It was actually a little difficult going for walks this past winter with the sidewalks often icy and deep snow making the footing treacherous. I tend to be quite cautious because of a fall I had a few years ago that left me with a dislocated elbow and a broken finger. I still remember the flash of panic I felt in the split second when I realized I was going down.
It wasn’t long after that when I decided to take an exercise
class that was designed to improve core strength and balance. When I started
out it was a little dangerous to stand anywhere near me. I had serious wobble
issues and would often fling an arm out in a desperate attempt to stay upright
in some of the positions we were asked to assume.
I did improve as time went on. It helped a tremendous amount
when my instructor told me to keep my eyes focused on one spot on the floor
about six feet in front of me. I learned to pay attention to where I put my
feet and not to lean too far in any one direction. Those were important lessons
in more ways than one.
I am a mother of three married children and I have seven
grandchildren with one more on the way. Add aging parents and friends who need
support to the mix and it’s easy for me to get so outward focused that I forget
about my own needs in the process. I lose my balance and once that happens, the
desperate fling of an arm is not enough to keep me from going down. When I
crash the consequences can be both painful and far reaching.
A dear friend reminded me recently that self care is not the
same as selfishness. I need to keep my balance in this busy life of mine.
That means choosing carefully where I put my feet. It’s okay
to say no.
It means not leaning too far in any one direction. I need
activities that will feed my soul and bring me back to centre.
Above all, it means keeping my eyes focused on the one thing
that doesn’t change – God and His love for me.
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