I have often talked a lot about working out and keeping yourself healthy. I am sure I have mentioned keeping a positive attitude. For sure I know I have mentioned that being open to new experiences or perspectives can help you fully enjoy life. What I have never directly mentioned is you need to feed your spirit as well.
Living healthy, being outgoing, staying upbeat and positive are sure fire methods to promote spiritual growth. A body that is running well on all cylinders makes it easy to address the prospect of inner expansion. These tenets, in my opinion, are only part of the puzzle though.
What is feeding your spirit? Well, for one I think it depends on the individual. There are a lot of religious teachings and beliefs out there. I think the guidelines to most Christian based religions stress good sound behavior. As far as I know most other religions do as well? (but I am no expert). I do think delving into teachings of some type to try and achieve a better moral clarity is a wise investment of your time. At the very least I think studying some of these subjects can open up your mind. [There are many so called 'progressive' or 'liberal' minded people that seem to have a disdain for any teachings that have do with religion. I find this kind of funny because the whole point of being liberal or open minded is to accept others no matter what they are into, without ridiculing them in the process. I think the fear is that religion may be forced on others? Either way I don't condone cramming any subject down someones throat.] (With all the pop culture, sex and violence we see on TV on a daily basis...could studying something else really be that bad??). I think that fields such as philosophy, art and science sometimes address our existence and purpose as well.
If you ask me the number one way to grow spiritually is through discipline. Discipline is what keeps your desires in check with your morality. We all like to eat good food. We all like to do things that make us feel good. We also know there are some things we should not do too much or at all. Through discipline we can keep those "things" in check.
Without keeping our behaviors in check we can damage ourselves and our fellow human beings. For instance, if you drink too much alcohol you can hurt yourself or someone else very easily. The same is true if you eat too much or give into other desires in an abusive way.
What does controlling your behaviors through discipline have to do with spiritual growth? Without getting on a religious rant I can state it emphatically makes your a better person. Just think of the great things that are done when we make sacrifices to live right? Saving your money and living properly instead of boozing it up and being wreckless can be the difference between owning a home, going to jail or putting your kid through college...Need I say more? I am not saying to not live or have a good time. Moderation through discipline is the key.
We all know sacrifice is hard. Getting up in the morning to work out usually isn't any fun. Staying home and not going out to save money can seem pretty dull. What we all know though is that if we make these sacrifices they will pay off down the road on many different levels. Better health, more money and feeling better are just a few of the dividends these behaviors can lead to.
As many profess, some day when you body is broke down...your spirit will be the part that is left to carry on...Won't it do better if you showed discipline and made sacrifices for it?
A random video a college student did that I saw and liked: Kristy Creates A Star
PS Speaking of spirits and heavenly things I have relocated to Florida...I love it here.
Until Next Post - Ty
My name is Ty Wilson.
I am a left leg below the knee amputee.
I post blogs about life as an amputee and amputee quality of life issues.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Second Chances
Recently on a flight to Florida I saw an article about actor Danny Trejo . The article was a quick and interesting read that features an interview with Trejo and pushes his latest movie Machete. The B style Machete is directed by Robert Rodriguez.
Machete is Trejo's first time, after over 25 years in the business, as a lead in a movie. Trejo, who has appeared in several movies since 1985, is a former con that was in and out prison for the majority of his first 40 years of life.
I started thinking about how Danny has gone on to reinvent his life and turn it around. The actor has risen up from the ashes of a bad situation and done something positive with his life. I found a lot of parallels between what Trejo has done and life after becoming an amputee. The article hit home even more for me as I was on a trip exploring possible future changes in my life...a possible new job and change of location.
After losing a limb, it is up to the individual to turn what is usually not an ideal situation into something positive. In my case I really did feel it was a second chance, especially after not being able to walk for a while after the accident.
I have had to learn to do most things differently. In most cases things are harder than they used to be. What is the alternative? I could have died? I could be brain dead or bed ridden? My bodily injuries could have been a lot greater than they were?
Life was not what many would have considered easy after my accident. At some points it was outright scary. All in all, I actually feel very lucky every day. I look at life so much differently. I enjoy doing some things that I used to consider tedious, because for a while I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to do them again.
