It is very cold today in Ohio, but luckily I am south of all the snow. Thinking of the hydrangeas reminds me of the summer and warmth of the day when I painted them on my deck. I can even smell them if I close my eyes and think hard enough. We can talk about wellness with no problem when everything goes right, but what do we do when things don’t go right and problems occur. This week is a really good week for me because I started to paint again. In September of 2014 I was in a car accident and it was life altering.
My shoulder blade was broken, I had whiplash, a concussion and bruising of my esophagus and lungs, along with massive bruising and discomfort. I haven’t been able to use my left arm completely since the accident and certainly have not been able to paint or hold a camera. I still can’t do some of my art and the camera part is iffy but where 2015 was spent just getting well physically, I am determined this year to get well emotionally, spiritually and continue my physical healing. I am going to learn how to do the things I loved, but in a new way.
So I am very excited. I got my art website, Sami’s Art, up and going again, which was a major victory, and my two storefronts and I am getting a 27″ screen so I can see and work on my art. Due to the concussion and injuries I have had to learn some things over again so I am making it fun and an adventure. If we keep our optimism and see each day in a mindful positive manner, it will help us move forward. Being mindful of the moment and being totally immersed in now will help. I try not to look back although that was hard to do last year.
So, how do we do this in a well, healthy manner. All I can share is how I do it and hope it will help someone else. I can’t say it enough, but finding one thing of beauty every day, no matter how hard it is, is important and taking it step by step, never giving up hope. During last year, although I wanted to paint and do everything I used to do I realized I needed to place my energy in getting well and then learning how to cope with what won’t be the same. So this year I am learning how to be me again. I am learning to ask for help, it is ok. A friend of mine comes over and reads me the book we are studying together because when I use my eyes to long to read smaller print then my vision gets blurry. But something difficult has brought on fun times. We laughed so much last night we had trouble getting through the reading. Georgi, my beagle, was making all kinds of funny faces when I tickled her foot. Laughter is good!!! And we found we share a love for Fritoes, not necessarily a healthy food but a fun time for us. Next week we will talk about healthy food :).
So a recap. Think positively, take small steps, but keep going forward. Patience, I am still working on! Ask friends for help. Find one thing of beauty every day, it is there. Be mindful of today, it won’t come again. Optimism helps even when we have to be tough on ourselves and remind ourselves to be optimistic. Your family and friends can help with that. And be thankful and enjoy those small victories. They are important. Safe journeys until our next week :).