posted
An important part of staying sane and healing yourself is to partake in something that brings you joy everyday.
Many of our normal fun activities are taken away when we get sick. So, I'm wondering how people have adapted and adjusted. What did you used to like to do that you can't anymore? What do you like to do now that makes you happy?
Posts: 227 | From Northern CA (bitten in Illinois) | Registered: Jan 2008
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Before my car broke down, I liked driving to the trailhead 15 min from my house to the National Forest and going for a 10 or 15 min walk.
I especially liked going right at dawn and dusk.
I also would drive out there and sit in a camp chair on the days I was not able to walk.
That brought me joy. I can feel the difference in me as I get beyond the housing tracks and see the view of the National Forest.
Good topic
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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bettyg
Unregistered
posted
DITTO TO TUTU'S ....
i help on lymenet and especially finding LLMDS, which are so vital in the road to remission recovery.
compiling my newbie package links so others had links from me and member, TREEPATROL, to start researching to take CHARGE OF THEIR LIVES AGAIN.
i've typed 4 family trees; uffda; NEVER again.
helping out in whatever capacity i can especially to our favorite niece who is single and expecting her son in dec.
going to weekly health educational programs at our hospital where i can socialize with others and enjoy their TASTY and "fattening" treats!
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posted
I go twice a week to Ai Chi (tai chi in a warm water pool). This is beneficial as well as a social occasion.
The BEST thing though, is that I try to talk to my grandson on the phone at least once a week. He's seven and is at the stage where he wants to read me books (mostly jokes, of course) over the phone. Unlimited long distance is great!
-------------------- "Few of us can do great things, but all of us can do small things with great love". Mother Theresa
posted
At the moment, because I am fairly newly diagnosed and new on abx, and have had to give up my beloved wine, I am allowing myself for a while to eat whatever I like as long as its not junk food. It sounds pathetic even to me but feeling like I can spoil myself in that department makes me feel a bit more in control. We will see what it does to my waistline. Great thread - provokes much thought. Thanks.
Posts: 234 | From BC Canada | Registered: Aug 2008
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posted
Keith... I used to teach my fourth and fifth grade classes how to crochet. The boys LOVED it as much [or more?] than the girls did!
Just think what their future wives must have thought when they found out their husband could crochet!?
I wonder how many have kept that a secret once they got to marrying age?
Some most likely have a skill their wife doesn't have!
I miss my crocheting ... I can do a little .. but my fingers swell and hurt when I crochet now.
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96227 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952
posted
Having lost so much from being sick i've grown to appreciate and find joy in the smaller/more simple things of life.
I thank God every day that I wake up in the morning (although sometimes I don't want the being awake yet part). And sometimes I later ask him why he keeps me here but he does so i'll try to do my part to glorify him and enjoy what he gives.
I find joy in my work even though it causes me great physical pain and stress. I enjoy helping others. And joy when I get to go home and rest.
I love spending time with my family.
I love the times when i'm able to talk with my friends on the phone even better when i'm well enough to see them in person.
I enjoy good food, being in the sun (even though I get sunburned so easily), and rolling up in a pile of blankets ('cause i'm cold all the time).
When i'm able, I find joy in taking short walks with my dog. I miss the long walks.
There is joy and peace and happiness when I play or cuddle with my cats. They are endless sources of entertainment and comfort.
I find joy in reading, watching the travel channel when the program is actually something related to travel, dreaming of the places i'd like to go and the things i'd like to see. Remembering where i've been.
I enjoy learning though it is much much harder now with lyme. I look forward to getting better so I can learn more and go back to school.
I find joy when my vision is crisp and clear, when i'm not dealing with numbness or pain or nausea or fatigue or any other awefull symptom.
I'm happy to have hope that one day i'll be better. And gratefull for the people that have helped me get to this place and the treatment I have started.
