Year Two, Day 232: New Year's Additions - Getting Older and Better!

Back in my library office. It feels so good to be back! Most of my happiest days in my life have been in the library. :)

I have had a stellar day so far. It began with a PT appointment. It has been a month since I have been in! I cancelled the last appointment due to my flu. The time before that was a snow day.

I love my physical therapist!  We talked more about my health and fitness goals. She had me fill out a questionairre about my pain level. Good news is that the last visit, I showed 30% pain disbility. Today only 13%!  There is hope for me yet!

We had a very interesting discussion about the physiology of pain.  She has studying this lately. Fascinating! I was so enthused, that she recommended I sign up for a class. Well, I jumped on that, classaholic that I am!

It is called "Understanding Pain"  through Providence Health and Services.  It is free to Providence rehab patients!

Here is a little blurb about the class:

"Did you know that when people understand how pain happens, their level of pain can decrease?

Providence Pain Education will help you to learn how pain develops and the important body-brain pain connection, learn how your own actions and thoughts can relieve your pain and help you return to a life you can enjoy, and will teach you simple calming techniques you can use to decrease stress and quiet pain."

Most excited about this class, am I! I is in February. I shall give you a full report.

But now, I would like to talk about 2017. Specifically, New Year's "Additions" (my very own creation!)

From my Facebook wall one year ago today:

For the past several years I have been making a list of positive "Additions" that I want to bring into my life for each New Year. I went back through my FB history and I believe I began this in 2011.  My list is pretty similar each year, but I do see some progress in my life.

Here is my first declaration on 12/31/2011 from my Facebook page:

"I make no New Year's Resolutions. Instead I make additions. This year I am adding more healthy, raw food to my diet. I am adding more smiles to everyone I meet. I am adding bigger ears to hear my friends in need. I am adding a bigger heart to love my family, my friends, my planet, my dog. I am reinventing myself. This is a not just a new year, it is a new me!" December 31, 2011 ~Zita Jefferson

Here were my 2012 Additions:

1. Dance! Zumba and Salsa top my list.
2. Running!
3. More playtime with family, friends and dog.
4. Romance!!!

I could not find 2013 and 2014. (I post way too much on Facebook!)

Here are 2015 Additions:

1) Workout at the gym at least 3 days a week.
2) Stretch and do yoga regularly. Especially mornings and evenings.
3) Daily Bible reading
4) Drink more water! A lot of it! smile emoticon
5) Listen to people more.
6) Give of myself more.
7) Work on memorizing pieces at the piano (my lifelong weakness)
8) Read more classic literature
9) Read more poetry
10) Be present with my family more
11) Laugh more!
12) More green smoothies!




And 2016 Additions:

1. Even more exercise.
2. Even more prayer.
3. More stretching.
4. Drink more water.
5. Spend more time with friends and family.
6. More helping people.
7. Read poetry.
8. Read classical literature.
9. Memorize one piece a month on piano.
10. Learn to play my ukulele.

I am pleased to say that I have kept most of my additions from 2015 and 2016!  I am giving myself a big high five!

And now, for my 2017 additions:

1. Continue daily prayer and bible study.
2. Continue daily exercise.
3. Add more core strengthening.
4. Continue to drink more water.
5. Continue to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. 
6. Continue to spend more time with friends and family.
7. Continue to help people whenever I can.
8. Read more poetry.
9. Read more classical literature.
10. Memorize more piano music.
11. Compose and improvise more.
12.  Continue to practice ukelele.
13. Take a dance class.
14.  Allow romance in my life.
15. Keep my chin up!

And there, we have it!

I am going to keep up additions 1 - 7. And focus on 7 - 15.  I am getting OLDER and BETTER!!

Happy Thursday!