I am a pretty huge Robert Rodriguez fan, so I will eventually probably go to see Machete. I know this is not everyones style of film. Rodriguez can often be known for some of his films containing gore, nudity, profanity and drug/alcohol references.
I am not promoting the R rated film as a family movie, unlike Spy Kids or The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl , both also directed by Rodriguez. What I am promoting is a second chance, new possibilities and turning your life around.
I honestly believe that if you want to make changes in your life you can. In fact I think no matter how much or little help you have only you can be the one to initiate positive change.
Ty
Machete is Trejo's first time, after over 25 years in the business, as a lead in a movie. Trejo, who has appeared in several movies since 1985, is a former con that was in and out prison for the majority of his first 40 years of life.
I started thinking about how Danny has gone on to reinvent his life and turn it around. The actor has risen up from the ashes of a bad situation and done something positive with his life. I found a lot of parallels between what Trejo has done and life after becoming an amputee. The article hit home even more for me as I was on a trip exploring possible future changes in my life...a possible new job and change of location.
After losing a limb, it is up to the individual to turn what is usually not an ideal situation into something positive. In my case I really did feel it was a second chance, especially after not being able to walk for a while after the accident.
I have had to learn to do most things differently. In most cases things are harder than they used to be. What is the alternative? I could have died? I could be brain dead or bed ridden? My bodily injuries could have been a lot greater than they were?
Life was not what many would have considered easy after my accident. At some points it was outright scary. All in all, I actually feel very lucky every day. I look at life so much differently. I enjoy doing some things that I used to consider tedious, because for a while I wasn't sure if I'd ever be able to do them again.
I am a pretty huge Robert Rodriguez fan, so I will eventually probably go to see Machete. I know this is not everyones style of film. Rodriguez can often be known for some of his films containing gore, nudity, profanity and drug/alcohol references.
I am not promoting the R rated film as a family movie, unlike Spy Kids or The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl , both also directed by Rodriguez. What I am promoting is a second chance, new possibilities and turning your life around.
I honestly believe that if you want to make changes in your life you can. In fact I think no matter how much or little help you have only you can be the one to initiate positive change.
Ty
Friday, August 20, 2010
Slow Down, Listen And Learn
I am sure we have all been there before. In a conversation with someone whom is just waiting for you to quit talking so they can speak. It can be very disheartening. I have found myself doing the same thing from time to time as well. I think occasionally we all do it. Many of us don't take the time to slow down and listen. After all our point/opinion is the one that counts...Right?
I have always had this knack to make an impression on people. Since becoming an amputee my presence seems even more pervasive when I enter a room. Rightly so, because in most instances it is something you just don't see every day. What has been hard for me to learn is that just because sometimes I am the focus point doesn't mean I have to do all the talking.
In all honesty I like attention. I used to play in a band, I was a jock in high school and well, I guess have always liked being noticed. Even in my younger years I am certain my 'acting up' in school was a craving for attention.
What I have learned (sometimes the hard way) is that attention comes with responsibility. Everything you do good or bad becomes amplified. In many instances notoriety is a good thing. You have a moment in which you can convey an ideal, point something out or touch a life with a positive message. On the other hand, a tacky remark, a demo that goes wrong or ignoring someone can make you look like a jerk.
When the spotlight is on you many things are possible. Someone may be drawn closer to you. Another person may shy away. Yet another individual may actually become combative because you just stole their thunder.
In a field like prosthetics you have to walk a fine line and sometimes humble yourself. You need to slow down and listen. As a counselor and advocate I do a lot of talking, but by no means am I an expert on everything, even in prosthetics. We all have opinions and well you know what they say about those?
There are a lot of egos present in any field and the medical field is definitely no exception. I have made sales reps from other companies totally irate before. I have upset prosthetist or therapist that thought I was trying to undermine them. Sometimes these things were my fault other times the other individual was out of line. Unfortunately, it can be something as simple as jealousy/ego that can cause a bad situation. Throw the competitiveness of sales in the mix and things can really get complex.
While these instances are rare, they can do a real disservice to someone you are trying to help. The last thing a patient needs is to be in the middle of a tug-of-war while trying to deal with limb loss.
