I met a man at the farmer’s market today who bought a piece of land near here that was always lush and green and always seemed to get rain. But then our drought came (70% of Queensland is currently drought declared) and he hasn’t seen a drop of rain since they moved in.
Instead of the understandable sighing I expected, he chuckled and said, “But today we’re one day closer.”
One day closer to rain.
I love that. I love his attitude towards a very difficult and potentially dangerous situation. It came at such a good time for me as my doctors continue to search for ways to ease my pain and heal my chronically ill self.
I do get very discouraged sometimes, and I know that’s OK. Pain hurts and chronic pain hurts all the time. It wears down the body and spirit. But I love when I have encounters like this that make me smile and remind me that today, I’m one day closer.
One day closer to understanding.
One day closer to healing.
One day closer to thriving.
In the meantime, I try to make the hard days special so they become something to look forward to instead of fear.
Whenever I have to go to the doctor, I turn it into a Grand Day Out.
I know ahead of time that it’s going to be emotional and exhausting so I make allowances and plan for moments of quiet, reflection, and spoiling.
I go to my favorite cafe for breakfast, cozying into the comfy gold chairs, surrounding myself with books, journal, and favorite new pen.
I love it here. The staff make me feel so welcome and no matter what restrictive diet my docs are having me experiment with, the staff happily bend over backwards to make me something delicious.
This week they made me fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, hash browns and my go-to-comfort-drink: Butterscotch Latte with lactose-free milk. Delicious.
I had a picnic and reading time at a wonderfully shady table (it’s outrageously hot here right now) and spent happy hours sequestered in the blissfully air-conditioned library, finding all sorts of audio and paper books to fire my imagination and inspire me for various projects.
I also had a special companion with me. A gift from my friend Marie. His name is Sir Domenic Frederick (we figured such a small bear needed a very big name) and his sole job is to accompany me to doctor’s appointments to remind me that I am always loved and never alone.
What things do you do to make your hard days easier? xo
Dear Krista, this is a cheery post even though you are going through a tough time. I love how you treat yourself on days when you go to the doctor. I just adore Sir Domenic Frederick, he’s brilliant. I’m so pleased you have company on these tough days. If I have a hard day, I like to stay inside and read or just chill out and be still 🙂
I love those quiet alone moments too, @wanderingsheila:disqus 🙂 I always need them after the brave day. 🙂 xo
Hey there – It can be tough to find the positives! I am working with a new homeopath and trying different things and so far making progress. And I never go anywhere without a super duper trashy book and music. Generally super trashy as well. I love the ridiculous and it makes me smile. I like that your bear (s) do the same for you!
I love that, Amy, so much. 🙂 You made me smile tonight (and go to my bookshelf to look for something “super duper trashy” to take with me to the doc on Friday. :-))
Ahhhh, like this post and the blessings that come your way in the midst of pain. So sorry the solutions still escape the doctors and you. Love how you are able to make the best of it and find comfort in little things. Love Sir DF!!
Thank you so very much for the hugs, Katie! Hugs make everything, absolutely everything, better. 🙂 XO
Love love love! Domenic Frederick looks quite jolly and happy and I’m sure he makes the perfect Grand Day Out companion. One. Day. Closer. That’s the lovely way to look at our time in the Delta Quadrant isn’t it? One Day Closer to health and healing and a hundred other wonderful things. I need to take more pictures and be more deliberate in chronicling my life. Thank you for the inspiration!
I feel like every time we say “one day closer” a Broadway choir should start singing it in a majestic and triumphant manner, @knittingthemoment:disqus , like “One Day More” from Les Miserables. 🙂 I’m quite sure that would be very inspiring for us sickies. 🙂 I’m so happy you’re going to take more pics of your life and chronicle the little things!!! I can’t wait to read all about them. XO
Oh luv, you’ll get there! I love Sir Domenic Frederick! I don’t know – you in drought and us up to our knees in floods – couldn’t mother nature distribute the rain a little more equally?! And is that Wild I see on the table? Now that is a book to give you spirit and make hard days easier 🙂
Thank you, @katyabroad:disqus , I have hope that I will too. One day. 🙂 Isn’t Sir DF an absolute luv? 🙂 Yes!!! I would happily take some of your rain and drench this dear adopted country of mine with it. It IS Wild. 🙂 And yes, it’s an incredible story. 🙂
Lovely post, Krista. You know we’re all there with you in spirit, cheering you on your healing path. xoxoxoxo
I do know it, Sosae, and feel it. 🙂 Thank you. XO
You just lit up my day Krista. Thanks luvy x
I’m so glad, @disqus_2yjJojmJOE:disqus 🙂 XO
One day closer is a grand way to look forward to being healed, and rain. Making Doctor Day into a Treat Day is a great idea. When we were kids and had to go the Doctor and Chemist our Mum always bought us Glucose Jelly Beans – just a small packet – but it made us feel deliciously special. I love the look of those gold chairs, I wish I was sipping my coffee in one right now instead of sipping mine in front of the computer 🙂 Does your care teddy sit up to the table or does he wait in the car 🙂
I love that your Mum gave you Jelly Beans, @budgetjan:disqus how kind and thoughtful of her. 🙂 Sir D.F. goes in with me, tucked into a cozy spot in my purse. 🙂
Ha ha – I did not realize he was so small 🙂
Yep! About 4 inches tops. 🙂
This is so good, friend. I love how you make a hard day into a bit more of a special day for yourself. And that bear? So, so perfect. I am in love with those chairs. XXOO You are never alone.
