Isolation Can Be Habit Forming

I stay home a lot … alone. Pain keeps me from working a ‘regular’ job. And much of the time I choose to stay home so I can keep my pain in check. I’ll do something; this morning I cleaned a shelf in the laundry room and re-folded a handful of tablecloths. No big deal right? Not for most. For me, OUCH! So then, I rested and stopped moving my back.

I find it easier to stay home than go out and fight the pain or always put on a happy (I’m fine) face. But, staying home can be habit forming … and isolating … and boring.

Saturday was the Race for the Cure, a bicycle ride for diabetes. Two of my in-pain friends were scheduled to ride. Wendy wasn’t up to it, but her family (see picture) and my other friend Susan rode. Hooray for them! And for Wendy and me. We went and met up with Susan’s husband and cheered on the riders, basked in the warmth under the trees and enjoyed each other’s company.

I have to remember that getting out and socializing is good for the body and the soul. Sure, I spent a lot of yesterday resting, but it was worth it to visit with friends. Hurting? Take care of your body, but remember to take care of the rest of you by getting out sometimes too.

Thanks Wendy and Susan (and families) for being so good to me!