Author Monica Marie Jones in Vancouver, WA
I have so many different blogs and pages. Initially I just thought I would cut and paste the same blogs on all of my different pages, but that is so NOT creative, and how dare I not challenge myself as a writer? I figured the best way to manage all of them would be for each one to have a specific purpose. So today, I have dedicated my word press blog primarily to my daily reflections.
Wednesday November 12, 2008
On the weekend of my birthday I got an unintentional gift that turned out to be the best gift of all…an elliptical machine. I was sitting in the car, reading a good book and waiting while my boyfriend helped a friend of ours to move. She had the elliptical in her basement and didn’t intend to take it with her when she moved. She bought it used, and no longer needed it, but to me it was like a new toy on Christmas day!
It was the perfect prop in my movement toward self-care. After being diagnosed with major depressive disorder I learned that one of the major reasons that I continued to suffer was because I did not practice self-care. I had the option of taking medication to treat it, but I decided to take a holistic approach instead.
I did my research and learned that there were several things that I could do to improve my well being. Those things included exercise, sunlight, vitamins, a healthier diet, and affirmations. I added breathing, prayer, time alone with God, and intentional relaxation techniques to my self-imposed treatment plan.
This morning I got on the elliptical for forty minutes. The friend that gave it to me recommended that I do forty minutes a day, so I have tried to stick to it. Especially since I am planning on going on a cruise next month. Just as I felt my lungs expand and start taking in all of the good oxygen that I needed, an external factor (second hand smoke) threatened to disrupt the state of bliss that I was in. Instead of accepting that as my fate I decided to remove myself from that toxic environment and put myself in a place where I could continue to get what I needed for optimal health.
I went outside and took a walk. Thank God it was not as cold as it had been, but since my blood was already pumping, I’m not sure I would have been able to tell the difference. I walked hard and fast to release my building frustration. I found peace when I followed a path that led away from the busy street and down to the calming waters of the Detroit River.
Living by the river is a true blessing because it always brings me peace. It is like being that much closer to God.
Today I was proud of myself for not settling for less. I practiced self-care by getting what I needed and it felt so good!
