a question of balance

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony.

Thomas Merton

I can't take credit for this photograph. I took quite a few pictures of the sunset on the Pamlico River while on vacation but none as amazing as this one taken by my Daughter In law.

I enjoyed our family reunion. All of Bubbie's Babies in one place. We had a wonderful time.

I have been doing so well I find I have been wearing a permanent smile. People have taken notice, wondering what I'm smiling at. I guess when you've been beaten down with heavy limbs, pain, and fatigue, a genuine smile doesn't come easily. I feel renewed. Having been there and now experiencing the other side I can't help but be ecstatic. I'd say that I am well aware of the extremes.

I am now being reminded of keeping a balance. Libra that I am, extremes are more familiar, but balance is necessary to my well being as a whole.

I've gone from barely able to ambulate with a cane and sometimes walker, to walking with an assured gait with just some discomfort and numbness. I can handle that!

I have gone from a sedentary life, dragging myself from one task to the next, even foregoing tasks for naps, to working a new part time job and functioning without an outward sign of chronic illness.

I went from taking daily or weekly injections and handfuls of pharmaceuticals, to taking one daily med (plaquenel) and my vitamins and supplements.

I have already lost 20 of the pounds I packed on over the last shadowy 5 years and now see the glimmer of who I was and want to be. I'm taking better care of myself, carefully choosing my options everyday.

I am not so naive that I don't know that all of this new found well being could change in a heartbeat. That's life...and part of the grand illusion. But I do believe I have a new perspective that will enable me to keep a healthier balance, order, rhythm and harmony in body, mind and spirit.

I regret having not been actively posting to this blog. I do read your posts. I care about you all, wish you all the best and try to stay in touch on that terribly addicting FB site.
I've been busy working, painting, walking , smiling and enjoying the scenery.