I recently saw the movie "Stronger", about the the Boston Marathon bombings, based on a man whose legs were blown off by the terrorist bombs. The movie was intense, and inspirational, and emotional, and hit all together a little too close to home for me. This man's experience was on a totally different level of hard than my experience was (I at least still had my legs, and knew I would eventually walk again). I could relate, however, to the anger toward those that caused this, the physical pains, the emotional aching, the tears and wanting to give up in physical therapy, the frustrations from being completely dependent on others, as well as the complete humility and gratitude that filled me from being completely dependent on others.
I could empathize with this man--on a level different from his own suffering, but still on a level that most others cannot comprehend. It made me think a lot about what comes next.
November has so far been a contemplative month. And with Thanksgiving around the corner, of course my gratitude soars. Having to focus on keeping my mental health in check has been an interesting eye opener, but has also made me want to keep pushing to live the best life I can--and not just in experiencing life, but in helping others appreciate it as well.
I spent my birthday, November 10th, in CA with my 15 year old niece, Katie. I want to give my nieces and nephews opportunities to experience the beauty and awesomeness this world has to offer. Katie and I stayed in Cayucos, CA, and spent my birthday surfing and hanging out in that super quaint surf town. The next day we toured Hearst Castle, then drove up to Santa Cruz and spent the rest of our weekend there. We had a blast, eating way too much junk, and laughing at silly things. Despite the constant back and neck pain I deal with after doing anything physical, I've realized how important it is to spend time with those I love, and to keep a smile on my face. A simple smile releases so much goodness to your mind. A hearty laugh can do even more.
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| Surfing in Cayucos |
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| Hearst Castle |
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| Katie at Hearst Castle |
Katie went home Sunday afternoon, and I finished it off by flying to Mesa, AZ for Neil's birthday. AZ is beautiful this time of year. Neil took me quail hunting the next morning before I started work, shot two quail, and cooked them up for lunch. That little bird is pretty delish.
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| Neil all camouflaged in the desert |
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| AZ desert sunrise |
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| Quail season! |
Hard times are inevitable in this life. But suffering, I think, is a choice. I'm laying in my bed typing this, my back aching all over. Focusing on the pain will only make the pain more acute. So instead, I focus on the good weekend I had, on the people that love me, and on the smile on my face right now. A few deep breaths bring my focus to the present, and I'm grateful to be alive. Life is beautiful, and you only have one, so appreciate it while you've got it.
Home by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
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