~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Waterworks ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Greetings All,

It's been a good while since I posted on the board but have checked in from time to time.  After a fierce strugge to keep my head above water, I eventually lost my job due to the complications of RA.  In the ensuing months, I have come to realize this apparent disaster, actually turned out to be a great blessing in disguise.

When I was terminated, I was more than vulnerable- It seemed I was just getting a handle on accepting the challenge of living with RA  and now this!  Yes, I lost my job, health benefits, and a good bit of pride, but somehow I regained myself-  my stronger self.

The upside [?] of unemployment has allowed for more free time and I found peace, strength, fellowship, energy and great relief  when I renewed my membership and commitment to going 3x weekly to a community wellness center that features a heated swimming pool. But it's so much more than a pool!  It's an aquamunity of people of all ages, races, backgrounds, sizes and infirmities that share one common goal- To become healthier and relieve pain.  We are truly made stronger together in our weaknesses. 

There are stories of struggle, pain, suffering, loss, scars, limping, canes, and sometimes wheelchairs made of PVC that can effortlessly glide down the ramp and enter the water.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ There's healing in that beautiful, balmy, shimmering, aquamarine water ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

                          Healing of the spirit, healing of the pain of lonliness and isolation.

There's freedom of movement, unencumbered, fluid and light.  I am a mermaid, a dolphin, a sleek seal.  I am a long necked swan, a silly tadpole, a swift glimmering fish.  Even before you enter the pool the air is moist, warm, tropical and immediately soothing. There is always that incredible sensation when you first step into the warmth and then immerse your body fully.  For those moments you are encompassed in sweet, joyful release.

We are all amazed at what our bodies can do in the water!  Most start with gentle walking back and forth in laps, front ways, backwards and side to side and then do various exercise routines. If you're in the mood there are available water toys to work with- light weight resistance hand and ankle weights, colorful noodles, paddle boards & balls.  The pain relief is incredible, the afterglow longlasting, the sense of accomplishment empowering.  

Yes, I still have RA, but my aquatic adventures make it much better.  So what if it's cold outside right now?  In a few minutes I'll be on my tropical escape communing with fellow travelers in this improbable journey.  Want to come along?

Yours in Peace,

LLave

Preach it, Llave!

While I certainly empathize with your work situation, I am very proud of you for finding  your stronger you!  Keep your eyes peeled and your resume up to date- you never know what's around the corner!

Also, working out in the water is the BEST!  At a fraction of your "real" weight, things just work better!  We're bouyant, have current working for us, and you're working out without breaking a sweat! (a plus for us in Florida!) 

For those of us lucky enough to live near a beach, may I suggest wave jumping/bouncing?  My best friend and I do it- though a word to the wise, we go deep in the water (chest deep) and are strong swimmers anyway, so be careful!  It's fun as all getout, the saltwater is refreshing, and the ocean is very relaxing- jump (it's usually a bounce motion instead of a JUMP) a while, swim a while, float, then chill on the beach.  It's doctor approved!  And best of all, it reminds me of Dory (the blue fish), who reminds us to "just keep swimming!"

wow! LOVE the pool thoughts LLave!!!!! Its like you put my thoughts & feelings down

I guess if you're a water lover, it helps...That and yet another insomniatic night!!!  Sometimes the lack of sleep lets the words flow better than they do in the day- 

 I just feel so free in the water and for that time RA only stands for Really Awesome.

LLave,

You go girl!  These companies can't hold us back.  I am very glad and proud also that you have found peace in the water.  You don't happened to be related to a PT named Joel do you!! 

My Physical Therapist was telling me his sisterinlaw started working out in the water and she has RA, so now that I am out of the cast, on my PT days and I am out of work for 6 weeks I am going to do the water thing in the heated pool at the JCC.

I wish you well and keep posting we've missed you!.

Tess