my one word prompt {8.23}

For some reason or other, I’ve had a hard time finding the right words for this prompt. So I’ll just be blunt:

Something’s gotta change.

Briefly — because even I can’t stand mention of it anymore — my dang back has been a royal pain since June 3 of last year, and it’s been the catalyst for a discouraging downshift ever since.

That’s all I’m going to say about that.

I’ll say more about the downshift, though, because it’s the point of this prompt. (Well, an upswing is the point of the prompt, I hope! Anyway –)

When I had to stop moving the way I was used to moving, my habits changed. Some suddenly, some gradually; some for better, some for worse:

I started intermittent fasting last summer — and I’m grateful I took to it quickly. I do 16/8 (fast 16 hours; eat over an 8-hour period), Monday through Friday, typically. It was something I could do for my body (to maintain a healthy weight, curb cravings, and support good food choices) when there was so much I couldn’t do. Like lift…bend…twist…jump…hop…run.

(And by ‘hop’ I mean I couldn’t hop over a crack in the sidewalk. By ‘run’ I couldn’t run up the stairs. I’m not talking HIIT training. Or a 5K.).

So I’ve moved less and less over time. More carefully. Cautiously. Bracing myself. Pain in one part of the body causes tension in other parts, so my movements became rigid, stiffer over time. I’ve lost muscle this year; everyday objects feel heavier. My large muscle groups get tired faster.

(Fortunately, I’ve always kept walking, and my pace and stamina haven’t suffered.) (At least not much.)

After more than a year of it though, enough is enough.

I’m getting antsy.

And with a light on a likely culprit (QL muscle), I’m also getting…even feeling, physically feeling…hopeful!

Hopeful and antsy. Good catalysts for change.

So for ASK in August, I'm...asking...
→ What does my body need in order to move with less pain? 
→ What's working? 
→ What's not? 
→ How can I change my patterns or make different choices to get on a path of improvement -- vs. status quo? 

It’s not about knowing what to do. It’s about listening. And following suit.

***

My summertime prompts are typically…playful. Celebratory. Often about stretching the season. (It takes me a while to get into summer; once I’m here, I want to hold on to delights!) This one’s a little more…down to business. Sh#t or get off the pot, you could say.

It’s a testament to my One Word practice though. The month-long time frame to focus, to hold myself accountable by putting it out there — it [often] works for me. (Here’s hoping this is one of those times!)

So thank you, again, to those in this space who make it a supportive place to land. A place that fosters change…or at least the chance to try.