by Kate | Jan 9, 2018 | chronic illness, Disability, joy
This month’s promise is to “live joyfully for no apparent reason.” Lately, I’ve been thinking about joy as a flotation device. I have been sad because my left arm and hand have gotten weaker and less responsive. Often, I am unable to drive my wheelchair. Because of...
by Kate | Jan 3, 2018 | joy
How can I find joy on a day like today, with the temperature at a -15 Fahrenheit and my body is completely paralyzed? I have to reach for joy outside myself. It can be found in the colorful posters that surround my desk, the rocks on top of my desk, a video of kittens...
by Kate | Dec 14, 2016 | Chronic healing, chronic illness, Disability, joy
Joy isn’t difficult, but it takes some effort to keep it present in our lives. Like tending a fire, we need to tend joy. To burn, fires need heat, fuel and oxygen. They call it “the fire triangle.” The joy triangle? Intention, sensory input and biochemistry. For...
by Kate | Dec 6, 2016 | joy, kind promises
I don’t enjoy waking up. I shift from sleeping to wakefulness, try to move my body and remember that I can’t. Sadness. I wait until someone comes to get me out of bed. My legs spasm. Pain. I think about what I hope to do today. That helps. I have things to do, people...
by Kate | Oct 12, 2016 | Gratitude, joy, kind promises, meditation
Yesterday, I heard columnist David Brooks on the radio describing a moment he experienced as he watched his children playing in the yard: “It’s one of those moments when life and time feel like they’re suspended. I had a feeling of being overwhelmed with gratitude....
by Kate | Jun 21, 2016 | Chronic healing, chronic illness, Delight of the day, joy
People exercise in order to make their muscles stronger. I still remember the day the physical therapist shook her head and looked at me sadly, saying “the nerve connections are gone, honey. No amount of exercise will make that leg stronger.” That was 2001. My legs...