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Hi Pat,

I know how difficult chronic pain can make things—I`ve had rheumatoid arthritis since I was a teenager. When I had to quit my job because of it several years ago, I had the same challenges with motivation, functionality, etc.

It`s really hard to stay motivated and active when it hurts to move. A couple of things were really important to my recovery (aside from the drugs they finally put me on):

1. Support from loved ones. My live-in boyfriend was absolutely essential to my well-being. I had a very hard time depending on him to basically take care of everything while I was pretty much laid up, but his willingness to do so without a complaint really helped me focus on getting better and working my way through the emotional side of the physical pain.

2. Getting outside. Even though it was difficult to be physically active, I found that just being outside—whether sitting at a park or the beach or wherever—was very restorative. The body doesn`t like being immobile and it doesn`t like being cooped up all day, so making that effort to step outside for a bit can work wonders both physically and mentally.

There`s only so much advice one can give someone who is experiencing chronic pain—pain is pain and it really drains you—but focusing on those little things that you can do mkes all the difference. And try to reach out to those around you who can offer support and caring without judgment. That`s a huge thing, and it can be very hard to do.

Good luck to you,
Jess


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Hey Pat,

That`s good that you stay focused, but not at the expense of greater pain.  Here is a visualization technique that I use in my yoga classes or when I`m at the dentist office. 

I imagine that I`m on a clean beach with white soft sand.   I`m sitting or laying down on blanket, or towel and looking out at the beautiful tropical sea.  The color of the sea is green, teal, colbolt blue and ripples of purple, the sun is sparkling on the water like diamonds. 

There is a warm breeze that is blowing through my hair and on the skin of my face and shoulders.   I hear the shushing of the breeze through the trees and the water lapping against the shore line. 

Across the horizon is a slow moving sail boat that has a fuschia sail with a the outline of a white or yellow dolphin in the middle.  I`m sittting very calmly and peacefully and breathing in the salt air.  My whole body relaxes and I can feel a very peaceful and centered space start in the middle of my belly and gradually fill my entire being. 

All my tension is dripping off me as I slowly continue to breathe, smell, and see the elements of this beach.  I now feel only pleasure.  Any tension or pain has completely dissolved.  I imagine that I sit there uninterrupted for at least 15 to 30 minutes, and I am completely free.  I have no obligation and my only thought is sitting on the beach and feeling this complete renewal. 

Feel free to use my technique during tax time.  Happy sailing.  Kat.

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Jess, you are very right when you say you need the support of those around you. That`s one of the things making it difficult for me right now. My original post was asking for suggestions in dealing with different biological clocks. My husband is a lark; I`m a nightowl. I kick into high gear around 3 pm. But by the nature of  my business during this time of year (tax prep), it doesn`t matter what my biologic clock is. Customers make 9am appointments and I`m there for them. Also because of the work load its nothing for me to work 12 hours a day (I can hear Kat groaning  ). And, yes, my body is paying. But it is a realitivly short period of time (Feb-Apr - 3 months) and then I`m back to strict 9-5 work days, or less) And some days, if my body just isn`t up to it, I`ll take a day. That`s what makes working from home so great. And I`m small enough that my customers know me and understand (most of them, anyway) And the ones who don`t will either learn to love me anyway or go away. I can`t live for them.

OK, my aren`t we getting philosophical here. Bottom line, Jess, you are right about needing support. And if you can`t find it at home, find it somewhere else. I have several close girlfriends that keep me going. And don`t get me wrong about my husband. He loves me, he`s a great guy. He just doesn`t "get" physical stuff unless he can see blood or a broken bone. And, Kat, you`re right too. I stretch every night. If I don`t, I hear from my body the next day. And you are right about sunlight. I have to be intentional about getting outside. It is amazing what just 10-15 minutes in the sun will do.

So thanks for your feedback. That`s actually why I posted to begin with. I was having one of those days when I felt completely without support. But I knew there were more than me out there. So, thanks all. You`ve lifted me and I appreciate it....Pat

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Pat Palmer
Accutrack Business Solutions
Working with You to Keep Your Organization on Track
407-957-4140

I`ve had my share of hard times. Not sure if depression is an American problems but Americans do suffer from a remarkably high rate of depression. Chronic pain is never fun. A few years ago I fractured a vertebra - and get this ... I have no idea how it happened other than perhaps all those bench presses - and had a few months of significant suffering, so I really do understand how tough it can be to try and focus through pain. Not sure what I can say that might help. Sometimes spiritual approach works for me, sometimes I eat, sometimes I take a drive, sometimes I just suffer. 

I don`t have any suggestions, but I know how you feel about being selective on who you talk to, and how pain restricts your desire to do certain things. I also know it`s annoying when the love of your life doesn`t get it and expects you to be up when he`s up.