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We left off here last Wednesday.
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This memory gave me reassurance. This discomfort is temporary. Don’t forget what you know about pain, Julie. I reached in for the ice pack and hobbled to Brindsley’s bedroom. It was my turn to put him to bed. I was happy I would be able to get off my feet and ice while I read to him. Brindsley was already reading to himself when I came limping in.
He looked up, “What happened, mom.”
“Oh, I’m having some discomfort in my ankle. I’ll be okay.”
I sat at the edge of his bed to see if I could move my ankle up and down but was met with tremendous pain. “Ouch,” I whispered. I closed my eyes and took some deep breaths. It hurt to move in any direction. I found it comical that just 30 minutes ago I was walking around with no problem now I could hardly move. Is this crazy or what?
I placed the ice pack on the front of my ankle and began to read to Brindsley. I don’t recall what book we were reading, I wish I did, but I remember laughing and smiling. My ankle pain softened. I took off the ice and was now able to move it a little bit up and down, better than before. The reading and the company were a great distraction from the events that took place earlier.
I continued to read as I moved my ankle in the directions I could tolerate.
Movement will help. Laughter will help. What I say to myself matters— this is temporary, see you can move your ankle with less discomfort. This pain is not permanent.
When I left Brindsley’s room I was limping but not as bad. I felt some peace and comfort knowing that my ankle wasn’t injured. I will keep moving it and pay attention to what I say to myself. I will get a good night’s sleep.
I set my alarm to get up for a run. I’ll just see what I can do in the morning. I knew movement was beneficial and if I could put weight on my ankle without limping then I would run.
When I woke up the next morning I forgot for a moment about my ankle until the ache reminded me. I was surprised I could walk to the bathroom without a limp. I was able to push off without wincing. It was sore but I could place all my weight on my foot without a problem. I was sore but safe. This gave me the green light that I could run.
Even though the front of my ankle was very sore and my range of motion was not restored I knew running would be good. Running made me happy. It was one of my ways to process life’s challenges and troubles. Running is rehab.
I got dressed and headed out the door, thrilled to see the stars glittered overhead. The moon reflected a path for me on the road. I was not alone. This will help my ankle feel better.
Thank you for reading,
Julie
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The body knew best
How and when to heal itself
Way before doctors...
Thanks Julia for the reminder that not every pain requires immediate medical attention. I am not anti western medicine and get an annual physical and vaccinations but unless there is a “twist” to your ankle story (yes terrible pun intended) I do believe the body is “healer number one”. And yes, as your precious family knows, cancer is real and modern medicine can help but for so many of our ailments we have lost the wisdom to know when to expect the body to “right the ship” or when to signal S.O.S. In today’s post industrial society all one needs to do is watch T.V. for 15 minutes and you might wonder how we survive one day without Big Pharma saving our lives. I am not saying become Vegan but I am saying it probably would help. Sorry for my early morning rant. Bottom line: when we forget we are walking miracles, we can easily lose sight of our North Star.
'Movement will help. Laughter will help. What I say to myself matters— this is temporary, see you can move your ankle with less discomfort. This pain is not permanent.'
Isn't this really the key to getting through anything in life?: Moving, laughing and being kind to yourself
:).