So even though I like attention and I feel my opinion is important. I have to step back from time to time and look at the big picture. I have found that keeping communication channels open can help stop 'misunderstandings'. I have also discovered that doing more listening and less talking can be very beneficial as well.
All relationships deserve respect. There are lines we need to keep with our professional relationships. When you are a person that lives your profession 24/7, the lines can begin to blur. I am and always will be an amputee for the rest of my life. Being an advocate, counselor, mentor and sales representative is not something that can be turned off by flipping a switch for me. What I have found is that there is always a chance to learn something.
We all want to be heard. We all want to count. In the hustle bustle it can sometimes be hard. I know we all feel the pressure to meet deadlines, get to point A from B and so fourth. If you go about the day only spouting your opinions to others what are you really accomplishing? Your opinion may very well be valid and helpful. If you don't listen properly you may not be giving the right advice.
One reason I love support groups is just about every time I go I learn something. I have learned things about phantom pain, amputee sports tips, tax breaks I am eligible for, liner/prosthetic care and much, much more.
My personal goal has been to try and listen more. One thing I know for sure is that we all communicate at a different rate and in a different way. We are all special individuals. We are all passionate (an expert) about something.
The next time you catch yourself blowing off what someone tells you, especially someone you care about or respect...Please take the time...and listen.
Included is a link from the ACA Comminicator about improving your listening skills:
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/communicator/vol1no6pg4.html
Until Next Post
Ty
I have always had this knack to make an impression on people. Since becoming an amputee my presence seems even more pervasive when I enter a room. Rightly so, because in most instances it is something you just don't see every day. What has been hard for me to learn is that just because sometimes I am the focus point doesn't mean I have to do all the talking.
In all honesty I like attention. I used to play in a band, I was a jock in high school and well, I guess have always liked being noticed. Even in my younger years I am certain my 'acting up' in school was a craving for attention.
What I have learned (sometimes the hard way) is that attention comes with responsibility. Everything you do good or bad becomes amplified. In many instances notoriety is a good thing. You have a moment in which you can convey an ideal, point something out or touch a life with a positive message. On the other hand, a tacky remark, a demo that goes wrong or ignoring someone can make you look like a jerk.
When the spotlight is on you many things are possible. Someone may be drawn closer to you. Another person may shy away. Yet another individual may actually become combative because you just stole their thunder.
In a field like prosthetics you have to walk a fine line and sometimes humble yourself. You need to slow down and listen. As a counselor and advocate I do a lot of talking, but by no means am I an expert on everything, even in prosthetics. We all have opinions and well you know what they say about those?
There are a lot of egos present in any field and the medical field is definitely no exception. I have made sales reps from other companies totally irate before. I have upset prosthetist or therapist that thought I was trying to undermine them. Sometimes these things were my fault other times the other individual was out of line. Unfortunately, it can be something as simple as jealousy/ego that can cause a bad situation. Throw the competitiveness of sales in the mix and things can really get complex.
While these instances are rare, they can do a real disservice to someone you are trying to help. The last thing a patient needs is to be in the middle of a tug-of-war while trying to deal with limb loss.
So even though I like attention and I feel my opinion is important. I have to step back from time to time and look at the big picture. I have found that keeping communication channels open can help stop 'misunderstandings'. I have also discovered that doing more listening and less talking can be very beneficial as well.
All relationships deserve respect. There are lines we need to keep with our professional relationships. When you are a person that lives your profession 24/7, the lines can begin to blur. I am and always will be an amputee for the rest of my life. Being an advocate, counselor, mentor and sales representative is not something that can be turned off by flipping a switch for me. What I have found is that there is always a chance to learn something.
We all want to be heard. We all want to count. In the hustle bustle it can sometimes be hard. I know we all feel the pressure to meet deadlines, get to point A from B and so fourth. If you go about the day only spouting your opinions to others what are you really accomplishing? Your opinion may very well be valid and helpful. If you don't listen properly you may not be giving the right advice.
One reason I love support groups is just about every time I go I learn something. I have learned things about phantom pain, amputee sports tips, tax breaks I am eligible for, liner/prosthetic care and much, much more.
