Day 2 - 276 -- Tight and Tender Nerves

It's been a rather slow Sunday -- some housework done and some work completed, but a whole lot of tired made it all happen so slowly. I've been doing new exercises from physio to help with tightened nerves in the left arm. It has had some tenderness from the shoulder since I fell in May, but it took this long to get people to understand that all the tenderness was not due to the elbow. Now pain is much more pronounced, creating some major discomfort when doing simple tasks. I was sure that the strengthening exercises from the summer would help the arm, but they exacerbate the pain, so I've had to stop them for now. My new goal is to get this thing working well enough to move snow in a few months.

Nerve pain is a whole different kind of pain from muscles or connective tissue. Who knew nerves could tighten up after an injury? I've put off taking bulky waste and old electronics to the depot simply because lifting them is a challenge. Guess I'll have to become more dependent -- well at least willing to ask for assistance. Why is that so difficult to do? I've been fiercely independent for most of my life and enjoy doing things for myself. As people age, dependence levels shift a bit. I expect this creates some psychological stress. Even if there are some things that one needs help with, there are likely still other things that one can help others do. A focus on assets instead of deficits is needed, but can be difficult -- what isn't there is often easier to see. Seems humans tend to look for negatives rather than positives <smile>.

The song shared today reminds me that I may need to be kinder to myself. This bluesy selection with its breath-taking vocals is a favourite. Enjoy!

Try a Little Tenderness -- Otis Redding