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Mentor

"Quality of life"......a gift that just keeps on giving.

Posted by Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor @artscaping, Jan 8, 2021

The 2020 Holidays are over. What was your favorite gift? Was one of your gifts what I call a “quality of life” gift? Was it a new special pillow that made you sleep better? Perhaps you were given something that made your life a little easier like new shoes with a softer sole. Or maybe your family gave you a Mayo gift like the Pain course or a Habit workshop?

It’s never too late to think of and thank yourself for your endurance, generosity, and kindness to yourself. And these may be things that you have never mentioned because you didn’t want to be a burden or a nuisance or appear to be selfish.

I went crazy this year and got three of my quality of life gifts. I’ll share them with you and hope you realize how very important they were and are to me.

1. My MFR therapist began to feel that one session a week was not sufficient. So, we set up a six week trial of 2 sessions per week. The difference in tolerance was amazing. I didn’t have to endure increasing discomfort for 7 days….just 3. And so….gift #1. When I let my family know they found a way to help with the additional cost called a “stocking stuffer”.

2. For over a year I have been noticing more and more pain in my hip. Several years ago, I had an injection which was done poorly and so I wasn’t too excited about trying again. This time I had a chat with myself. “Why, Chris, are you going through increasing pain when there is a solution?” So I gathered my strong determination, had the injection, and am just jumping for joy. And my insurance covered it. Great…..another quality of life gift received and appreciated.

3. My 2021 quality of life gift brigade begins tomorrow when I have my preliminary appointment to fix my arthritic thumb. I can no longer open a jar or turn a key in the door lock. Seven years ago I had anchovy surgery on the left thumb. It is perfect. Now, why have I let the other one reach such a painful stage? I really don’t like surgery but this one is relatively doable and I won’t need too much help at home.

So Happy Holidays to me.
And thank you friends and family who shouted encouragement and helped support my wishes for a few things that just needed to get done.

What items would qualify for your quality of life? Let’s all share and help each other develop our 2021 list of can dos and must-dos.

Be happy and content in 2021.
Chris

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.

Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 9, 2021
In reply to @dsh33782 "My quality of life gift this holiday season, was being one of the first 3,000 out..." + (show)
@dsh33782

My quality of life gift this holiday season, was being one of the first 3,000 out of 250,000 people in Pinellas County Florida over 65 to get the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday the day before Epiphany. The only side affect has been sore arm. We are feeling so fortunate as we now see a light at the end of the tunnel and can start planning to see our grandchildren in Colorado later this year. Getting vaccinated was my first new years resolution. Now I'm working on the second which is to encourage everyone else to get vaccinated.

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What a great way to recruit examples of the quality of life gifts. Let's hope they carry on and spread the word.
May you be safe and protected.
Chris

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 9, 2021
In reply to @starfirey2k "SORRY to hear that, hope things get better for you soon.....may the force be with you." + (show)
@starfirey2k

SORRY to hear that, hope things get better for you soon.....may the force be with you.

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@starfirey2k, @suzanne2, Hang on, hang in there.....give 2021 a chance. It just needs to get this uncomfortable stuff out of the way and then it will be all yours to live and cherish.
Chris

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Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 9, 2021
In reply to @lacy2 "Years ago what I wanted was a magic wand; but then I thought, if I had..." + (show)
@lacy2

Years ago what I wanted was a magic wand; but then I thought, if I had one I wouldn't know what to wish for. Also, do I use the wand on others who are worse off first, hoping there will be enough magic left in the want for me? It was interesting reading your gift/wish list for quality of life "presents." I dont know what MFR means but that was a good idea to have extra sessions.... will you let us know if you plan to continue the twice a week? It seems to me as soon as I put the phone down after my weekly chat with therapist , something happens and as you say , then have a long wait to talk about it... well its only 7 days but x 24 hours a day. Glad to read your hip injection was successful ... too bad the first one was done poorly, you were brave to try it again. And thirdly some surgery again.... with such a positive outlook. The more I read people's life experiences (have only been a member for a few days) the more I realize I am not the only one suffering. Well, of course, I knew that.... but have put myself in a corner where I started to think everyone else was feeling OK....yet knowing they really weren't... how mixed up my mind has been. I doubt very much my attitude will go full circle and I will be as positive as you, but hearing of your success and self-help was encouraging. Thank you.

