Scoliosis – bent, definitely not broken!
The other day I was getting ready to head out to yoga and rock climbing, a typical Saturday start. My back was feeling more stiff than usual. Scoliosis causes arthritis and that day it was telling me to hurry up and get moving. The heat of the hot yoga room is just wonderful for arthritis and relaxing the muscles so I was in a hurry to get to yoga to feel better. I finished our amazing yoga practice and I was definitely feeling better. Then I headed to the rock wall, I was feeling blessed that am able to, most of the time, ease the pain of scoliosis by doing something I absolutely love. I am proud of not letting scoliosis ruin my day or my spirit.
When I returned home I turned on the TV and interestingly enough NBC was on and their show The Champion Within was on and they were highlighting a beautiful, determined 14 year old girl, Mackenzie McRee, a junior golfer, from Tucson with scoliosis. I sat down to listen to her story, it brought back childhood memories of my diagnosis of scoliosis. Mackenzie’s mom was crying and I felt so sad for her and wanted to comfort her and tell her my story and tell her that scoliosis could be managed well. Her mom was sad the doctor recommended bracing her spine.
Mackenzies being braced wasn’t something to cry about, it’s something to celebrate because she may avoid surgery!! The kids bullying her didn’t understand, maybe if they did they wouldn’t bully her.
It brought back memories – I was teased because I was skinny, and crooked. I never let that bother me, I always tried to explain my issues. I dressed in a way which to disguise my asymmetry, maybe that is where my sense of style started. Scoliosis progresses, but with a good attitude and the right approach I handled it. My treatment was to exercise daily, stretch and always watching my weight.
For me, luckily, scoliosis surgery has been avoided. I’m 60 now and in the best shape of my life. I strive to say this each and every year! It isn’t always easy living with a “deformity” and pain, but I always put it in perspective. God has a plan for us all. Maybe mine is to set an an example of strength and willingness to adapt to situations and share the experience? I’m asked often, doesn’t it hurt? My answer is, “Yes.” My answer is usually something like, if you are diagnosed with diabetes, and told if you don’t take your insulin, what would happen? If I don’t do my daily routine, I’m in pain and I know by simply listening to my body’s needs I’ll have a good day with minimal pain.
Count your blessings, stay strong 💪, encourage others, be inspiring, and most of all never give up or give in!
I love these inspiring quotes, please enjoy them!
“When you are living the best version of yourself, you inspire others to live the best version of themselves.”
Steve Maraboli
“When you talk, use words that inspire you and others.”
Debasish Mridha
”When you embrace your strengths and start to make something out of what you have, then you also begin to be an inspiration to others.”Jennifer N. Smith