Up until a few months ago, although mainly confined to bed, Getting up to cook, wash my hair or shop happened only on days that I have a doctor appointment – real luxuries for me.

However, my medical situation has worsened quite a bit. Now, getting out of bed can lead to a serious complications, like another small amputation, or hospitalization; neither of which I am eager to experience again. Due to severe circulatory issues and a deep pressure wound, my cardiologist, wound care doctor, and foot surgeon have confined me to bed. Not happy about this at all.

I want to feel the sunshine on my face; not just see it through my bedroom window. I can’t cook, which drives me a bit crazy. I’m an avid gourmet cook-from-scratch home chef. I enjoy cleaning, putzing around the house, and I have mounds of paperwork that need my attention, all of which I cannot do lying flat on my back.

I find medical setbacks terribly frustrating and quite exasperating.

So, before I make myself insane just lying here, I need to find the positive in my latest imprisonment.

Hence this list:

I can still use my hands to write, blog, surf the net, and chat on the laptop on my over bed table.

I love the colors of my walls and the way I decorated my room – in stylish eccentric/eclectic. It soothes me and stirs my creativity.

My flat screen TV and a DVR help distract me from my pain

I filled my media player with over 100 of my tunes – this song being one of my favorites

See this five-pound shake weight? I have the strength to lift it and exercise while in bed

My loved ones kindly serve me all my meals

I’m learning contentment

The things I can’t do fade a bit when I focus my thinking and energies on what I can do. It’s not always easy, but it certainly is beneficial.

“Find a place inside where there’s joy,and the joy will burn out the pain.” Joseph Campbell

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