09 January, 2008

Desiderata

I just came across this old favourite of mine and wanted to post it. I think it's lovely.

Desiderata
by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

I did it!!!

Yesterday I walked all the way home from my office to my flat! That was the first time since my surgery. It was 1.75 miles!!! I did stop about mid-way to say hello to a friend (and see if I could get a haircut) but other than that, no breaks!
My hips definitely were hurting when I got home, so I iced for about 25 minutes and that seemed to help. I was a still a bit achy at night, but nothing out of control. This morning my muscles are a bit sore, but good sore, not agony-in-pain. Sore like I finally had some sort of workout! The hips are a little tender, but that's to be expected. Don't know if it was the best day to try it, but it was so lovely out last night I just had to have a walk. Suffice to mention I was slightly exuberant last night!
I had PT on Monday, which was the first time in almost two weeks as I'd been away. This past weekend I overexerted myself a bit and was pretty sore. I actually used the lidocaine patches on both hips on Monday. The left was really killing me the most, but I figured if one was good, two was better! It helped me get through the day though. I took them off at PT and felt the difference almost immediately. My PT decided that we would go light on certain exercises and cut out some others. He checked my ROM and said that I'd just irritated the hips, nothing serious. I kind of figured but it was a relief to hear it from a professional.
I should be allowed to start doing some pool exercises now as well, and will try to remember to get a list of things tonight so I can go this weekend and get started. YAY! I never thought I'd be so excited to exercise, but there you have it. Over a year of not being able to and I'm quite looking forward to it.