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Good afternoon @lacy2, Thanks for sharing your magic wand with us. MFR stands for myofascial release therapy. The connective tissue throughout our bodies....ligaments, coverage for muscles and tendons is called Fascia. When it gets hung up and restricted the result is pain. Let me see if Jennifer @jenniferhunter can explain how MFR can help your body and your health. Thanks for responding.
Chris

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ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Jan 9, 2021
In reply to @dsh33782 "My quality of life gift this holiday season, was being one of the first 3,000 out..." + (show)
@dsh33782

My quality of life gift this holiday season, was being one of the first 3,000 out of 250,000 people in Pinellas County Florida over 65 to get the Pfizer vaccine on Wednesday the day before Epiphany. The only side affect has been sore arm. We are feeling so fortunate as we now see a light at the end of the tunnel and can start planning to see our grandchildren in Colorado later this year. Getting vaccinated was my first new years resolution. Now I'm working on the second which is to encourage everyone else to get vaccinated.

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Congratulations, Don! You're on your way to a better quality of life for sure! I got my Maderno vaccine last Tuesday, the 1st day available at Mayo Clinic Jax. I was thrilled. No side effects. Have an appt for the 2nd one which may well be easy, too, or not.....I don't really care. I'm simple thrilled to have my body making antibodies for this nasty virus.

Let us know when you get your 2nd shot and any effects.....then grab your bicycle and on to Colorado!

Blessings, Elizabeth. Jacksonville!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 9, 2021
In reply to @lacy2 "Years ago what I wanted was a magic wand; but then I thought, if I had..." + (show)
@lacy2

Years ago what I wanted was a magic wand; but then I thought, if I had one I wouldn't know what to wish for. Also, do I use the wand on others who are worse off first, hoping there will be enough magic left in the want for me? It was interesting reading your gift/wish list for quality of life "presents." I dont know what MFR means but that was a good idea to have extra sessions.... will you let us know if you plan to continue the twice a week? It seems to me as soon as I put the phone down after my weekly chat with therapist , something happens and as you say , then have a long wait to talk about it... well its only 7 days but x 24 hours a day. Glad to read your hip injection was successful ... too bad the first one was done poorly, you were brave to try it again. And thirdly some surgery again.... with such a positive outlook. The more I read people's life experiences (have only been a member for a few days) the more I realize I am not the only one suffering. Well, of course, I knew that.... but have put myself in a corner where I started to think everyone else was feeling OK....yet knowing they really weren't... how mixed up my mind has been. I doubt very much my attitude will go full circle and I will be as positive as you, but hearing of your success and self-help was encouraging. Thank you.

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Good afternoon @lacy2. Welcome to the bright side........now that you are a returning member with lots to share and probably many things to learn. I came to Connect in 2017 as a Caregiver for my life partner who had prostate cancer. What did I need it for......I was managing. While waiting through 30 days of radiation treatment, I learned a lot about the Mayo Clinic and found out that there might be something for me to learn about myself.

At the same time, I became a student and proponent of Mindfulness Meditation and continued with daily yoga. Then the world opened up and I began to see how I might be justified in wanting some of the qualities of life that others had. So I started my search. The most significant event was mindful speech. When you talk to yourself, remember to ask: are my words kind? are they true? are they necessary? Just give it a try.....talk to yourself with loving kindness and compassion.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

REPLY
1 reply
Valerie | @lacy2 | Jan 9, 2021
In reply to @artscaping "Good afternoon @lacy2. Welcome to the bright side........now that you are a returning member with lots..." + (show)
@artscaping

Good afternoon @lacy2. Welcome to the bright side........now that you are a returning member with lots to share and probably many things to learn. I came to Connect in 2017 as a Caregiver for my life partner who had prostate cancer. What did I need it for......I was managing. While waiting through 30 days of radiation treatment, I learned a lot about the Mayo Clinic and found out that there might be something for me to learn about myself.

At the same time, I became a student and proponent of Mindfulness Meditation and continued with daily yoga. Then the world opened up and I began to see how I might be justified in wanting some of the qualities of life that others had. So I started my search. The most significant event was mindful speech. When you talk to yourself, remember to ask: are my words kind? are they true? are they necessary? Just give it a try.....talk to yourself with loving kindness and compassion.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

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Thankyou.... words of widsom for sure: I have tried different avenues but either I found the road too long, gave up, or just couldn't continue but I do realize that being more mindful and positive would benefit me.... just running out of steam maybe. I often would find info on Internet medical searches and get Mayo Clinic - very helpful, then a few days ago found connect.mayoclinic so was happy.... I am on a bit of a merry go round at the moment, not the first time, but the ride is rougher than it used to be, probably due to aging and other issues. In a way it is eye opening to hear abut others' illnesses and know I am not alone in this but also I find it quite sad as I tend to feel others' pain as well as my own. Hearing how everyone is coping is encouraging and I am anxious to tell my therapist about it next week (this site) .... and that's good you have been here since 2017 btw.... be nice if we could go back in time and re-learn how to cope with all this and deal with the hills instead of the mountains.