My personal goal has been to try and listen more. One thing I know for sure is that we all communicate at a different rate and in a different way. We are all special individuals. We are all passionate (an expert) about something.
The next time you catch yourself blowing off what someone tells you, especially someone you care about or respect...Please take the time...and listen.
Included is a link from the ACA Comminicator about improving your listening skills:
http://www.amputee-coalition.org/communicator/vol1no6pg4.html
Until Next Post
Ty
Thursday, July 29, 2010
A Free Ride
They have the old saying that 'the best things in life are free'. I am not sure who originally coined that phrase? I don't think it took long for someone else to come up with 'nothing is ever truly free' (or some offshoot similar to that).
In this mass marketing age sometimes all the stops come out in an attempt to lure us in. Many of us have rightly become sceptical of 'free' things. Often we just end up with a cynical disposition and a bad taste in our mouths.
In my own small way I try to change the 'if it is free there must be a catch' attitude. I often offer a free pedicab ride to someone when I feel it is warranted.
It is kind of funny the reactions that I get when I tell someone "How about a free ride?". You get the 'off standish' person that thinks there is some type of catch. Then there is the 'uninterested' person that just has other things on their mind. Once in a while you will get the person that really needs it.
Most of the time the people that get on for a free roll up the road have never been on a pedicab before. So in some ways a free ride is an investment in someone who may ride again sometime if they like it. When you do meet a person that has never taken a ride it is kind of amazing.
A few days ago I took some women that were staying at the Star Of Hope back to the center. They told me they were coming back from a career class. It was quite fun. I have taken some kids with their mothers from the center to the corner store as well and the delight on their young faces is just heart warming. I feel if, even for a moment, that I can help brighten someone's day then maybe it can make a difference somehow in their lives.
I have given rides to people that have lost their wallets, got left by their ride, don't have any cash on them and so fourth. Sometime I get a phone number or I am told to come by a place of work to get a hook-up on food, a phone or whatever kind of business the person may be in. I have never really followed up on any offers though. For me a smile coming from a kind face is more than enough.
That is the great thing about a pedicab ride. No one really ever takes one because they need to. 98 percent of the time the rides are well within walking distance for patrons. We often just shuttle people from bar to bar, their car to an event, from a hotel to dine somewhere...rides that are quicker than walking but not exactly something you would find yourself taking to the airport. I think the longest ride I have ever given has been around 6 miles or so. So in the end it is all about novelty and having fun. For just a brief moment out of the regular day it is a chance to feel special.
May you find special joy in the free things of life. Ty
In this mass marketing age sometimes all the stops come out in an attempt to lure us in. Many of us have rightly become sceptical of 'free' things. Often we just end up with a cynical disposition and a bad taste in our mouths.
In my own small way I try to change the 'if it is free there must be a catch' attitude. I often offer a free pedicab ride to someone when I feel it is warranted.
It is kind of funny the reactions that I get when I tell someone "How about a free ride?". You get the 'off standish' person that thinks there is some type of catch. Then there is the 'uninterested' person that just has other things on their mind. Once in a while you will get the person that really needs it.
Most of the time the people that get on for a free roll up the road have never been on a pedicab before. So in some ways a free ride is an investment in someone who may ride again sometime if they like it. When you do meet a person that has never taken a ride it is kind of amazing.
A few days ago I took some women that were staying at the Star Of Hope back to the center. They told me they were coming back from a career class. It was quite fun. I have taken some kids with their mothers from the center to the corner store as well and the delight on their young faces is just heart warming. I feel if, even for a moment, that I can help brighten someone's day then maybe it can make a difference somehow in their lives.
I have given rides to people that have lost their wallets, got left by their ride, don't have any cash on them and so fourth. Sometime I get a phone number or I am told to come by a place of work to get a hook-up on food, a phone or whatever kind of business the person may be in. I have never really followed up on any offers though. For me a smile coming from a kind face is more than enough.
That is the great thing about a pedicab ride. No one really ever takes one because they need to. 98 percent of the time the rides are well within walking distance for patrons. We often just shuttle people from bar to bar, their car to an event, from a hotel to dine somewhere...rides that are quicker than walking but not exactly something you would find yourself taking to the airport. I think the longest ride I have ever given has been around 6 miles or so. So in the end it is all about novelty and having fun. For just a brief moment out of the regular day it is a chance to feel special.
