Tuesday, August 20, 2013


MY REFLECTIONS

(Based on your reflections, and on a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being optimal wellbeing), where do you rate your A-physical wellbeing, B-spiritual well-being, C-psychological well-being? Why? )
Physical Well- Being
I would rate my physical wellbeing at a 5. I am a little overweight but I have great physical capability if I can turn off the pain that I feel daily. I can run two miles under 16 minutes, do as much as 50 push-ups within 2 minutes and about 70 sit-ups within 2 minutes. I have had  a spinal injury in my c-5 and c-7 that has been gradually worse and these past few weeks, I have been feeling more pain than ever. With the help of a tens unit, steroid shots, nerve pain killer and muscle relaxer, I can live an almost ok life. I was preparing for a half marathon coming up in September and my doctor has recommended stopping running for a while. I do a lot biking and elliptical at the gym for the moment.
Spiritual Well-Being
I would rate my spiritual wellbeing at a 9. I am not religious, but I strongly believe in the Christian God. God has always been there for me. I can feel his protection on a daily basis. I know I am in physical pain which sometimes can have a negative impact on my mental. But I never give up hope because I know that God does everything for a reason. Therefore, I am able to keep a smile on my face and keep moving.
Psychological Well-Being
I would rate my psychological wellbeing at a 9. I am a typically optimistic person by nature. I enjoyed certain obstacles because I see them as challenge to overcome and I love a good challenge.
(Develop a goal for yourself in each area physical, spiritual, psychological.)
Physical Goal
My physical goal is to get back to running and to actually complete a full marathon by next year and climb Mount Fuji next summer.
Spiritual Goal
My spiritual goal is to attend church in order to meet with other people that share my beliefs even though I know it will be hard.
Psychological Goal
My psychological goal is to make sure that I continue to maintain a positive outlook at life. My job is very challenging and I need to know when to take a breath and go for a small walk before I go on the next task.
(What activities or exercise can you implement in your life to assist in moving toward each goal?)
I will continue to take my medicine daily and learned new way to exercise to achieve my goal. I will also start to hike every other week for a few hours without putting too much strain on my body. I will attempt to go to church once a month.
Complete the relaxation exercise The Crime of the Century. To hear this exercise, click here. Describe your experience. (What it beneficial? Frustrating? etc.)
I think I might have enjoyed this exercise more if I was not on a time constraint at the moment. I tried to focus, but my mind kept wondering to different places. I was more relaxed after the relaxation exercise and even found a better solution to deal with an issue we have been having at work. I think the exercise allows me to relax enough and free my mind and allows new ideas to come in. I will definitely make time this weekend to try it. I work about 10 hours a day, I am currently taking two classes, I have two young daughters and a husband. I live oversea at the moment and I am constantly in physical pain. I need this type of exercise in my life. Therefore, I am making it my duty to do these exercises weekly.

 

6 comments:

  1. Caroline,
    I admire your ambition and goals! I know the exercising is important and that you need it. I also know that limiting your exercising can add stress to your life. I am an ex-runner (not marathon distances), but have had to give it up completely because of bad knees. I have found bicycling and hiking, and really have found new passions. I am surprised that your doctors have not told you to give up running completely. I know that this exercise gives an exhilaration like no other, but the permanent damage that it can do to a body is tough. I did not realize, or chose to ignore, the negative impact that running has,until I stopped.

    I hope you do not mind, but I just looked at the LiveStrong web site, and they say you should not do high impact aerobics with neck injuries. I also have read on many sites that the position you run in and the posture you hold can affect your neck pain. It might be a good idea to get a trainer to watch you run to ensure your posture and positioning is good.

    I too believe that God heals and he will take care of what you let him take care of. All will be good with the faith that you have.

    I wish you the best of luck. Take care of yourself and heal before moving on.

    Julie C.

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  2. Caroline,
    You have a lot going on in your life! How do you do it? Have you tried swimming for physical activity? I hear it is a great way to exercise for individuals suffering from most type of injuries or pain.

    Maria

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    1. Unfortunately Maria, I am not a great swimmer. Something that I am trying to become better at this year.

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  3. Caroline,

    I really like your psychological goal. Taking walks is a really great way to get away, if only for a minute. It is important that we take time out for ourselves to get our minds right. I usually take my dogs for a walk and that is great mental clarity.

    Stuart Baxter

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  4. Caroline,
    As a personal trainer I admire your fitness program. I think that you cheated yourself by rating this category as a five. There are people who are physically fit who could not accomplish what you have accomplished. Keep up the good work.
    Demetrius Cooper

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  5. Caroline ~

    You are truly an inspiration! Coming to this blog tonight, I was not inspired or even motivated to share my reflections regarding these topics. Your post is the first one I read and for that I am grateful. It looks like you are on track to staying healthy and a spinal injury can certainly stress anyone and any body. It sounds like your determination has gotten you to where you are now. I look forward to seeing how all this unfolds. Keep up the great work!

    Melanie Davis

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