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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.

Valerie | @lacy2 | Jan 10, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "Teresa, I gave myself a 'heavy, weighted' coverlet. Weird, eh? I thought so, too, but it..." + (show)
@ess77

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

Jump to this post

..just noticed the weighted cover - i tried one out my daughter bought several years ago and really liked it - but in those days, and I know its a no no, but my dog used to sleep on end of bed and I didnt want her on it etc... (76 lbs) anyway ended up buying an electric-heated mattress cover which has worked out very well except when I turn it up a bit too high, fall asleep and wake up roasting! Like you, I like to feel warm , but breath in cooler air... glad you liked the quilt you bought... great self-gift. I have a lazyboy recliner in living room with electric controls but hasnt worked properly for months ...thing is it works fine when repairman here, and soon as he leaves, or days later, I am semi reclining and it wont work and I have to crawl out of it. Repairman doesn't know why... husband home and just shakes the chair and it works, but when alone I don't want to get stuck and it was expensive! Ugh... We no longer do gifts as children are adults and no grandchildren; also my nephew in UK passed away Christmas Day 2013, Mum Jan.17 2014, and well it's just not the same. Love that your cats have a nice view of the outside, sounds like you live in a very serine home.... have a good sleep!! J,S.

REPLY
2 replies
wildebjef | @wildebjef | Jan 10, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "Teresa, I gave myself a 'heavy, weighted' coverlet. Weird, eh? I thought so, too, but it..." + (show)
@ess77

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

Jump to this post

I have my weighted blanket. I think it helps my PTSD

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 10, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "Teresa, I gave myself a 'heavy, weighted' coverlet. Weird, eh? I thought so, too, but it..." + (show)
@ess77

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

Jump to this post

@ess77 I'm glad to hear that your weighted blanket is working well for you. I've thought about getting one as well, I've heard that other people have been helped by them, too!

REPLY
1 reply
wildebjef | @wildebjef | Jan 10, 2021
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@ess77 I'm glad to hear that your weighted blanket is working well for you. I've thought..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@ess77 I'm glad to hear that your weighted blanket is working well for you. I've thought about getting one as well, I've heard that other people have been helped by them, too!

Jump to this post

Made by sensa calm
REPLY
Mentor
Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jan 10, 2021
In reply to @tim1028 "I plan to continue to work on diet and fitness and joined an online fitness program...." + (show)
@tim1028

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.

Jump to this post

@tim1028, Great job in 2020 .... as you say "nothing short of impressive." Remember Tim, this is a request for you to gift yourself with a quality of life reward for your efforts. Congratulations and stay in touch with us....we want to cheer you along.

Thanks for sharing and connecting with all of us on this amazing and unique journey.......

May you be safe and protected,
Chris

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 11, 2021
In reply to @lacy2 "..just noticed the weighted cover - i tried one out my daughter bought several years ago..." + (show)
@lacy2

..just noticed the weighted cover - i tried one out my daughter bought several years ago and really liked it - but in those days, and I know its a no no, but my dog used to sleep on end of bed and I didnt want her on it etc... (76 lbs) anyway ended up buying an electric-heated mattress cover which has worked out very well except when I turn it up a bit too high, fall asleep and wake up roasting! Like you, I like to feel warm , but breath in cooler air... glad you liked the quilt you bought... great self-gift. I have a lazyboy recliner in living room with electric controls but hasnt worked properly for months ...thing is it works fine when repairman here, and soon as he leaves, or days later, I am semi reclining and it wont work and I have to crawl out of it. Repairman doesn't know why... husband home and just shakes the chair and it works, but when alone I don't want to get stuck and it was expensive! Ugh... We no longer do gifts as children are adults and no grandchildren; also my nephew in UK passed away Christmas Day 2013, Mum Jan.17 2014, and well it's just not the same. Love that your cats have a nice view of the outside, sounds like you live in a very serine home.... have a good sleep!! J,S.