May you find special joy in the free things of life. Ty
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Tour Of Life
The 97th Tour de France starts Saturday July 3rd, 2010. The Tour consist of 1 prologue and 20 stages and will cover a total distance of over 2,263 miles. This is one of my very favorite sporting events. I am a huge recreational cyclist. I have always considered cycling the one sport that was essential to my recovery when I got my first prosthesis.
Lance Armstrong , whom retired from cycling the year of my accident (2006), has always been a great role model. Lance's book, 'It's Not about The bike' is an inspirational story about his near death recovery from cancer and rise as the best cyclist in the world. Armstrong who came out of retirement finished 3rd in the 2009 Tour. Lance has admitted in recent interviews that his conditioning is not exactly where he 'hoped it would be' for the race this year. At 38 years old, if Armstrong does pull off a win, he would be the oldest person to ever win the race. Most indicators are that Armstrong's chances are fair at best to win. There are encouraging signs from his recent second place finish in the Tour de Suisse. Lance's team Team Radioshack is definitely one of the strongest teams in the tour. Armstrong will need great team support, some surprising days in the mountains and a little luck to be victorious this year. Armstrong just put out a tweet stating that this will be his final Tour De France...hmmm seems like I heard that somewhere before?
Of course, the person predicted to win the 2010 Tour is last years champion, and former Armstrong team mate Alberto Contador . Contador is heavily favored to win the Tour this year. Contador is 11 years younger than Armstrong and about 35 lbs lighter, a critical factor for riding the mountains. Alberto has won the Volta ao Algarve, Paris-Nice and Vuelta and Castilla y León races this year. Contador claims to be in better shape than he was last year. Contador's Team Astana is not great, but probably enough to support him to victory.
Other favorites to win this year are the Schlex brothers Andy and Frank . The two brothers both ride for Team Saxo Bank . The Schlex brother are phenomenal riders, especially in the mountains. Andy, the youngest brother is more suited to the type of race that the Tour is. With brother Frank watching his back and the right conditions, Andy Schlex may be the 2010 tour winner.
The are many other riders that have more than decent chances of winning the Tour. Illness, crash and injury can change the outcome of the race at any given moment. I have included a couple cycling highlight videos in an effort to maybe spurn some interest.
Cycling Motivation
Lance Armstrong Crash/Recovery 2003
I personally love to watch the riders as they start to climb in the mountains. It is a glimpse of human spirit and determination opening up right before your eyes. The question of who the strongest rider is becomes more apparent each day in the mountains. The teamwork, tactics and strategy that each team attempts to employ unfolds each day. The team with the right combination that peaks at the right moment rises up to victory.
To me life is like a bike race in many ways. Some days are good and others are bad. You make friends an rivals along the journey the to the finish line. You are inspired by the performance of others and you often inspire others yourself. Sometimes it is you and the team pulling together, other times you are all alone, climbing a big giant hill, giving it all you got and hanging on for dear life..
May the wind be at your back. Ty
Lance Armstrong , whom retired from cycling the year of my accident (2006), has always been a great role model. Lance's book, 'It's Not about The bike' is an inspirational story about his near death recovery from cancer and rise as the best cyclist in the world. Armstrong who came out of retirement finished 3rd in the 2009 Tour. Lance has admitted in recent interviews that his conditioning is not exactly where he 'hoped it would be' for the race this year. At 38 years old, if Armstrong does pull off a win, he would be the oldest person to ever win the race. Most indicators are that Armstrong's chances are fair at best to win. There are encouraging signs from his recent second place finish in the Tour de Suisse. Lance's team Team Radioshack is definitely one of the strongest teams in the tour. Armstrong will need great team support, some surprising days in the mountains and a little luck to be victorious this year. Armstrong just put out a tweet stating that this will be his final Tour De France...hmmm seems like I heard that somewhere before?
