Week + 22: Vitality

Reflecting this week on vitality - I'm doing some extra study and looking into this term ;it suggests there is no death with out life, no light without dark etc. So it kind of reminded me of the paradox's involved in daily living and life in general .
Perhaps why we face difficult situations but strangely these experiences deepen and enrich our lives and experiencing....

  I've made it my 'mission' to live life the best I can, while I can and generally feel enthused and energised by this approach, whilst still maintaining my self imposed 'rules' of self care and balance to ensure I can be at my best when I need to be and can give myself permission to rest as much and as often as required.

  This week started off with a very challenging appointment at a local hospice to approach planning around advance care directive, my will etc. - painful but necessary and something I will spend the next few weeks consulting family and close friends about before writing a formal plan...it got me thinking about epitaph's and I liked the following :

"That was fun. Let's do it again."    or     "That was weird"

    ........ I was wondering if anyone thought these would be fitting/amusing ....

                               

 I collected my new 'motability'  car on Wednesday. This is making driving much easier and driving position higher; so easier for me to get into & out of the car. Made a big difference :)

  I've started some personal therapy this week (by choice) to explore spiritual and existential areas around my death and my feelings, thoughts and responses to this. I am hoping this therapy will bring further clarity and peace for me in this 'journey', and with a suitable fellow traveller found in my therapist - this should be an appropraite and well timed experience for me.

  A couple of sessions at the gym and some time in very therapeutic steam room/sauna and Jacuzzi this week have all helped me feel that my leg strength is good , if not particularly well co-ordinated. Although I appreciate this strength will not be for long, for now it seems to be extending my ability to walk/drive and remain mostly independent.

  It was the family open day at the clinic associated with this condition and family members attended to find out about the condition and how it is manifesting in our lives. I didn't attend as the journey is difficult for me & my desire to be in that environment at the moment is not as strong - I would rather stay in the relative 'safety' of my closer geography.  Hopefully this will open up much needed dialogue and connectedness regarding this awful disease.

  We have an important meeting this week with several professionals and stake holders regarding an extension to our home ; looking to facilitate additional space to create a wet room and downstairs bedroom enabling me to be at home when the difficult times arise. This meeting seems to be critical in finding ways forward to make this project happen - and needs to before it is too late. I really do not wish to end up in a care home at the youthful age of 44 years. Anyway, positivity says the extension will be happening in the next six months :)

Wishing everyone a great week - whatever you are up to on this fine planet !!!