Bitten

I had been warding them off for days. They were coming at me aggressively from all angles. Sadly, one of them happened to be my darling little offspring. Finally, on Sunday they wore me down. I was bitten.

You know the type:  They spread their negativity freely, they are never grateful or thankful, they blame everyone else for everything, they never take onus, they often have an ugly sour look on their face (not always), and when they enter the room they instantly shift the energy (the blood) out of you -- I call them vampires. You know the kind who always has something wrong in their life. They are always the victim in every situation. They prey on the happy, peaceful, loving people. They come in all colors, shapes, sizes, ages and yes, they can even be your family members -- beware. Stay clear.

I hate to admit it, but I use to be a vampire. It has taken a lot of conscious effort to erase the negative thoughts and replace them with positive, peaceful thoughts. When I walk in the room I want people to be happy to see me. I want to radiate and spread my positive energy, my love. Not have folks run the opposite way -- thinking oh, no here she comes. Do I have bad days? Sure. I just try to stay positive and if I have any negative thoughts I certainly don't impose them on others.

Again, my journey to health, weight loss, and wellness is holistic. I'm trying to be a better person. I want all aspects of my life to be better and I realize that it starts within. It starts with my attitude. And, the people I surround myself with. You chose who you friends are. If there's someone in your life who is negative, always complaining, but not changing.  Yes, even if they are friends from the past and you have history. If they are not bringing value to your life then maybe it's time you rethink your friendship. There's nothing wrong with that. You are a direct reflection of the people you hang with. So I chose to surround myself with positive, like-minded people.

Though, I come in contact with all sorts of folks when I'm out in public, business associates, etc. they may not be folks I would normally interact with. In my immediate circle, however, I have a limited amount of people I chose to share my space and self with. Unfortunately, though every now and again a vampire creeps in.

To keep the blood-sucking vampires away when I'm out and about, I've been thinking about wearing garlic around my neck. Seriously, I mean it. I'm trying to live a peaceful, happy life and it does not include negative energy of any kind. As my teenaged daughter tries to find herself she gets a free pass although her time is limited too.

Negativity breeds negativity. Positivity breeds positivity. You chose.

Grateful

Crutchless

On February 17, 2011, as a pedestrian in a shopping mall parking lot I was hit by a car and suffered a fractured Tibia - Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture to be exact. On March 3, 2011, I underwent Open Reduction Internal Fixation surgery to repair the fracture. A metal plate was inserted in my leg to hold the repaired bone in place.

Today, marks 12 weeks from date of accident and 10 weeks post-op. At the time of the accident, I was devastated, frustrated, angry, fearful, sad. Amongst those feelings, however, I stayed grounded. I've refused to let my spirit be broken. I've managed for the most part to make the best of an unpleasant, unfortunate situation. Sure, I've had a few down moments, but mostly I've remained happy, optimistic, and joyous. I've continued on with my life -- business as usual. Attending social events, working out, running errands, and completing household chores.  In the midst of this all I've also lost weight and remained relatively fit.

When the accident first occured I had no idea how, why, and if I could get through this. After weeks of sitting still with myself, reflecting, I've become closer with myself. I've learned that I have a dynamic character. I'm strong, brave, fragile, fearful. My spirit shines brighter, my smile is bigger, and my heart is full of love and peace. I'm grateful.

One sleep away…

Bulky temporary cast 

...From learning my prognosis. For some reason, I have no anxiety at all about tomorrow’s visit at the Fracture Clinic. Well, except we’re expecting snow in the area tonight and that could possibly make for a messy commute in the morning. Otherwise, I’m calm and peaceful and have this overall sense that everything is going to be just fine. The doctor will give me a once over, maybe even do another set of X-rays just to confirm the Acute Tibial Plateau Fracture is healing properly and thus rule out the need for surgery. They’ll replace my temporary cast with a new vibrant color fiberglass cast (I’m partial to purple) and send me on my way with a recovery plan. On prognosis eve, I am speaking my quick, painless recovery into existence.