Home...

Home (noun): the place where one lives.

I was thinking about this simple word today quite heavily as I was getting ready to go to physical therapy. I thought to myself, home has many definitions and that definition is different for everyone. Come to think of it my definition of home has changed in the last 7 months.

It is not that little box with a triangle for a roof and the door and windows we draw on paper as kids. It is not even my physical address or the brick and mortar that keeps me safe at night. Are you thinking I am crazy yet?

Home for me at this point in my life is my community and my church. Home truly is the small town U.S.A. I grew up in. I always said after I left that I would not live here again. A lot can change in 12 years. Moving back in with my parents has been one of the best decisions of my adult life and I am not afraid to admit it. I have been a lot happier and found that contrary to my thinking I have more of a social life here within the community than I did when I lived in my own home, and the two are very different.

I have found a church that feels like home as well and that is something that is very important to me. I attend a discipleship class, Bible study and help with other activities when needed. I am growing spiritually and learning so much about His Word, reconnecting with people I've known all my life, as well as making new friends.

I recently started attending Zumba classes at our community center and will be attending a Bible study there as well beginning next week.

Next on my list is to attend a show at our little Opry we have and find my picture on the wall. :)

When I left this place I had no intentions of living here again, ever. I guess God's plan was different and obviously better than mine. He knew where I needed to be.

I am glad Birchwood is home.

What does it mean to you?

Zumba & Birchwood Community Center

This past Monday was my first ever Zumba class with the beautiful Mrs. Sharon Wright as instructor. She and her hubby Jason are working really hard to be able to keep the old elementary school building in our community up and running as a community center. Zumba is one of the ways they're able to do this.

I have wanted to try Zumba for a while and just haven't. I thought, I'm going to look like a dork out there only moving my arms; or it isn't going to do anything for me because I can only move my arms. Not the case. Not the case at all. I absolutely loved Zumba. I kept my focus on Shannon as best I could to follow moves. I quickly realized I did not look like a dork, that we were all there to have a good time and enjoy ourselves which is just what we did!

I am thankful for this opportunity to keep working my upper body in a fun and upbeat environment. PT will end next week, sadly, but with Zumba and keeping motivated to workout at home. I won't lose what I have gained in upperbody strength. I will only gain more! :)

I can't wait for next Monday! Happy Zumbaing to you!!

I Don't Want To....

Everyone has those days where they just don't want to. I have been having some recently and I am definitely not a fan. I like to keep busy doing something all the time.

However, recently sometimes all I want to do is sleep because then I don't hurt, and I don't have to worry about other things. Before you jump to conclusions while reading this, No. I am not depressed. I have just been dealing with a lot of medical things lately and it has become a bit exhausting. I have a new pain that could be or could not be related to therapy, all I know is it is annoying. Sometimes I can deal with it others, I just want to sleep.

Speaking of therapy, sometimes I do not want to go there either even as much as I enjoy it. Sometimes I just don't. Period. I go anyway because I have to and that's what it feels like -cause I have to-. I always get this way toward the end of my sessions because I know the road we are heading down. We have just made significant progress, but according to insurance it is not enough to warrant more visits to PT.

I also do not like going when it turns colder. Cold weather is h*ll on a person with spastic CP. Excuse the colorful language but that is just the truth, ok? It is a lot harder to move because muscles are tighter and bones ache as though we have arthritis. I would much rather spend the winter in hoodies and fuzzy PJ bottoms under my flannel sheets than to get out and do much of anything in the winter.

There is this thing called life, and we must live it. Despite the challenges we must persevere, even on our "Don't Want To" days...