“Sitting is the new smoking,” this is not really new, I’ve been hearing it for a long time now. Being that this is basically what I do, it is concerning. I did smoke for 27 years less 18 months when I was pregnant, (both times). I quit when I turned 40. So I had a plus by quitting smoking 20 years ago and now I have a minus for sitting so much. Unfortunately there are more subtractions then additions.
Another big one is loneliness and having friends and being social. Another subtraction. Is that three more, or can it be combined for just one? I am very lonely and haven’t had a close friend around me for ten years! So the combination of these things, plus all the other risks I have, drugs taken and still taking and their side effects, Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and the medicines taken to combat them. Steroids, Boniva, Prolia and their horrible side effects. Well there you go, by my estimate I won’t live too much longer.
Things I can do that might help: I’ve been riding my stationary bike for 2 miles every day, I’m still sitting but at least part of me is moving. When I volunteer at the garden. I am active and social there but I’m still sitting in the wheelchair. I get down on my knees and garden when the weather permits. I did get a DVD for “sitting Yoga” over a year ago which I haven’t watched because I want to do regular yoga and I can’t so therefore I do none. Like that makes any sense. I’m getting closer to putting in the DVD, maybe this afternoon.
I also have been getting down on the rug to stretch and oh brother is that hard. I can’t believe how hard it is for me to get down on the floor! Hopefully I’ll continue to do that. I have to get more flexible, I feel too old! Having sex would be some exercise, but we all know how that’s been going!
Next is the friendship thing. For this phonophobe I’ve been making an effort to call friends. I spoke with a good friend last week and it felt so good, I was on my bike and did 3 miles without even knowing it! Another friend of mine, texted me a beautiful message telling me what an extraordinary person he thinks I am and how I treat others with respect and telling me I’m an outstanding human being and the best of what humanity has to offer, and even more. WOW talk about a boost.
I have to say I haven’t seen him in over 10 years, we do keep in touch through phone calls and texting. He did mention that he had 2 martini’s the night he wrote that to me, but still, doesn’t the truth come out when you drink? This friend of mine is named Dan, the only name I will give you. He is truly a dear friend. We connect effortlessly and I love him dearly. I can say more about our friendship but I’ll save it for another day.