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Heartwings Love Notes 987 - Learning to Cope can be Tricky

Heartwings says, "What once you did without thinking can become tricky with change."

I used to put on my shoes and socks without thinking much about it. It took me little time and effort and was easily accomplished. Then I had a hip operation. I no longer can reach down on both sides of my left leg because I can't bend enough that way without putting too much pressure on my hip replacement. In addition, I have lost some of my flexibility. Some of that is due to age, some to not doing enough stretching. It slows me down not to be able to reach easily to my feet or to lift them in the air from a sitting position. Please hear me, I am not complaining, only stating facts.

As I grow on in years, more and more mindfulness is required for everyday tasks. By mindfulness I mean focus and concentration. Going down stairs is another act that requires care as well as caution. Holding onto the banister is essential. I learned this once the hard way when I stumbled and sprained my ankle. It took me nine months before I could walk without pain and even now years later my ankle bothers me when the weather is damp and/or rainy. Needless to say, I now always hold firmly onto any available railing when navigating stairs.

I sound like I'm part of a quote from a verse in the folksong I used to sing called What are Folk Made of: "What are old women made of, made of, what are old women made of? Aches and groans in all of their bones…" however, that is not my intention. I know well that things could always be worse. Just the other day I was in the parking lot of a clinic, getting out of my car for a doctor's appointment. I spotted several vans with occupants in wheel chairs. Immediately I felt ashamed to feel uncomfortable about my own small by comparison, physical issues.

There is a saying to this effect, "After I saw a man with no feet, I no longer complained because I had no shoes." Things could nearly always be better, and as well, they could nearly always be worse. It seems to me better to make the best what is and perhaps even learn from it than to complain. Life can offer us much when we look with acceptance at what is given. A wise woman once quoted me this Hebrew saying: "The Lord God, blessed be He, has given mankind many good gifts in his cradles, but some of them come in rough wrappings." The gift may be hidden from us if all we see is the wrappings.

May you discover the gift within the wrapping and make good use of it.

How about those wrappings? Do they distract you? How do you cope when the going gets rough? I love it when readers share their stories. Write to me at tashahal@gmail.com and for more Love notes visit my web pages at www.heartwingsandfriends.com.

 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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