Of course, the person predicted to win the 2010 Tour is last years champion, and former Armstrong team mate Alberto Contador . Contador is heavily favored to win the Tour this year. Contador is 11 years younger than Armstrong and about 35 lbs lighter, a critical factor for riding the mountains. Alberto has won the Volta ao Algarve, Paris-Nice and Vuelta and Castilla y León races this year. Contador claims to be in better shape than he was last year. Contador's Team Astana is not great, but probably enough to support him to victory.
Other favorites to win this year are the Schlex brothers Andy and Frank . The two brothers both ride for Team Saxo Bank . The Schlex brother are phenomenal riders, especially in the mountains. Andy, the youngest brother is more suited to the type of race that the Tour is. With brother Frank watching his back and the right conditions, Andy Schlex may be the 2010 tour winner.
The are many other riders that have more than decent chances of winning the Tour. Illness, crash and injury can change the outcome of the race at any given moment. I have included a couple cycling highlight videos in an effort to maybe spurn some interest.
Cycling Motivation
Lance Armstrong Crash/Recovery 2003
I personally love to watch the riders as they start to climb in the mountains. It is a glimpse of human spirit and determination opening up right before your eyes. The question of who the strongest rider is becomes more apparent each day in the mountains. The teamwork, tactics and strategy that each team attempts to employ unfolds each day. The team with the right combination that peaks at the right moment rises up to victory.
To me life is like a bike race in many ways. Some days are good and others are bad. You make friends an rivals along the journey the to the finish line. You are inspired by the performance of others and you often inspire others yourself. Sometimes it is you and the team pulling together, other times you are all alone, climbing a big giant hill, giving it all you got and hanging on for dear life..
May the wind be at your back. Ty
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Every Day Is Exactly The Same
I am not sure about you but I remember saying things like "I hate my life" and "why me" at certain times before. At other moments I've thought things like 'life is so boring' or 'nothing is new and exciting to me' or 'I've tried it all'.
You know what? Since I became an amputee I have rarely thought those negative thoughts or felt life was unexciting. You would think the exact opposite would be true? Undoubtedly my circumstances have become much more adverse and challenging since losing a limb.
I don't know what it is exactly? Maybe something deep inside has caused me to be more positive to help overcome the situation? Maybe I just gained a deeper appreciation for life after nearly losing it? I really can't say.
The only way every day is the same is if you let it become that way. There are many things you can do to add variety to your life and keep it fresh. There is my old favorite exercise, which is a great way to keep you physically and mentally in shape. Studies prove that exercise can improve your life on all kinds of levels. The natural chemicals that your body releases while involved in exercising helps your body in various ways. Your joints, muscles and brain all get a dosage of healing and mentally stimulating chemicals from your body naturally. There is also the traditional benefits of weight loss, cardiovascular improvement an so fourth.
Routine is yet another method to help add spice to life. I know it sounds contradictory, because we often think of routine as boring. I prefer some routine in my life, because the structure helps keep me grounded. By changing things up you can also keep them exciting. When going to the gym and working a certain muscle group(s) you can switch up the exercises you do. Little things like changing reps or going from machines to free weight is actually very beneficial because it stops your muscles from getting used to the same movement. If you go into the gym and do the same exact thing all the time your body will adapt and you will get bored. This routine switching method can be done with different types of exercise as well. When riding my bike I purposely take another route and try to get lost, it helps freshen up the experience. Maybe I will see something I never have before? Maybe I will know to never go that way again?...lol. Often when I go for a run I will go to different places. One day I may stop by the beach if I am close. Another time I may go to the park and 'people watch' while I enjoy my trot.
Another way to keep things interesting is to check out different viewpoints. Maybe watch MSNBC instead of FOX News one night or vice versa? Maybe listen to AM talk radio instead of NPR all the time? Listening to someone you always agree is pleasant, but what are you really learning? Maybe if you listen to both sides you might get the full story. I have sat through many 'documentaries' that I totally disagreed with and thought were so biased before. There were actually a few points brought up that I probably never would have considered had I not bothered to check it out. If something makes you uncomfortable, it just might be causing you to think? At the very least you can try to understand why a person may feel a certain way. I think you need to add mental and physical variety to your life to keep growing.
