Earlier this week, I went hiking with hubby in pretty cold weather. It was a whooping 35 degrees, but after I bundled up, I was perfectly fine. Or so I thought.
Shortly after we began, I started losing my breath. As soon as I headed over my 2nd hill, my chest began to tighten and I had a hard time breathing. This happened pretty much most of the way, any time I exerted myself. WOW!! Talk about being completely outta shape. I made it as far as I could go, but sadly it was only 2/3 of the way up. I didn’t reach the top because I couldn’t.
It took everything I had, not to cry from embarrassment. I was embarrassed I let myself get so out of shape, embarrassed that I was like this in front of my husband, & I was embarrassed I couldn’t make it to the top because I really thought I could.
As I began the trip down, my self talk was pure negative. I was really beating myself up, thinking the worst of myself. This went on for half the way down, till I got to a certain spot.
This spot was absolutely breathtaking. There was a mini waterfall that lead into a river. The sun was shining and peaking through the trees perfectly on this brightly covered moss stone. It was stunning. All I could think about was what a beautiful place to take pictures at. Then I began to think of different photo shoots I could do here. The beauty of this place enabled me to take step back, recollect my thoughts, & concentrate on something other than my negative thoughts.
From that point on, I began thinking about the positives from this trip. I began to think about how far I have come because 2 yrs ago (at the height of my illness) I wouldn’t have been able to do this at all. Then I began to feel proud for not giving up at the 1st sight of trouble. Even though I really wanted too. I pushed myself till I couldn’t and knew it was time to call it quits.
Isn’t it so funny how so simple can change my perspective and let me see things in a whole new light. I was really able to look past the disappointment & embarrassment to see all the wonderful things that came from this trip.
What helps you change your thinking replacing the negatives thoughts with more positive ones?
Sharing with:
Create With Joy,
Living Intentionally Simple 
I know exactly what you are dealing with. I have a disability which has progressively getting worse. As I lost the ability to walk it took me a long time to accept, I would get so frustrated with each difficult step but yes even then stopping to catch my breath the views were something I was glad I didn’t miss.
I think you have the right attitude, instead of getting down on your self, look at all the progress you have been making, each walk will take you further.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sorry to hear about your disability. I do hope you get better not worse. But you seem to have a great attitude about it, which is so refreshing. We need to keep positive and keep encouraging ourselves. Looking for the brighter side make life a little easier.
But it’s hard sometimes because the things that I wish for now are things I took for granted before I got sick. I didn’t cherish or take care of myself, I always assumed I would stay the way that I was.
I hope you a Merry Christmas & Happy New Years. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I know everyone has struggles but it’s always nice to hear from others who completely understand you situation. 🙂
LikeLike
In my opinion, you were extremely brave just to go out in that cold, never mind going up any hills. Well done for noticing your negative self-talk and doing something about it. I am seriously into mindfulness, that usually helps me stay positive.
LikeLike
I continually am working on being more positive in my thoughts. Thanks for the inspiration
LikeLike