blooms Archives - Arthritis Wisdom

A bunch of tulips signals springtime!

Day One of my 5 day Think Spring series is to bring a bunch of fresh, colorful tulips home to brighten the spirits. Wisconsin is in the midst of a cold-snowy-try-the-nerves bad weather period on top of an unseasonably cold spring to begin with. This is trying all our patience here in the Upper Midwest. After a long winter, we are so ready for warmth, sunshine and all the signs of spring. When they don’t show up, it is time to get creative and bring some home!

Since my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis I have become tuned into the sensitivities of my mind and body. I have learned to do what I can to prevent little things blowing up into big things. My frame of mind is really important as I fashion the best quality of life I can with all the limitations a chronic disease like RA throws at me.

So ready for the winter to end, a few “mind games” if you will, is in order. Although we are getting dumped on with a lot of blowing snow, a simple bouquet of vibrant tulips remind me to hang in there for a few more days until spring, in all it’s glory, arrives. This simple bouquet brings a small slice of spring into my kitchen and it does lift my spirits.

Emotional and mental health are closely correlated with how well rheumatoid arthritis is managed. Depression and RA have a known connection. It makes sense. When a person is in pain, fatigued and unable to function normally, it is a challenge to do the day-to-day basics needed to just get by. According to the MayoClinic Health Library, rheumatoid arthritis and depression commonly occur together. Treating the depression helps to treat the rheumatoid arthritis. Knowing this, I pay attention to where I am mentally and emotionally. At least to the best of my ability. Self assessment can be tricky. But, the awareness of this connection between RA and depression is always in the back of my mind.

It would be lovely to go to the florist and enjoy being surrounded by the beautiful plants and blooms, but I often do not have the time or energy, so I am happy to grab a bouquet at the supermarket when I pick up groceries. The RA diagnosis has simplified my life by necessity. And that is a good thing!

I wish you a good Day One of Think Spring! Enjoy the fresh flowers and think on the sunny side! It’s good for your body! Take good care. I look forward to your visit tomorrow. Remember, this is using Arthritis Wisdom! What are your Think Spring suggestions? Please leave a comment below!

Hint for Day Two of Think Spring: Asparagus, a springtime harvest!

XXOO Cathy

Photo Credit: Annie Spratt of Unsplash

Spring blooms pushing through the snow are still only a dream here in Wisconsin. Hurry up Spring!

The arrival of spring is testing all of our patience this year in the Upper Midwest. It is time to Think Spring. Crocus and early tulips are usually in bloom by now. But this is happening only in our dreams this year. We have snow predicted today and the next several day’s forecast isn’t very springtime-ish. I need to do something to make me think spring even if the reality is more like winter.

I’ve shared before that I use mind games to help me deal with my rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is one of those times. A long winter is difficult for most, but it is especially difficult when the disease is enough to pull me mentally and emotionally down. Stiff and painful joints, fatigue and all the other stuff that complicates managing a chronic disease is enough, but add to that the cold, dreary weather and it becomes a clear call for some action.

If spring has not sprung, and it hasn’t, I’m going to hasten the process. At least in my mind. You are welcome to join me. Starting tomorrow I’m going to do something that shouts SPRING everyday for 5 days. The weather forecast is not very good for at least the next four days, so I’ll add another day for good measure. I will reveal the five ways I’m planning to bring a little spring into my thoughts each day starting tomorrow. It will be a daily surprise, and they will be simple to do.

I found out early on, even before my formal diagnosis, that I needed to find the little things in life to help lift my mood to counter the downer of how I felt. And because I don’t always have a lot of energy, I would need to keep it simple. I believe that how I am thinking has a profound effect on how well I feel. I call taking care of myself “self care”. It is my opinion self care has a positive effect on my immune system. I want to help my body help itself as much as possible. Giving my immune system a boost is a good thing. It doesn’t take much to give myself a break just when I need it most. Like now!

The current weather situation made me decide to do some self care. I hope you take me up on my invite to join me! Visit Arthritis Wisdom tomorrow for the first way to Think Spring. Hint: It involves a bunch of spring blooms, like tulips or daffodils, that I can get at the supermarket when I pick up groceries.

What are some things you can suggest to play a “mind game” in order to mentally and emotionally survive the long winter? HELP! Leave a comment or two.

Take good care. I will catch up with you tomorrow for Day One of Think Spring!

This is another way of using Arthritis Wisdom!

XXOO Cathy

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Unsplash

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