Thank you so much, dear @breannemosher:disqus XO It did my heart much good to chat with you today. 🙂
I can’t imagine chronic pain or the other things you’re dealing with. I’m just tired from overworking myself and I put one foot in front of the other until I need to sleep. I’m glad you’re always one day closer.
Overwork is so exhausting, @disqus_v9uRgGTGfe:disqus XO No wonder you’re so tired. Wishing you a deep and restful sleep tonight. 🙂
I love that sentiment and think I shall adopt it too! I always think that an ordinary day is a great day 🙂
Isn’t it so good, @tandysinclair:disqus ? 🙂 It really gave me something to hang onto. 🙂
So positive when you are experiencing such painful days…you really are amazing Krista. Treating your self is such a good idea..it reminds me of that line in the Mary Poppins song…a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down! Stay strong!
That makes me smile, @jenny_atasteoftravel:disqus 🙂 A spoonful of sugar, literally and figuratively, really does help things. 🙂
That is such a great attitude to take on…very glass half full. I need to remember that during hard days.
I loved it, @joanneeatswellwithothers:disqus 🙂 It came just when I needed it. 🙂
Continue to taking good care of yourself dear Krista……
Thank you, Tracy. XO I try to look at each day as a clean slate, starting fresh each morning with good things. 🙂 Today it’s chamomile tea, cuddles with Bear, and reading. 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear you are still having so much pain =( Really would love to share that supplement with you if you’re open to trying anything right now…
I’m so sorry I haven’t been in touch about that yet, @inspiringtravellers:disqus It’s so hard to remember things when I’m having my bad days. I hope to write to you today. 🙂
I know, darling…I just want you to have no more bad days =) Speak to you soon xoxox
i have to admit that two fuzzy cats gazing at me imploringly always puts things in perspective for me, AND soothes me. i don’t mind that they always have to come first because their beauty is such a tonic to me. oh dear i do sound hopeless, don’t i? so you too are reading cheryl strayed! everyone i know (but me!) is reading it! tell us what you think.
and hang in there, and feel better. my chinese mother would suggest for you – LOTS OF HOT SOUP! xo
http://mlleparadis.blogspot.com
Aww, cats are such lovely creatures, Paradis, no wonder they cheer and soothe you! 🙂 You don’t sound hopeless at all. XO I would love to take your Mother’s advice if only it weren’t so horrendously hot!!! It’s supposed to cool down a bit today though, so a bowlful of soup might be just the ticket. 🙂
I can’t imagine what it would be like to not have my health. Look after yourself.
It’s a humbug, @GourmetGetaway:disqus , but I’m getting through it. Bit by bit. 🙂
What a lovely outlook, and one I could use more often in my naturally-pessimistic mindset. Thanks for sharing, dear, and I’m still wishing you all the best with your ongoing medical saga. That bear is such a sweet companion. 🙂
Thank you so much, dear @BethanyBassett:disqus , I really appreciate your good wishes. 🙂 Yes, Bear is the very best companion I could’ve ever hoped for. He makes even the darkest days so much brighter. 🙂
I love that man’s attitude but I’m so sorry to hear about the draught. It seems that in Oz, somewhere there is always draught. It’s pouring with rain here in Sydney today and I wish I could send it all to you. I love how you turn those awful appointments into a wonderful day out xx
I love your way of turning a Doctor day into a special day with something you enjoy. You have a wonderful outlook and I do hope you are one day closer to being without chronic pain.
Great post Krista! Although I don’t comment as much as I should, your blog is a daily read for me. I really enjoy your insightful posts and gorgeous photos. I hope you know that I am here for you and that you are never alone. xo let’s schedule a chat soon.
On my hard days, I listen to some music.
I try….(hard) to remember the kind things my friends say
Hmm – finding reasons to believe, to hope inspite of everything else.
Lots of love dear