Here is my own Rx for what ails me: one seasonal smile (at least) a day.
My choice for a sunny October afternoon?
This pixie face in a glowing orange tub gets my vote. What about you? What makes you smile on a bad day?
The people who populate my life know I’ve been running a little ragged recently. While my work is unaffected, my mood is another story. Beyond the usual stress, chronic pain has its hooks into me. Big time.
The good news of course — I’m addressing it with physical therapy, and I’m pleased to know that eventually I will feel better. The bad news, at least for now — That doesn’t alter the facts of my days: I wake in pain, I work through pain, my exercise is limited, I go to sleep in pain, I struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep, because of pain.
Pain is exhausting. Pain can turn you inward. Pain darkens your personality, your outlook, your interactions.
Now, I’m not talking about this to say “look at me.” If anything, I’m not in a very sociable frame of mind and I’d rather chat or write about anything except myself. I’m dull, dull, dull at the moment and in need of LOTS of distraction… well, distraction that doesn’t require much movement, that is.
And for those out there who may be struggling themselves a bit — albeit counting their blessings (as I am) — please know that we can still find one seasonal smile a day, or so I would like to believe!
What helps everything, any time at all?
For me, my sons calling (whatever the reason), along with gorgeous art, gorgeous shoes, gorgeous shoes as art, and the face of a child, smiling.
Earlier today, a very nice man (busy digging his thumbs into parts of my knotted body) showed me a photograph of his 15-month old daughter. Smile worthy! Such a sweet little girl, and she was gazing at her dad in the picture. As I looked, I felt my entire body relax.
So here’s what I’m thinking. I know that I’m in need of all the sources of seasonal smiles I can get. Doesn’t everyone have times in life like that? Don’t you take comfort and find perspective in certain images and activities?
I would love for us to share our seasonal smiles now and then.
The picture above certainly delivers for me.
What brings a smile to your lips? A place? A melody? Your favorite meal? The laughter of your children or grandchildren? Your partner giving you a knowing a look? Some special memory?
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I sympathize with you regarding having to live with chronic pain as I had to until I finally hit upon someone with the right diagnosis, treated it with acupuncture and followed up with deep tissue massage over many months. Never thought that a woman who resembled a Barbie doll could inflict so much pain… Here is hoping for good results for you.
As for the smiles, there is a photograph of my children that tugs at my heart; there is the very kind shop assistant who probably has as many or more problems than I do; and there is music. Always music. The beauty of baroque and romantic music will always nourish me.
Best wishes for your recovery.
I wonder how old your children were in the photo that tugs at your heart, Cornelia. (I have one or two faves of my boys, including one with the dog. Those images always bring smiles.)
Baroque music! We don’t hear that often. How delicious. (And thank you for the good wishes.) 🙂
THE ANIMALS……..ALWAYS make me smile! Or something that catches my eye……….the beauty of it. Of course, those BOYS make me smile when I see them. My coffee first thing in the morning! RED lipstick!!!!
I have a few things that make those lips curl up!!!
And soon YOU will be smiling NON STOP!!!!!
NO PAIN!
XO
I am so sorry about your pain…but you have such a positive outlook! My dog waking me up in the morning makes me start out with a smile.
I am so glad to hear that you are taking steps to improve your pain condition and yet I know the long-term benefits are difficult to appreciate while still living in the (painful) moment. I do hope you see some glimmers of hope and progress soon!
My husband can usually evoke a smile, because he is often boyishly goofy or charming. Silly things from my children, especially the youngest little guy and our carefree pets (we have three shih tzus). More than a specific smile, it is a sense of peace and wonder for which I long. For that I seek being in nature, photos, reading, music or prayer.
Sometimes, I proactively look for something that I know gives me pleasure: a vanilla coke, a long soak in a bath, a stroll (as opposed to strenuous exercise), lunch with a friend or simply lighting a candle and allowing myself space to think. Many times, especially in our producer-driven culture, we have to fight for self care.
My dog always makes me laugh, even when I tend to be in a more serious mood. The beauty of someone’s creative genius always takes my breath away. A solitary moment in a beautiful place lowers my blood pressure; I can actually feel it happening. Volunteering at an animal shelter; nuzzling a frightened animal in the crook of my neck as it succumbs to a kind touch is the best medicine of all.
Anything with animals makes me smile. I spent the morning poring through Joel Sartore’s amazing Ark Project photos (highly recommend!) http://www.joelsartore.com/galleries/the-photo-ark/ My son makes me happy like no other person on earth, and looking through hundreds of photographs of him brings me such joy. I wish you SO much better in your chronic pain issue; I’ve been there before and it is a bitch to deal with, and does sap the focus and joy out of daily life. Hugs to you. PS I’m in Paris now, so maybe I’ll have some good Instagram fodder to cheer you up soon! xx
This may sound as if I am a simpleton, but check out Netflix Children’s Shows for “Dogs With Jobs”…these are stories of well-trained dogs who, for example, help people with epilepsy. The happiness all around takes you out of your pain zone.
Lovely suggestion, Lynn! 🙂
Chronic pain can certainly color a person’s outlook on life. I so wish I had something to offer in the way of advice but everything sounds so trite. Having had chronic pain with a blown disc for a while, I sympathize with you! Pets or children to distract the focus help me when I’m struggling with attitude adjustments. Wine (of course) and the company of good friends on which I can vent/lean/cry/whine. A quiet environment where I can focus and pray. At this time of year, I find being outside and taking in the sights, sounds and smells of Autumn is a big help too. Wish I had more to offer.