I didn't used to think like this. I used to dwell on the things that I had lost. But then I got to the point where there was nothing left of me. My physical body was wasting away despite the best of my efforts. I realized that I was going to die. I wasn't sad or depressed or anything, it was just reality. But God had other plans for me. He lead me to help and gives me the strength to make it through each day. So I guess what gives me the most joy right now is God.
There is just so much. I'm sure that if we all think about it we could fill pages and pages of things that we enjoy and those that we miss.
Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007
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posted
I've been brainstorming. I think there is a wide range of types of joyful things - from the simple "I need to indulge in something that feels good right now!" to the things that are longer lasting and fulfilling on a deeper level. And I think they're all important.
I agree with SkyLord, a person who can bring themselves happiness and boost their own morale is better able to cope (and heal).
This is a big challenge for me. And I hope that if nothing else, lyme helps me to find goodness in the hardest of times.
Here's my current list:
Immediate indulgences: **hot tea **hot showers **bath with epsom salts, candles, and a good book **massage - giving/receiving **acupuncture - when I can afford it **curling up on the couch with a good movie **sauna
Entertainment: *good music - mellow or happy or classical interesting radio programs - like NPR's To the Best of Our Knowledge or This American Life ***humorous tv/movie - Very important to laugh!! (Marx brothers, Arrested Development) read a book *crossword puzzles thrift stores (tho the dust/mold can get to me)
Treats: special restaurant **visit a hot springs - hot pool, cold pool, sauna. healing, relaxing, detoxing all at once!
Social: calling my family sharing a meal **petting our cat or dog snuggling up with my boyfriend
helping others: I think this is important. I don't do it enough. I sometimes write a letter or email, make/buy my roommates special treats, mail friends/family surprise packages.
Exercise: I know not everyone has the luxury to exercise. I have been VERY excited in recent months as my body got strong enough to do this! To the extent that my body can handle a physical challenge, I find that it is very good for me (mentally, emotionally, and physically). Tho I have also learned it is very detrimental to push myself when my body can't take it.
I remember the happiness the first time I could take a 15 minute walk! I was finally well enough to go on a very easy backpacking trip this September. It brought me out of a multi-month dark HORRIBLE nearly suicidal depression! I'm immensely grateful to be able to do this again.
yoga gardening - It's very satisfying to grow plants. hiking - walking in the arboretum jogging bike ride
Things I don't really do, but may try art - museums, painting, drawing, sewing meditation tai chi volunteering journaling visiting the library
Oh yeah, and I miss: parties, beer or a glass of wine, cheese, sugar!!!, birthday cakes, all kinds of delicious food, being seriously athletic, travel, a more stable relationship, the feeling that my life was going somewhere really good!
I really enjoyed reading about the things that bring joy to all of you. It makes me smile. Thank you!!
Anyone else?
Posts: 227 | From Northern CA (bitten in Illinois) | Registered: Jan 2008
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just don
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 1129
posted
Do sudoku puzzles,,,as hard as you can accomplish.
Like the ones in the daily local paper are so easy ,,,do them without the small canidate numbers.
I tell myself it keeps my mind oiled up some!!!
My favorite thing to accomplish is to remodel,,,this OLD house.
Easier for me to demolish than construct,but each has its place!!
IF I am not watching that DARN boob tube!!(of tv land oldies OR home improvemnt shows and flippin ones)
Just last nite found out all those flippin shows on TV are ALL fake and NOT reality,,,what a schock!!
-------------------- just don Posts: 4548 | From Middle of midwest | Registered: May 2001
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
I miss the joy I had in hunting & fishing & making love to my wife Often now its just here and there its hard to both be in the mood at the same time after lyme. I miss working hard with my hands outdoors. I miss hiking 6 miles a day I misss working out I miss being skinny and in shape.
The joy I do have is when my wifes not acting crazy and everthing is my fault. And the puppy I bought for her he brings me quite a bit of joy. And of coarse trying to help people here.
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
aklnwlf
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 5960
posted
My old life.......
lived in Alaska and was a machine!!!
hiked, biked, fished, skiied, rafted, etc.
