SLOW THE F*%& DOWN!

My mom says a lot of very true, on-point things. One of the things she is always telling me (has always told me) is to SLOW DOWN! I rush through everything. Even getting out of the car. She laughed the other day and said I'm just like the dogs (or are they just like me?) Always ready to jump out of the car before the brake is even on.

In my efforts to go slow I made a few changes.

I love the smell and warm glow of candles.

One has been reading at night rather than being on my phone. I'm not 100% perfect, but it has been really wonderful. I'm enjoying large print saucy reads and sleeping much better because of it. 

Total smut. But oh so fun!

Another change I made is switching from my Nespresso pods every morning to slow drip coffee. I read online someone doing this in an effort to have a slower morning. I thought it made good financial sense as well.

I bought this little 5 cup machine on eBay.

The other thing I've been doing for a while now is turning on the live feed from one of my favorite places in the world... Monterey Bay. I bet you thought I was going to say Hawaii? Well, that's number 2. But to see the otters and seals in real time. That stormy sea so alive. The people-less beaches. Well, it's a magical way to start the day. I pretend it's my window as I watch.

After my slow coffee by the bay I walk the dogs (if I have the energy.) And that's my easy morning. I know what a luxury it is to be able to indulge like this. I remember hitting the ground running when I worked full time. Then "luxury" time was my commute when I sang out loud in my car or listened to the news. Yeah... this is better.

Max, Margo and Mom. Living our best lives.

Expectations

I feel strongly that expectations are the tool of the devil. And yet I fall prey to them constantly. My husband and I just went away for a seven day vacation to Oahu Hawaii. And yes, I had expectations. 

I got tired, but still wanted to be in the ocean. Our hotel had free floaties for use, so I grabbed one. Just like the shark in my tattoo. Good choice.

I (foolishly) expected I could make it through two major airports with just my rollator and leg brace. I expected to be able to walk through a large museum with just my rollator. I expected to be able to do a 1/2 mile walk, swim in a waterfall and then walk back the 1/2 mile.

One of the few nights I wore makeup.

Where did these expectations come from? I believe it's from my own internalized ableism. Seeing medical equipment as "lazy" or "not pushing myself." I mean, I can walk, right? Well, that's a loaded question. I can walk, just not as far as I thought.

Too tired for makeup. Enjoying a delicious "mocktail."

I also learned that staying in a hotel is very different then staying at an Air B&B. There's the walk down the hall to the elevator, out the elevator to the breakfast buffet, back down the hall to the elevator, down another hall, to your room. That's a TON of walking and we haven't even really started our day yet. It took a toll on me fast.

I WAS good about letting myself rest as much as I needed.

This was my takeaway:

• Always stay in an ADA room if staying in a hotel. I need a shower stool.
• Always bring my travel electric wheelchair on vacation. I never know how far I may need to walk or how long I'll be standing.
• Energy conservation and naps are my friends.
• Expect I'll get "travelers stomach" and start on the daily pepto right away.
• An Air B&B has it's advantages. Like a short walk to the car and laundry facilities.
• Be kind to myself. Don't compare myself to others or even to what I used to do. 
• Be able to pivot to a DME anytime I need it. Don't try and "push through."