Andrea, over at one of my favorite blogs Superhero Journal, is always getting me thinking. This week, she asked the question, “What are you willing to receive?”
The Answer? EVERYTHING. That’s right, everything: love, hate, friendship, rain, sunshine, flowers, filth. I believe that if I am not fully willing to accept whatever comes my way, then I miss out on important opportunities for learning, growing, and most importantly, enjoying life. Life is good.
Take this photo. Last fall, I sat down on the toilet and swung my right leg off to the side, injuring myself, badly. I could not walk, sitting back down on the toilet was excrutiating, as was standing up, lying down, and any other type of configuration that required me to move my right leg even slightly.
Yet it was fun, too. Gregory, my friends, and I had loads of laughs at my expense. For starts, I injured myself on the toilet! How is that not funny? Then we went shopping at the Value Village to find something to help prop me up because medical supply stores are not open on Sunday. I bought the walker for $15 after a serious test drive around the store. I got many queer looks, but hey, at $50 and up retail, it was also a real bargain!
It was also a hoot to hear me groan at the slightest movement. I felt like Billy Crystal in When Harry Met Sally. I don’t get that feeling often. I’m usually more like Meg Ryan because I’m the worst kind of high maintenance, if you know what I mean.
On a more serious note, I also gained a greater appreciation for my body. I have been known to say unkind things about her, pointing out her flaws, when, in reality, she is really quite remarkable. Using a walker requires more arm strength that one might imagine. I also discovered how much I love to exercise. When it was over, I was sure happy to return to my yoga and rowing practices. I had missed them. I also learned to be a little kinder to old, and sometimes, not-so-old people with disabilities. It takes a lot longer to maneuver a walker than two feet.
So there you have it, my willingness to receive turned what could have been an awful, crabby, pity party into a truly fun and wonderful experience. I am smiling in the photo, after all. Thanks for EVERYTHING.
