Release The Pain, Heal Yourself

It's about time

2008-12-03T17:02:00.000-08:00

I am going to use this blog to remind myself once again what is important in life. Staying true to myself and listening to my inner voice. Never giving up and always being willing to stretch myself in new ways.

Many challenges to come, more life to live!

This weekend is going to be my second swim meet, I look forward to the competition, the camaraderie and the beating of my heart.

Live strong, live long.

Another First

2008-02-22T17:39:00.000-08:00

Today I decided to challenge myself in a new way, I ran. What's the big deal. Previously, as soon as I would start to run I would anticipate the pain and sure enough there it was. Not today, not this time. The first few strides were awkward, then they got a little better, then I started to relax and actually run. No pain. I was staying focused on the trail ahead and not on my back. The swimming has increased my stamina considerably and I was not short of breath. The conditioning from the swimming is paying off. I want to build up new muscles now running. I will not break any records doing it, except my own. That is just fine for me. Now I'm seriously considering doing the Alcatraz Cross Channel Swim & Run. Swimming from Alcatraz over to San Francisco and then over to the Golden Gate Bridge. Am I nuts? Nope, just motivated to live my life as I always wanted to.

Challenge yourself, do something unexpected.

Update to this post: I just went online and registered for the Alcatraz Challenge 28th Annual Aquathlon : August 23rd, 2008 see you there!!!!!!!!!

Breaking News

2008-02-14T20:14:00.001-08:00

I was just interviewed live on ASNews.net for my very first podcast. The opportunity to share the message you can heal yourself with a larger audience has started. It felt so good to let it all hang out, without fear. I speak from the heart and have made a promise to myself not to hold back. Let it all out I say, what are we all saving it for. Each and every person listening deserves 100% commitment from me to them.

Flow Yoga in Hood River, Oregon will be hosting a Release The Pain, Heal Yourself seminar this April. Stay tuned for dates and stop in if you get a chance.

My book was delivered yesterday, the dream is definitely alive and well. I broke open the box and guess what, it's a book! Nice and new, with pages filled with my own words. Very cool, I am so stoked to get the word out. Several copies were sold that same day and even more the next. My vision is to share openly what has helped me so much, so that others will feel the peace of being pain free.

A new challenge

2008-02-05T08:13:00.000-08:00

This morning at 5:25 am I got up out of bed filled with energy. The anticipation of joining a Masters Swim Club had filled my mind with positive thoughts. Finally, after 47 years I was going to swim with the fishes and stop procrastinating. I made my way to the pool and entered into a dark building with no one around. Am I in the right place? I ask myself. I step into the changing room and sure enough there was one other person there changing into their swim suit. I ask if this is the right place for the Master's Swim Club. Yup, this is it, he says. I take note that this fellow swimmer is a little older than myself. He is in great physical condition and extremely alert. He engages me in conversation immediately and let's me know he is 73 years old and very active in the swim community. Wow, this guy has more energy than most people half his age. I know I am going to like this group.

I get out into the pool and everyone is very helpful and supportive in helping the newbie. The woman I share my lane with gives me a few tips on how to follow the workout. She is also full of life and energy and more than a few years older than me. She takes off in the water and swims like a fish. I join her and hold on for 90 minutes of the best work out I have had in years. My muscles strain, ache and twist in new ways. It feels amazing. Why had I waited so long to join these enthusiastic lovers of life. No matter, I am now swimming with the fishes and loving it.

Another Day in Paradise

2008-02-02T08:13:00.000-08:00

I just spent the morning skiing deep powder on Mt. Hood. My body once more has stepped it up and continues to grow stronger as my mind grows stronger. The steeper the run the better, the deeper the powder the better, the more active my mind is the better. Getting home I feel my muscles are fatigued, a little tight, that is ok. I am not living in fear of the back attack, I am living in the moment.

I have re-read the final draft of Release The Pain, Heal Yourself my new book. I found the last 2 typos, made the corrections and off it goes to the printer. By this time Friday February 8, 2008 my first book will become a reality. Printed, bound and in the hands of readers eager to live a life free of pain. As I set out to spread the message that you can heal yourself, I am certain that this path is right for me.

A New Day

2008-02-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of this blog, it is dedicated to all wanting to live a life free of chronic pain.

I suffered for over 25 years with chronic pain and now I am free of it. The journey to get here has been a long one. It has been filled with so many ups and downs, I lost count of how many times I dove deep into despair. There were so many times I thought my life was not worth living. The pain ruled my life. It told me when to stand, when to sit and when to beg for my life.

Now I know life can be lived without chronic pain. Now I will share my story of living with and without pain.