as we went out onto the balcony to play chalk, he squatted down into a perfect yogic squat. It influenced both of us to sit the same way, hips dropped low, back straight. It reminded me how much I love to sit that way!

“Malasana” can help strengthen your legs, stretch and strengthen your hips, help your posture and balance, and aid your digestive system.

The picture above illustrates the feet shoulder/hip width apart with elbows pressing into the knees and palms pressing into one another.

You can also simply squat (with feet closer together if that’s more comfortable) while you do an activity on the floor. I find that this is relatively easy to stand up from, rather that standing from a seated position. So, while you’re sorting laundry or playing with a child on the floor, this is a great pose to assume. Standing from this pose will strengthen your glutes!

Gentle hugs,

Chels

Inspiration of the day – Let’s go Matt, let’s go!

Oh, man. I cried like a baby.

So, for those of you who haven’t seen it yet, here’s Matt and his amazing parents, teachers, and classmates:

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/inspiring-elementary-schooler-cerebral-palsy-runs-amazing-400-154523256.html

Gentle hugs,

Chels

Arthur Boorman’s inspirational story.

This post is under “I want a smile,” although it may give you a good cry! I’m inspired and humbled by this man’s story. And I bawled like a big old baby.

It’s so often that people have to take their wellness into their own hands when doctors don’t have the answers. His story is a testament to determination, faith, and the amazing ways the human body can work and heal when we don’t give up on it.

Off to do a little yoga now.

Gentle hugs,

Chels

P.S. – If you would like to check out the instructor/program Arthur used, here’s the website. I have to say, the videos are a little corny, but the guy is an ex pro wrestler, haha. It’s not the type of yoga I’m use to (DDP only incorporates some yoga postures, and there are lots of traditional yoga styles to choose from) but I do know that ashtanga yoga has helped with my fibro pain, the joint pain caused by my hypermobility, and my energy level. I’m going to make a commitment right now to start a regular practice again, and I’ll log my progress on the blog!