Sometimes, Reader, it seems like everything comes crashing down at once, like you're swimming upstream with a weight on your back.
At least that's what it feels like for me sometimes. Maybe you can relate.
In the interest of transparency, here's the deal.
Last week I had a newsletter lined up and ready to send, but I couldn't get it out before a health issue erupted. The bulk of the email was tied to a time-sensitive event, so I had to completely scratch it and regroup.
As for the health issue that popped up, here's the scoop on it:
The Little Knee Issue That Became Big
For the past few months (ok, maybe more like 6 months), my right knee has been increasingly swollen.
It wasn’t painful and I had full range of motion, so I didn’t think it was a big deal.
I hate doctors (also, I don't have health insurance), so I tried typical self-remedies like ice and elevation, but nothing worked. The swelling only continued to increase.
(In the interest of transparency, I did not try absolute rest.)
By the start of last week, it was looking pretty bad, and the swelling was starting to interfere with my range of motion. People — including my yoga students — started noticing it; it looked like I was wearing kneepads.
Several people I respect made me sufficiently nervous about it that I finally went to a doctor.
The doctor took one look at the knee and said he would have to drain it, which he did.
I'll spare you the picture of the syringe and the gory details. The upshot was that my knee wasn't swollen with inflammation; it was filled with blood. That's why the ice and elevation didn't work.
I have a condition called Von Willebrand's, in which my blood is missing one of the clotting agents. This is just the latest example of an issue that would have been minor for anyone else, but for me turns into a big deal.
Because my blood doesn't clot, the doctor told me I would have to keep my knee immobilized for 2 weeks to give it a chance to heal.
I didn’t flinch when the doctor stuck the needle into my knee. But when I learned I would have to be immobilized for 2 weeks, I started to cry.
The Things That Define Who We Are
In case you don't know, I haven't missed a daily workout in over 11 years. It's an essential component of my morning routine.
I rely on exercise to help me plug in my brain, regulate my nervous system, and generally start my day on the right foot. (No pun intended.)
I also firmly believe that movement is medicine. I know the eventual compensation patterns and consequences of immobilizing a joint for 2 weeks. It's not good. Plus, it's not exactly comfortable to have my knee in a brace. It's hard to sit at a desk, to focus, to get in and out of the car, to walk, to get up and down stairs.
All the things I typically don't think much about.
This situation has reminded me of 3 important lessons that I teach often, and clearly need to relearn. Because we never stop learning our own lessons, right?
- Honor your grief
- Take a broader perspective
- Everything is temporary
You can read more about these lessons on the blog.
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3 Lessons for When You're Going Through a Rough Time
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These Lessons Will Be Essential in March
In the pivot year of 2025, March is a major moment of a lot of change. I'll be keeping these lessons front and center as we navigate the big changes ahead.
If you're wondering what's happening this month, keep your eyes open for my next newsletter, with a full report on what to expect in March.
Immobilization Doesn't Need to Mean Stuck
One other lesson I'm learning is that even when I'm immobilized, I don't need to remain stuck.
That's something I help my clients with.
I help my midlife women with ADHD (and some evolved men) stay regulated and out of overwhelm as they navigate the biggest changes in their lives: moving, divorce, marriage, menopause, and career.
If you're going through a rough time and need support, that's what I'm here for.
Simply hit reply and let me know what's going on in your life, and we can have a conversation.
Wishing you excellent mobility,
Renée
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Hi, I'm Renée Fishman.
I'm the blogger behind MyMeadowReport.com, a real estate broker and holistic productivity coach who helps GenXers with ADHD navigate mid-life.
I'd love to hear from you. Hit reply to connect and let me know what's going on in your world.
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