My new life........
live in Alabama and am similar to the rusted Tin Man.
walk the dog 3 x week 2 1/2 miles a pop, read a lot, watch good movies, still try new things, shooting pool again, observing my inner life more, eating great food that I make, etc.....
Really different things to do to make me happy but am learning and enjoying it to boot!!!
-------------------- Do not take this as medical advice. This comment is based on opinion and personal experience only.
Alaska Lone Wolf Posts: 6209 | From Columbus, GA | Registered: Jul 2004
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treepatrol
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 4117
posted
quote:Originally posted by aklnwlf: My old life.......
lived in Alaska and was a machine!!!
hiked, biked, fished, skiied, rafted, etc.
My new life........
live in Alabama and am similar to the rusted Tin Man.
walk the dog 3 x week 2 1/2 miles a pop, read a lot, watch good movies, still try new things, shooting pool again, observing my inner life more, eating great food that I make, etc.....
Really different things to do to make me happy but am learning and enjoying it to boot!!!
Dont live there yet But your pretty close to the way I was.
Really sucks being demoted!
-------------------- Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Remember Iam not a Doctor Just someone struggling like you with Tick Borne Diseases.
posted
I go to anything in San Francisco that's interesting, which is a lot! We are blessed with an interesting town, alright. It really helps me take my mind off Lyme to focus on something else for awhile.
Then, what also brings me satisfaction is to educate people about Lyme/co's throughout the day, wherever I am, so they can become aware of the unknown problem here and learn to protect themselves/pets.
Posts: 13117 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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hiker53
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 6046
posted
I teach jr. high and try to pick one student a day to get to know better and find something positive to say to them.
I also keep a blessings journal and write down something positive about the day and pray everyday.
It really helps.
I also like to read.
Hiker53
-------------------- Hiker53
"God is light. In Him there is no darkness." 1John 1:5 Posts: 8974 | From Illinois | Registered: Aug 2004
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Taking a stand up shower
Being able to get up from the toilet without needing my service dog's help to get up.
Getting the dishes in the dishwasher
Being able to put the laudry away (pretty much able to do laundry now, but still not whenever I would like)
Putting the dishes away (this is very rare)
Beginning to take for granted being able to do my own grocery shopping now. (But, it brought me joy for several months when I first started after years of not being able to shop)
Walking in the kitchen and having a clean counter and sink. (Very rare..usually dirty dishes there or dishes in the rack on the counter that need putting away)
Having clean sheets on my bed (I can't change them yet myself)
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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posted
Everyone has interesting things that they do to make theselves happy. I'll have to try some of them.
I guess that what "we" do for fun is quite different from what others do for fun.
This difference makes it very hard to get along with anyone who isn't sick.
Posts: 269 | From Valencia, CA | Registered: Aug 2007
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LisaS
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 10581
posted
In the summer I love yard work, even if it's just planting a couple flowers a day. Also love laying in my hammock and watching the wind blow the leaves in the trees.
posted
Shop for vintage and depression glass bargains on ebay.
Jan
-------------------- 3 Strains Mycoplasma and Chlymedia 2001. After treatment fine for all 2004. Major symptoms since 2005. Diag Aug 2008 Lyme. 400 mg/d doxy 500 2/d Ceftin Posts: 164 | From Texas | Registered: Jun 2008
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posted
Now that I'm ON MY WAY to getting PROPER treatment (WOO HOO!!!! ) THANKS to everyone here at LymeNet,
AND
I am finally figuring out how to live with what I've got, and live DECENTLY (which is all I want)
I have to say that I have ONE THING that makes me actually smile inside.... guilty pleasure....
Watching reruns of "House", only for scenes featuring Dr Chase, and wonder "what it would be like if he would treat me......"
-------------------- The Bite: July 1995 Next 13 years: Treated for things I didn't have Symptom total: 45 1 faint Lyme IgM May 2000 5 More negative tests IGeneX says YES! 3/16/09 Finally feel human: 2012 Posts: 120 | From Plainsboro NJ | Registered: Feb 2007
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