Back to Basics

So...last week I learned how to sit.  And stand. And sleep and squat and lift and carry.  Yup, I got play by play instructions and a handout to study.

I'm not joking.

Tomorrow I go to part 2 of "Six Efficient Movement Principles" with a physical therapist.  I wish I could roll my eyes and tell you what a waste of time it us.   I mean, come on, I know how to sit.  But actually, it was an amazing hour and I learned a lot.  And for some reason I was holding back tears the whole time.  I'm not exactly sure why I was so emotional. Maybe it has something to do with the following:

*  Let's be honest, AS's goal is to fuse my spine together (thus the nickname "bamboo spine").  I guess I'm trying to fight what they say is inevitable.

*  I appreciate black and white practical tips.  I like having concrete things that I can do, things that can make me stronger. It helps me not feel so powerless.  Still, I didn't think tips on "how to get up out of a chair" would mean so much to me.

*  I think of myself as strong - physically, mentally, spiritually. Recently though, I've had to redefine "strong."

*  Sometimes I sit at the doctor's office, lay on the table at physical therapy, and think "Is this really me?"

*  Keeping a straight posture has become harder to do these days.  I'm not sure if I'm just inflamed or if something else is happening.

*  I'm learning how to modify everything - from the way I type to the way I play with my kids to the way I grab something off the top shelf.   A part of me embraces the "new normal" but the rest of me just wants "normal" back.

For someone who used to go 100 mph and juggle too many balls at once, this whole slowing down thing has not been easy.  I guess I have a lot to learn.  Thankfully, there's time.  And I'll just take things one step at a time - literally.

Standing Tall,
Kim