Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is starts with “u.” Find a word that starts with the letter “u” and use it however you’d like. Bonus points if it’s the first word in your post. Enjoy!
“Use it or lose it,” was the first thing I thought about after reading the prompt. I believe this is true, up to a point. There’s a fine line between use and overuse. With osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, scoliosis, plantar fasciitis, and heel spurs, I have to be careful and look for the right kind of use (exercise) without overdoing it. All those ailments sound like a lot, but they’re not that serious if I find the right self-care balance.
I’ve figured out that if I do my foot exercises (mostly flexing), wear shoes with lots of cushioning (love my Oofos) and don’t walk on pavement much, my feet are able to take me on walks around the neighborhood and maybe a little hiking in the woods or walking on the beach. If I overdo (overuse) my feet, I have to ice them and rest some.
The back balance between use and overuse is a little trickier. Regular exercise is important, but it’s easy to strain a muscle, especially doing yard work which I really enjoy. My daughter just started selling essential oils and I’ve found I love the Deep Blue stick which is a roll on with gentle cool/warmth instead of the burn of some popular topical analgesics. But enough on that. I don’t want to do a commercial.
Another motivational quote I’m reminded of is “What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.” That may be true up to a point. Stress can kill over time. Stress can cause stomach and other gastrointestinal problems, all kinds of physical problems over time. Cortisol…. you can look it up. A little stress is good. A little stress here and there does make us stronger if we learn how to cope. That applies to both physical and mental stress, but too much can kill us. Being in an unhealthy relationship or toxic job can take years off our lives. In 2016 I had been saying for years, “I’m not going to let this job kill me.” Thankfully I got out in 2017. Now, I’m healing, reclaiming those years.
The “motivational” quote I really hate is, “Go big or go home.” Maybe I’m hearing that wrong, but maybe I did good to just show up. Have you seen this on a T shirt? I want one.
Sorry I’m late.
I didn’t want to come.
So far, I’ve never actually said this out loud, but I must want to, because it’s so funny. It’s an introvert thing.
I no longer have to make A’s on my report card. Thank God I don’t have job evaluations anymore.
It’s okay if some people want to go big and excel at a sport, or job, or talent, but we don’t need to make ourselves sick or crazy. Sometimes, I’m on time. Sometimes I’m late. Sometimes I leave early. Sometimes I don’t go. Sometimes, I do.
Instead of “Go big or go home,” how about,
Be nice or go home.
Be nice or apologize.
Okay, you don’t have to be nice, just don’t be mean.
Play fair or take a time out.
I like time outs. I can carry a blanket in my car for time outs. Or I’ll go play with the dog. Any dog. Or the goats and chickens….
Here’s a video of me at Blueberry Lane Farm Animal Sanctuary with Delilah and Amos who I keep calling Simon, but doesn’t care. I showed up and brought him lunch.
Photos from my walks with Marley:




For more on Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit out host, Linda G. Hill by clicking HERE.
August 13, 2022 at 10:15 am
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
August 13, 2022 at 4:41 pm
Thanks so much for the re-blog!
August 13, 2022 at 10:44 am
I needed to read some of this today. Love the tee-shirt of “sorry I’m late…” and yes, let’s just punt “go big or go home”… horrible statement.
August 13, 2022 at 8:50 pm
I’m so glad you found something helpful! Yes, let’s punt that go big thing.
August 13, 2022 at 10:46 am
I’d never heard the one about going big, but I don’t agree with it either. The other two, indeed, apply to an extent. I’m so happy you found the right balance re dealing with your foot issues and are able to heal from that toxic job environment too.
August 13, 2022 at 9:07 pm
Thank you, Astrid. Balance is an ongoing process. I appreciate your support.
August 13, 2022 at 11:13 am
Sounds like a wonderful place to visit with the animals. The goat and chicken were fun to watch. 🙂
August 13, 2022 at 9:17 pm
The Sancturary is a very special place. The animals are loved and well cared for. I go every Thursday to make lunch. Glad you enjoyed watching Delilah and Amos.
August 14, 2022 at 2:57 pm
I’m glad there is a place for them to be cared for. 🙂
August 13, 2022 at 12:05 pm
Oh JoAnna, I know all about the scoliosis, arthritis and plantar fasciitis. The latter disappeared after nine months of treatment, but I still buy shoes with the necessary arch support and cushioning. As for the scoliosis, all we can do is get the treatment and support we need and stay upright and moving.
Love the animal sanctuary. Glad you have a place like that to visit.
August 13, 2022 at 9:21 pm
Thank you for your support and understanding, Mary. Cushiony shoes are a priority now. The sanctuary and my yoga class are the two things I don’t miss every week.
August 13, 2022 at 1:52 pm
Beautiful photos. Enjoyed hearing your voice on the video clip 🙂 What struck me the most is the bit about showing up. When life gets tough, as it often does, the best we can do is “to just show up.” An important and timely reminder for me. Thanks.
August 13, 2022 at 9:50 pm
I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos and video. The part about showing up is important to me, too. It’s like bearing witness, being a voice or being counted, regardless of the outcome.
August 13, 2022 at 2:11 pm
Hi JoAnna, you have shared some interesting thoughts here. I usually leave functions early and I always tell people the truth – I’ve had enough – it’s too bad if they get offended. I don’t like to lie to people and I’m just a person with a limited ability to socialize in gatherings. I can’t see why that is so terrible. I am sorry to hear about your health problems but you seem to have learned how to manage them.
August 13, 2022 at 9:57 pm
It’s so nice to be understood. Socializing is a lot of work after a while, When I don’t leave early, I find some task to do – like help with clean up, or find the bathroom. Thank you for your support, Robbie. In the big picture, I’m doing well overall. I hope you are, too.
August 14, 2022 at 2:36 pm
I am glad to know you are doing as well as possible, JoAnna. My family are all okay, thank you for asking.
August 14, 2022 at 5:47 am
Good use of videos – and your voice. You are managing physical issues well. I really like the T shirt message
August 14, 2022 at 8:56 pm
Thanks, Derrick. I’m glad you like the T shirt message, too.
August 14, 2022 at 6:25 am
I agree with you 🙂 Well written. Thank you.
August 14, 2022 at 9:01 pm
Thank you very much, Lakshmi. 🙂
August 14, 2022 at 2:59 pm
I like your take on motivation and agree we don’t have to beat ourselves up.
August 14, 2022 at 9:59 pm
Thanks, Deborah. We can do well enough without any beatings. 🙂
August 15, 2022 at 6:29 pm
I like your alternatives, JoAnna. Especiall “Be nice of go home.”
August 15, 2022 at 9:10 pm
Yes! Thanks for the affirmation/confirmation.
August 17, 2022 at 10:27 am
This was very entertaining. Well done!
August 17, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Thank you so much! I enjoyed writing it. 🙂