Need some therapy: Visit the beach

      I have only been to the beach two times in my life, but I have to tell you they were the most relaxing times I have ever had. There is something about sitting at the beach staring at the ocean that is therapeutic. The everyday pains I have seemed to just disappear while sitting in the sand.

    Staring at the water that goes on and on allowed me to clear my head. My brain was only focused on one thing. The constant chaos that goes on in my head was silent. I was able to think clear thoughts. I didn't have fifty things rushing through my mind at one time.

 While looking at the ocean's waves I didn't focus on how bad my legs were hurting. I just felt at peace. I hope within the next few years to move close to the beach so I can visit weekly if not daily. If you find yourself having a bad day or a painful day stop and try to picture the ocean. Try to remember what the waves sound like as they crash upon the shore. Feel the water running over your feet and the warmth of the sand.

                   I know it will not be the same as actually being there, but you would be surprised at how it can help the body relax. Often at night I will go back to the beach in my mind as a way of trying to shut down for the night. I soon find my self drifting off even if just for a few minutes.

Brr, it's freezing outside

Usually I enjoy the cold to some extent. I like seeing a fresh blanket of snow on the ground. I enjoy the yard not being a swamp when I am taking the dog out for a walk. However, this year the cold is driving me nuts. My internal thermostat is already bonkers and the cold weather is making it go haywire. My bones are so stiff and hurting so much  that I can't hardly stand going outside. I don't know how I am going to make it through the winter.

Maybe I need to move somewhere that's warm all year long. If it were only that easy. I have a ninety five year old grandmother to care for. Moving is out of the question. If only I could go outside in a bubble that remained a constant temperature. My body takes so long to get warm after I am cold. I am only outside for ten minutes at a time max, just long enough to walk the dog.

How do you handle the cold weather when dealing with chronic pain? My hands are still aching and it's been an hour since I was last outside.  Ugh! I need to live on a beach.

I feel something lurking behind me

As we inch closer and closer to the holidays I can sense something lurking behind me. While I should be enjoying the lights and festivities that go along with the holidays I fine myself looking over my shoulder. In the evenings while I am trying to enjoy the holiday shows on TV I feel that dark shadow creeping about. Each day it's presence becomes more clear. I can try to run and hide but somehow it always seems to know where I am. Yes, holiday depression is approaching.

Holidays should be a time of happiness. I love the lights and music. I enjoy seeing family and the look on my daughter's face on Christmas morning. However I can't shake this nasty beast that finds me year after year. Instead of baking all the yummy goodies and enjoying the holiday cheer I find myself not wanting to do anything. I go out once a week to do grocery shopping and errands and then it's back to my cave. My desire to get up and go has went without me.

This year I didn't even have the desire to put up the outside lights and I love competing with the neighbor over who has more lights. Not this year. I did get the tree and a few things up inside, but even that was exhausting. I guess I am hurting more this year and that is taking it's toll on my festive spirit. Dealing with constant pain everyday has affected me more than I thought it would.

I know I am not alone in this battle. There are lots of us dealing with a shadow following closely behind. Maybe we can join forces and rid this terrible monster once and for all. How do you keep your spirit during the holidays when dealing with depression and pain?