Here's where that all came to play today. I was scheduled for a regular Physio appointment which included thirty minutes in the pool. I have had a headache all weekend. It came and went but basically I have been dealing with a migraine or the verge of one for four days. I even woke in the middle of the night to throw up on Saturday night. So when I looked out the window this morning and saw a heavy snow fall, it was just one more reason not to go to Physio.
I hate getting wet on a winter day, and with my head feeling as it was, I needed an excuse not to go today. I had it. It was a blustery, slippery, snowy day. I'm sure they would understand I reasoned, anyone would. I live 15 minutes from town and it often is understandable not to drive on the highway on these kind of winter days.
I had my excuse in hand and I felt like crap from this headache but as I was about to call to cancel, I remembered my commitment. The commitment to myself and my neurosurgeon, that if I didn't have to go to rehab this time I would do everything in my power to rehab at home. I had a moment of remembering how very difficult it was to be in a rehab hospital for six weeks away from home and wanting to be here so badly. I grabbed my swimsuit and got ready.
This is how you separate the women from the girls I thought as I packed my bag. When you can for a justifiable reason say no, you make the hard decision to say yes anyway. Just say yes and do it, because it is the right thing to do.
I felt good about my decision as I drove down Main Street. Just as a reassurance of my dedication, I saw the epitome of discipline on the sidewalk waving to me.
Kurt is a neighbor of ours who rescued a dog about a year ago. It's a beautiful looking dog, but he had some serious issues. He took this dog on knowing it was going to take a lot of work; socializing him to the point where he could play with other dogs and be friendly and not afraid, especially of men, was not going to be easy.
I have been watching with more than a mild interest as he walks Abby several times a day past our house. He has had various collars, harness's etc. After a few months she had improved so much that she and Whinnie played together in the park a few times. Lately we have been seeing he and Abby walking with another neighbor and his dog. The biggest improvement has been no other devices but a regular collar and leash. Kurt's discipline paid off.
Anyone who had seen that dog in the early days may not have believed she would be the wonderful pet she is now. Kurt believed, and not only did he believe, he did the work.
I did the work today and I felt good about myself for doing it. I believe I will be walking strong, and pain free, I just have to be disciplined and do the work.
Every time, and they are many, I see Kurt and Abby walk by my place it will be a gentle reminder of what can be obtained through discipline.