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"Quality of life"......a gift that just keeps on giving.
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
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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
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5 ReactionsI 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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6 Reactions@sueinmn What a delightful gift for the holidays!
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4 ReactionsHello 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.
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10 ReactionsTeresa, 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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8 ReactionsI have my weighted blanket. I think it helps my PTSD
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6 Reactions@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!
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3 ReactionsMade by sensa calm
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6 Reactions@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
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5 ReactionsI 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.
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4 Reactions