Saturday, June 30, 2012

Baby Steps To Reach Our Goals

During my rough years with rheumatoid arthritis, I learned many great life lessons.  One of those lessons was that just because I couldn't complete a goal at 100% satisfaction didn't mean it wasn't worth tackling.  Baby steps towards my goals were perfectly acceptable.

For years now I have wanted to have my own garden.  For various reasons I put it off every year.  This year I decided to apply the baby step concept I used with my rheumatoid arthritis to my garden.  I reminded myself that I didn't have to have a huge garden full of various plants.  What was important was that I take one small step towards my goal.


Here is 2012's Baby Step Garden.  Yes, it is very small, but I am proud of it.  I am successfully growing jalapeno peppers, strawberries, and three different herbs.  I felt so proud several evenings ago when I announced that my homemade guacamole included a pepper I had grown myself.

Just as when I was coming out of a two year flare I learned that I had to give my body a chance to meet my physical and emotional goals, the same is true with my garden.  By taking this small step towards the garden I have always wanted, I didn't feel disappointment in myself for going another year without attempting my goal.   In fact, this baby step garden gives me confidence in adding to it next year.  And most importantly, it meets the energy level I have to give right now - another great lesson learned from rheumatoid arthritis.  I know that by trying to do more than my body can handle only ends in disappointment.

Who knows?  Maybe in a year or two, I will have the full garden I see in my head.  But for now, I am completely satisfied caring for my little accomplishment.

What baby step accomplishments have you made lately?

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Father's Day and the Men Who Make Us Feel Beautiful Even with Rheumatoid Arthritis

My post at HealthCentral.com this month was about the three most important men in my life.  I hope you enjoy it.. 


This weekend we celebrated another Father’s Day – a day once a year that we recognize the hard work our fathers, husbands, and sons do as men.  Although I have never been a big celebratory person on Father’s Day, I do like to take time and remind myself of how lucky I am to have three awesome men in my life – my dad who passed away in April of 2010, my husband of 24 years, and my teenage son.  To read more, visit my post here.