Day 4 Prompt: Think back to a time when you were really sick, stuck in bed or in the hospital, and try to remember one thing that you really, really wanted to do, but couldn’t. What was that thing? Are you able to do it now? If so, take whatever that thing is and make a plan for how you can start putting thought into action. (By Full Frontal Ostomy)
There have been many things I wanted to do but was unable to do so due to my Crohn’s. However, most of them are things I can’t really go back and do now. But no longer is being sick going to slow me down.
Things I’ve missed have mostly been particular times where I couldn’t go out with friends because I didn’t feel well. Or not being able to enjoy time with my husband. Or specifically, missing my little sister’s graduation from college this year. That’s one I won’t be able to go back and do again. But I’m no longer going to miss out on things because I don’t feel good or I’m too exhausting from just trying to get by each day.
There is one specific thing that I am putting into action. I’ve wanted to get into an exercise routine for a while now, but not feeling well (and also having to wake up at 3:00 in the morning) made it difficult. I was in such great shape in high school (weren’t we all?). I was flexible and able to do a number of real nose-to-the-ground push ups. Now, I can hardly touch my toes and have to stick with “girl” push ups. Plus, my endurance is much lower than I’d like.
A couple of weeks ago, I started swimming laps at the neighborhood pool, just for a little exercise. I really liked it, but knew I wanted to have a real, solid goal. Not just something vague like “get into shape.” Since I was enjoying the swimming, I thought of how I could include that and I’ve decided to train for a triathlon. So I joined a gym and started training for a 750m swim, 20k bike ride, and a 5k run.
I know it’s a lot, but I do better when I have a goal in mind. And now that I’m finally feeling like myself again, I think I wanted to prove to myself that Crohn’s is no longer going to slow me down. Happy Independence Day, indeed!