Jump to this post

I agree that heat works well at night, @lacy2. I have a rather large heating pad that shuts off automatically when it gets too hot. That also helps with sleep.

REPLY
1 reply
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Jan 11, 2021
In reply to @hopeful33250 "I agree that heat works well at night, @lacy2. I have a rather large heating pad..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

I agree that heat works well at night, @lacy2. I have a rather large heating pad that shuts off automatically when it gets too hot. That also helps with sleep.

Jump to this post

Teresa, I tried the heating pad, got a large one for bed and/or recliner. It's helpful for a short time, gets too hot too soon and I'm roasting! Also, only can use that kind of thing in cold weather! I don't do well with heat or hot weather....then why do I live in Florida????Don't do well in cold weather, either. Both are painful for me, so Northern Florida is pretty good, I guess. I stay indoors in AC most of the time.

I'm thrilled the heavy blanket/quilt is a good thing for me. I sleep much better and w/less pain.

Blessings, Elizabeth

REPLY
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Jan 11, 2021
In reply to @lacy2 "..just noticed the weighted cover - i tried one out my daughter bought several years ago..." + (show)
@lacy2

..just noticed the weighted cover - i tried one out my daughter bought several years ago and really liked it - but in those days, and I know its a no no, but my dog used to sleep on end of bed and I didnt want her on it etc... (76 lbs) anyway ended up buying an electric-heated mattress cover which has worked out very well except when I turn it up a bit too high, fall asleep and wake up roasting! Like you, I like to feel warm , but breath in cooler air... glad you liked the quilt you bought... great self-gift. I have a lazyboy recliner in living room with electric controls but hasnt worked properly for months ...thing is it works fine when repairman here, and soon as he leaves, or days later, I am semi reclining and it wont work and I have to crawl out of it. Repairman doesn't know why... husband home and just shakes the chair and it works, but when alone I don't want to get stuck and it was expensive! Ugh... We no longer do gifts as children are adults and no grandchildren; also my nephew in UK passed away Christmas Day 2013, Mum Jan.17 2014, and well it's just not the same. Love that your cats have a nice view of the outside, sounds like you live in a very serine home.... have a good sleep!! J,S.

Jump to this post

Teresa, what's really funny is the kitty....she truly loves this new addition to the bed. She has some fun, too, so far with no damage to the cover! She seems to realize something is under the cloth, they must move around a bit or whatever. She suddenly perks up, begins chasing the 'beads' in the patches! It's play or hunting or something she's having a ball! I love it so long as no damage.

I'm still fighting this crazy infection. Feeling like mush right now. Think I'll 'crawl' to the recliner, put my poor feet up and have some hot tea. Sounds goos. Catch you later. Blessings. Elizabeth

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Jan 11, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "Teresa, I gave myself a 'heavy, weighted' coverlet. Weird, eh? I thought so, too, but it..." + (show)
@ess77

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

Jump to this post

@ess77 I just love your description of sitting in the recliner and the cats watching you and the birds. Sounds very soothing. I’ve tried sitting in a recliner chair but my small dog insists that he must sit there, too, and there just isn’t room! I’m sitting on the sort of comfortable sofa now with the dog squished up next to me. Luckily he’s only 15 pounds, but a very heavy 15 pounds!

REPLY
1 reply
magneticcenter | @magneticcenter | Jan 11, 2021
In reply to @becsbuddy "@ess77 I just love your description of sitting in the recliner and the cats watching you..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@ess77 I just love your description of sitting in the recliner and the cats watching you and the birds. Sounds very soothing. I’ve tried sitting in a recliner chair but my small dog insists that he must sit there, too, and there just isn’t room! I’m sitting on the sort of comfortable sofa now with the dog squished up next to me. Luckily he’s only 15 pounds, but a very heavy 15 pounds!

Jump to this post

Good afternoon I have a question. How do I get out of these forums? The reason I ask is I am getting emails all day long to much to deal with. Any help would be appreciated

REPLY
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