Living life in the slow lane. At home I thought I was doing so well, that I was moving around very well. Bring me to the open world of life and there I was slow. I mean slower than slow.
I think we unconsciously move about the world, we walk at a pace that we chose and not one that choses us. We speed up to make up time and slow down when we see something of interest.
I had one speed.
Slow.
The hallways and skywalks and sitting rooms and distances to the bathroom stretched out like 5Ks. The world grew bigger as I was slowed down.
Maybe not even bigger - but I was consciously aware of its depth.
In the past, I think I traveled through these spaces to get to the destination, not even paying attention to them. Now, I was very keen on just how far.
One of my concerns was being able to reach bathrooms in TIME.
To time it so that I didn't have to hurry, when I couldn't speed up.
So, I became more aware of my body, its needs.
When it is hard to get in and out of vehicles, you don't just jump out at every stop. You have to consider the worth of the trip. How much do you need to go?
Driving along the shoreline, there was a great photo op. A windblown pile of snow with brown grass waving in tufts out of it and the backdrop angry waves of gunflint grey! Like a beach scene but in the snow. In the past, I would have told my husband to stop and I would have made my way over to it. With a walker, it wasn't feasible.
It is amazing how disabilities can hold you back.
And, "killing time" by shopping seemed way too hard. There is no stopping and running in quick to see or browse etc. Again, there has to be a great need to exit.
With healthy legs you really never consider what you are going to be walking on and the ease of just running in somewhere to grab an item. Or the luxury of being curious and walking endlessly into cool shops.
A walker changes that.
Ice, curbs, cracks and irregular surfaces are not that easy to navigate. Let alone any place with steps.
My world looks so different from a walker.
Today I feel like a hero athlete, to be able to just use a cane.
I may be slow, but most places are reachable!
And, in slowing down I have gotten a better look and feel of our world.
My new hip will give me much gratitude for all that I can do!
The world is accessible!
The old adage still applies. "You don't know what you have until its gone."
If you have your health, you truly have freedom beyond measure!