The very best way to appreciate life is to be thankful. Everyday at some point during the day (usually toward the beginning) I purposely make a point to count my blessings. All I have to really do is just think about the time in my life I was unable to walk to realize how lucky I am. I also know I have been blessed with the best gift in the world...the ability to cause others to be thankful as well. At some point during the day a person is going to see me peddle a bike up a hill, run by them in the park or walk past them on the street and they are going to say "what is my excuse to be bummed out" or think 'if that was me could I do it?'. Total strangers tell me all the time I inspire them. I imagine I have been the topic of conversation along the lines of "honey you will never guess what I saw today?" a time or two. Yells out the window from cars, the thumbs up or comments like 'go bionic man' are usual scenes of my daily experience.
Despite all of this I do have bad days. I actually run across individuals in my life that have gone out of their way to try and ruin my positive energy. Even some I felt that have tried to destroy my life and livelihood. I try my best to be thankful when this happens as well. There is a lesson in everything. Maybe I need to change something about myself? Maybe this person needs help and this is their way of asking for it? Of course if you make nothing but friends everywhere you go you are probably spineless and have no opinion about anything.
What I do know is that there is a lot adversity in all of our lives. If it was easy it wouldn't be life. Can you imagine the torment our ancestors used to go through just to do something as basic as eat at one time? All I know is that I no longer 'hate my life' in fact I am grateful for each day that I get a chance to get up, get out and live. There is no more 'why me?' Instead I say 'it could be worse' or 'it has been worse before'. Challenges, while still being uncomfortable are more about learning than feeling sorry for myself.
What I am trying to convey is that life can seem boring, harsh or even meaningless at times and that there are certain things you can do to combat these feelings.
You control your destiny. Life is what you make of it.
Until next post. Ty
You know what? Since I became an amputee I have rarely thought those negative thoughts or felt life was unexciting. You would think the exact opposite would be true? Undoubtedly my circumstances have become much more adverse and challenging since losing a limb.
I don't know what it is exactly? Maybe something deep inside has caused me to be more positive to help overcome the situation? Maybe I just gained a deeper appreciation for life after nearly losing it? I really can't say.
The only way every day is the same is if you let it become that way. There are many things you can do to add variety to your life and keep it fresh. There is my old favorite exercise, which is a great way to keep you physically and mentally in shape. Studies prove that exercise can improve your life on all kinds of levels. The natural chemicals that your body releases while involved in exercising helps your body in various ways. Your joints, muscles and brain all get a dosage of healing and mentally stimulating chemicals from your body naturally. There is also the traditional benefits of weight loss, cardiovascular improvement an so fourth.
Routine is yet another method to help add spice to life. I know it sounds contradictory, because we often think of routine as boring. I prefer some routine in my life, because the structure helps keep me grounded. By changing things up you can also keep them exciting. When going to the gym and working a certain muscle group(s) you can switch up the exercises you do. Little things like changing reps or going from machines to free weight is actually very beneficial because it stops your muscles from getting used to the same movement. If you go into the gym and do the same exact thing all the time your body will adapt and you will get bored. This routine switching method can be done with different types of exercise as well. When riding my bike I purposely take another route and try to get lost, it helps freshen up the experience. Maybe I will see something I never have before? Maybe I will know to never go that way again?...lol. Often when I go for a run I will go to different places. One day I may stop by the beach if I am close. Another time I may go to the park and 'people watch' while I enjoy my trot.
Another way to keep things interesting is to check out different viewpoints. Maybe watch MSNBC instead of FOX News one night or vice versa? Maybe listen to AM talk radio instead of NPR all the time? Listening to someone you always agree is pleasant, but what are you really learning? Maybe if you listen to both sides you might get the full story. I have sat through many 'documentaries' that I totally disagreed with and thought were so biased before. There were actually a few points brought up that I probably never would have considered had I not bothered to check it out. If something makes you uncomfortable, it just might be causing you to think? At the very least you can try to understand why a person may feel a certain way. I think you need to add mental and physical variety to your life to keep growing.
