It’s been one of those weeks – when I have really struggled with the pain – and restrictions – of my body. But – I am – what others may refer too – as – ‘stubborn’ – and don’t give in easily – determined not to allow any pain and discomfort to derail me – as I seek to move through it.

I just love this quote – “Age is an issue of mind over matter – if you don’t mind – it doesn’t matter” – but – it’s the picture with the quote – that really caught my attention. It depicts an old lady walking along with her walking stick – and behind her – is the shadow – of a young lady dancing.

For me – that’s a picture of how I often feel . Age is just a number where I am concerned – and doesn’t really bother me – for – even as my body gets older – inside I feel as though I could still dance.

I often find as I am out walking – that my body feels weak – as though it is ready to give in – but – I have learnt that – my attitude of mind – can help me to overcome it – and move on. I simply focus on my breath – take in the sights around me – breathe in the air – and feed my soul.

As this quote puts it – you have to make the mind run the body – “Now – if you are going to win any battle – you have to do one thing – you have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do – the body will always give up – it is always tired in the morning – noon – and night – but the body is never tired – if the mind is not tired”

We can all struggle with various things in our lives – as well as with our bodies – but the same applies – we have to overcome those feelings of fear – maybe of failure – of not being able to fulfil our dreams – or accomplish those things we long for.

As someone else said – “The biggest wall you have to climb – is the one you build in your mind” – for me – the mind plays such an important part in my life – and is something I am aware of each day.

As I allow my mind to dictate to my body – I find I can overcome so much more – especially when it comes to overcoming physical pain. As this quote says – “Being able to walk pain free – is a blessing” – which it truly is – but then – it goes on to say – “Being able to walk without showing the pain – is a skill”. – and that’s not something I had thought about – I simply see it as something I seek to do -and it makes me smile to think of it as a skill – I didn’t realise I had .

I firmly agree that – “Positive thinking will let you do everything better – than negative thinking will” – but of course – no amount of positive thinking – or attitude – changes the situation – it simply helps me – to live my life better.

Someone puts it this way – “I do things at pain levels others wouldn’t even consider moving at – because – if I don’t – I won’t have a life. This doesn’t mean I’m – ‘having a good day’- It only means – that I was able to be stronger than the pain for part of day”.

I never want any pain I may suffer – to define me – and love the sentiment expressed here – “We are bigger than our pain – we are also the love – holding the pain” – and that is what I want others to see – and why – for me – it’s so important – to maintain the right mind attitude – enabling me – to rise above the pain and limitations of my body – and walk – with the shadow of a youthful dance at my side.

Blessings – Lois