Changes

My surgery taught me to not take mobility and flexibility for granted. Losing the use of my left arm was detrimental to both and I was forced to slow down in every aspect of my life. I painted with my sling…because I committed to practicing before my level 3 certification. I found work arounds to typing on my computer, doing smaller household chores, even driving. My sole focus was to get back to what I considered “normal”. I’m getting there…still have some physical therapy to do to get back to 100%. But what is “normal” really. My thoughts wander to my family situation and that is far from normal. At what point do I just accept that there is a new normal, and how do I differentiate from getting back to normal versus understanding that certain things will never go back to normal. I am facing tough decisions. Life changing decisions. With that, I am making painting my constant. A part of my life I never want to be without. I find new motivation, new commitment to practicing and improving my technique. I know that a blank canvas will always bring peace and fulfillment with joy and a sense of accomplishment, no matter the chaos in other parts of my life. I hope that one day, I can share this peace, this joy with others. After all…everyone needs a friend.