Table tennis

I went back to the Parkinsons table tennis club this week after a few weeks off because of eye surgery.

I was pleased that I could just hit the ping pong balls but I was very unsteady on my feet. I was also cautious of bending forward. Time will tell whether I improve. I really think I need to discuss things with my Parkinsons nurse. I just want to be safe and careful.

Exercise is important, moving around, keeping active. If I don’t my muscles will atrophy. I think I need physiotherapy. Wish me luck. I’m so tired I’m going to get a nap.

That was a tiring day

It started so well

Now I feel like this.

I had a shower, struggled as usual to get ready to go out. Honestly five minutes to put my shoes on. Then I decided to drive to choir practice because I can’t walk fast enough. But got stuck in a line of traffic. It’s only a few hundred yards but I couldn’t get round the corner, then had to park a distance away from our meeting room.

I enjoyed the singing and didn’t trip up over my handbag despite getting my foot trapped in its strap. Then lunch with some friends in the restaurant there.

I’d taken the car so I could also go shopping. I can’t carry much and I needed to resupply as I was almost out of groceries. I managed to park badly in the disabled bay, half over the line. I apologise to anyone I obstructed but my arms don’t seem to pull well on the steering wheel. I chatted with someone sitting outside who was obviously in need of help. I could only offer to get him a sandwich, but that was better than nothing.

Home and I had to clean and dry the fridge which had a pool of cold water in its base? I think I’d moved the thermostat dial by accident and it’s not been cold enough. Then I hauled the food into the fridge slowly. I had several bags so I didn’t need to carry much at a time.

By then I was shattered and fell asleep in front of “escape to the country”, escaping my own time line and waking up just in time for an episode of “star trek voyager” where time paradoxes abounded.

But, half way through I remembered choir practice tonight, so had to go out again. I’m tired now because we have to stand up to sing if we can and I use that as an exercise class, I’m not mobile enough and I need to make an effort.

Now I want to go to sleep but need tea. I was going to try and make scrambled eggs on toast. But porridge seems as appealing and easily done in the microwave.

That was a full on day. I’m shattered. But I need to socialise with people. Most of the week I just sit and watch TV. I’m thankful when I can fight anxiety and escape for a while. Singing helps sanity!

Singing

Describe one simple thing you do that brings joy to your life.

I love singing.

When I’m anxious it helps regulate my breathing. Concentrating on the music makes my heart swell with joy when we get it right. Time seems to flow. Music and song are so simple, so inate to being human. It brings joy to my friends too. We got together to sing for a friend recently. I’ve not included my friends faces because I haven’t asked their permission to use their images.

That’s the thing about anxiety, so many rules to remember and think about. What can I do? What should I do? But singing calms me, pulls my mind up and out of bad feelings. I would recommend it to anyone thinking of coping with anxiety. If you can take the first step and keep singing. X