Sunday, February 15, 2026

What if

 This afternoon on the treadmill I had a moment of sadness. I remember the days when I could walk on it for an hour with no problems. No fear. No worry. Now, don’t ask how long I can last. It’s not even close to an hour. I started to wonder. Wonder what if. I realized quickly that thought wouldn’t serve me. I just shook my head, and continued walking. 

I don’t know how long it will take for me to recover physically, but it will be much quicker than my mental recovery. There is no doubt about that assessment. I didn’t understand what my therapist meant the last time I spoke with her. I get it now. 

Pray I can forgive myself for something I couldn’t control. Something I never saw coming. The decline was slow, yet rapid in a way I can’t explain. An oxymoron, I understand. To tell you the state of my soul, it feels like my online cart looks like new workout gear, protein powder and supplements. Rinse and repeat. 

Coming out of the weeds of denial is a much harder issue to tackle. It’s being tackled, however, because for grief to be dealt with properly; it must be. 

I’m learning slowly what it looks like to be my own cheerleader, until then my online cart purchases will be. 

14 comments:

  1. I too am dealing with not being able to do what I once use to do. I started to get depressed because friends that are almost 10 years older can do more than I can, so it made me work harder at my exercises that I can do sitting in my chair and my stationary bike, and I can see myself getting better, not where I would like to be but better. Hubby got me a treadmil because we thought that might help me to be able to hold on to something but I couldn't even walk fast enough on the lowest speed, my balance is so far off that I couldn't manage it at all, but I am just thankful I can still walk at all. Hang in there!

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  2. Lots of us are in a similar situation. I can't walk across a parking lot without being completely winded. But I'm working on it. Little by little. And so are you. And God can do the parts that we can't.
    Blessings and love,
    Betsy

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  3. You said you are your own cheer leader, that makes sense. You are the one who knows yourself best. As the Bible calls us to give others grace, we are called to give ourselves grace! Love ourselves and treat ourselves tenderly. Remember that movie Baby Steps? I always like that image.

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  4. Siempre he pensado que mi cuerpo no me sigue. Muchos estamos ahí, en ese punto.
    Está bien ser tu propia animadora, me gusta ese término. Tenemos que pensar en positivo porque nuestra mente tiene más poder del que imaginamos.
    Un abrazo R`s rue
    Feliz día.
    Tienes también abierta la puerta a mi espacio de poesía.

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  5. I know what you mean about a physical decline- it can be depressing as it´s happened to me. I try to focus on the positive and I do have much to be thankful for physically. I hope you find forgiveness and a lightened soul. You are loved and forgiven- sending hugs!

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  6. I can relate with my wrist fracture and feeling setback in my physical fitness. It is humbling! You've got all of us as cheerleaders too! What's in your cart? I wonder!

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  7. You are not alone in realizing that there are some things you simply cannot do with ease. Hang in there, Regine, and know we all love you!

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  8. I hope you recover both physically and mentally, and I want you to know you are special to us here in blog land.

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  9. Try to focus and be positive, stay strong.
    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  10. one day at a time. always make time for the things that bring you joy!!!

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  11. I have those same moments, Regine. And if it helps, know you aren't alone. It doesn't always make it easier, being part of a club you would rather not join. But look at what you are doing? Grab every moment, every victory, large or small.

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