The very best way to appreciate life is to be thankful. Everyday at some point during the day (usually toward the beginning) I purposely make a point to count my blessings. All I have to really do is just think about the time in my life I was unable to walk to realize how lucky I am. I also know I have been blessed with the best gift in the world...the ability to cause others to be thankful as well. At some point during the day a person is going to see me peddle a bike up a hill, run by them in the park or walk past them on the street and they are going to say "what is my excuse to be bummed out" or think 'if that was me could I do it?'. Total strangers tell me all the time I inspire them. I imagine I have been the topic of conversation along the lines of "honey you will never guess what I saw today?" a time or two. Yells out the window from cars, the thumbs up or comments like 'go bionic man' are usual scenes of my daily experience.
Despite all of this I do have bad days. I actually run across individuals in my life that have gone out of their way to try and ruin my positive energy. Even some I felt that have tried to destroy my life and livelihood. I try my best to be thankful when this happens as well. There is a lesson in everything. Maybe I need to change something about myself? Maybe this person needs help and this is their way of asking for it? Of course if you make nothing but friends everywhere you go you are probably spineless and have no opinion about anything.
What I do know is that there is a lot adversity in all of our lives. If it was easy it wouldn't be life. Can you imagine the torment our ancestors used to go through just to do something as basic as eat at one time? All I know is that I no longer 'hate my life' in fact I am grateful for each day that I get a chance to get up, get out and live. There is no more 'why me?' Instead I say 'it could be worse' or 'it has been worse before'. Challenges, while still being uncomfortable are more about learning than feeling sorry for myself.
What I am trying to convey is that life can seem boring, harsh or even meaningless at times and that there are certain things you can do to combat these feelings.
You control your destiny. Life is what you make of it.
Until next post. Ty
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
On The Road In Arlington
I'm driving a pedicab here at the Texas Rangers games in Arlington, TX. I will be here through SUN 5/23 as they are in the midst of playing 7 in a row at home.
It's been a while since I posted anything and figured I should at least let people know I am still alive. I've gotten some emails and text from folks who are 'worried' about me. All is well. I am having a blast soaking up some sun and getting in great shape riding the hills out here.
The last video (linked on the previous blog) compilation was a smash! I am really happy it got so many hits, despite copyright issues. Thanks to all who checked the clip out. Every year that marks my anniversary since becoming an amputee is always a little bit strange for me. Sorry for being a bit self indulgent. I was really surprised to see the video getting so many hits (several hundred daily for a while) especially since it isn't available on a lot of mobile devices and in certain areas outside the USA. What matters most is that I hope it may have helped inspire someone in some way.
One of these days I will finish the cycling series video. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record...lol. I also have a new ideal on making a video that addresses residual limb atrophy. BTW - I want to say Happy (belated) B-Day to my camera person, video consultant, work out partner and friend Lori B. Lori has been a great friend and has really helped me with organizing ideals and turning them into videos.
Not much else to report. I've been uploading some pics to FB of sights around the areas I have been working.
Summer is almost here!!
As I always say stay optimistic and motivated. We only get so many spins around the sun in our lifetime...so why not make the most of them? It can be easy to forget about what is really important in life and get caught up in superficial things.
Ty
It's been a while since I posted anything and figured I should at least let people know I am still alive. I've gotten some emails and text from folks who are 'worried' about me. All is well. I am having a blast soaking up some sun and getting in great shape riding the hills out here.
The last video (linked on the previous blog) compilation was a smash! I am really happy it got so many hits, despite copyright issues. Thanks to all who checked the clip out. Every year that marks my anniversary since becoming an amputee is always a little bit strange for me. Sorry for being a bit self indulgent. I was really surprised to see the video getting so many hits (several hundred daily for a while) especially since it isn't available on a lot of mobile devices and in certain areas outside the USA. What matters most is that I hope it may have helped inspire someone in some way.
One of these days I will finish the cycling series video. I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record...lol. I also have a new ideal on making a video that addresses residual limb atrophy. BTW - I want to say Happy (belated) B-Day to my camera person, video consultant, work out partner and friend Lori B. Lori has been a great friend and has really helped me with organizing ideals and turning them into videos.
Not much else to report. I've been uploading some pics to FB of sights around the areas I have been working.
Summer is almost here!!
As I always say stay optimistic and motivated. We only get so many spins around the sun in our lifetime...so why not make the most of them? It can be easy to forget about what is really important in life and get caught up in superficial things.
Ty
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)