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tim1028 | @tim1028 | Jan 10, 2021

I plan to continue to work on diet and fitness and joined an online fitness program. Results in 2020 were nothing short of impressive. In 2021, I hope to continue with the progress I've made. Healthy eating by following a heart friendly diet has been on my plate since 2020 as well.

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 10, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "My best Christmas gift actually arose out of a difficult situation form y daughter - she..." + (show)
@sueinmn

My best Christmas gift actually arose out of a difficult situation form y daughter - she suddenly had to depart her condo after a flood, so she moved to our home while packing and moving the flat. She is a very independent woman and fiercely resists asking for help, usually until she is "over her head." This time she agreed to let us help, and moved her pets, plants and workstation here. It was wonderful being together through the holidays and being able to really help her with packing and cleaning. It is with mixed feelings that we help her complete the move to her temporary apartment this weekend, but we reestablished new bonds - as 3 adults. She has been out of our home for over 20 years and when she moved it was as a very young and immature student with lots of adolescent baggage. She came back as a mature, competent and amazing adult. We are blessed.
Sue

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@sueinmn What a delightful gift for the holidays!

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 10, 2021

Hello All,

What a great discussion on Quality of Life Gifts. This year I purchased for myself an adjustable bed. It is not the more expensive sleep number bed, but just a frame that lifts the head and/or the bottom of the mattress. It was more affordable than the more expensive model but helps me get a better night's sleep. I've always had a problem with either coughing or leg cramps at night and this has solved both problems whenever they occur.

Also, for Christmas, I ordered a Zentangle beginner book and I'm going to try my hand (no pun intended) at this craft. Wish me well because I don't consider myself a very creative or crafting person.

REPLY
2 replies
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Jan 10, 2021
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello All, What a great discussion on Quality of Life Gifts. This year I purchased for..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello All,

What a great discussion on Quality of Life Gifts. This year I purchased for myself an adjustable bed. It is not the more expensive sleep number bed, but just a frame that lifts the head and/or the bottom of the mattress. It was more affordable than the more expensive model but helps me get a better night's sleep. I've always had a problem with either coughing or leg cramps at night and this has solved both problems whenever they occur.

Also, for Christmas, I ordered a Zentangle beginner book and I'm going to try my hand (no pun intended) at this craft. Wish me well because I don't consider myself a very creative or crafting person.

Jump to this post

Teresa, I gave myself a 'heavy, weighted' coverlet. Weird, eh? I thought so, too, but it intrigued me.

Supposedly the extra weight provided by tiny glass beads sewn into the 'quilt', in between several thin layers, helps reduce pain. So, I got one and guess what??? it does help!!! 15 pounds of firm weight. Hugs me. I feel comforted and much of the stress leaves my muscles. Interestingly, I love it!

It keeps my body extra warm, too, so I had to remove a couple of quilts. I sleep in cool room w/ceiling fan on year round. Helps me breath. So, now, I keep the fan on low or off! I stay toasty and the kitty is thrilled!!!

Never been so happy...because, I got her a couple of really nice gifts for Christmas. I ordered from Chewy.com 2 kitty towers, made with real wood, pre-assembled. Most have to be put together...HA! Very heavy, covered with thick, dark gray carpet w/scratching posts. They have 2 large beds and a house. She's in heaven. Loves her Killy Tower.

Often, when I'm in my recliner in the bedroom-I know that's a 'no,no' say the experts, but I enjoy it since I stay upstairs on days I can't handle the stairs well. She gets on the top shelf and watches the world go by out my bedroom window, looking at squirrels and birds in the live oak tree, watching the world, enjoying the sun. She's a happy cat! The other is in her kitty room with the litter. Also, looking out the window at the trees, deck and plants and feeders....And, one is downstairs in my den.

So she has lots of special high spots to watch the world and snooze..

These were our gifts this year. You know, I loved it! I don't get gifts anymore, so I treat myself. This year I actually enjoyed the process....pulled me out of a worsening slump....shopping does that. Oh, also got a new mattress, FOR ME! Ohhhhh, it's heaven. Good choice, too.

Well, off to bed. Blessings to all. Elizabeth

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