‘Finding Myself’, image taken at Tybee Island, Georgia, June 2016. Copyright Mary Michelle Scott 2016- All rights reserved.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES
To me, those words are scarier than the words “facing your fears”. This past six months these two words have filled my existence sucking the life out of me, to the point that I really didn’t think I could keep going on.
In December 2015 my blood pressure starting running 225/125 and the doctors were unable to bring it down lower than 150/100 for 4 months, and were unsuccessful in finding the cause.
During this time I experienced a TIA (mini stroke), a warning sign that bigger problems were heading my way. After being put on handfuls of pills,
they finally brought it down.
After a month of well behaved blood pressure, it was too far down, 90/55 for several weeks, and I ended up having a full stroke after it spiked extremely high again one afternoon.
I was very lucky, and did not suffer any long term effects from the stroke, but now I truly have to face the fact that I must face myself, and find myself, and make these lifestyle changes, before the next one hits. Not easy for a stubborn 50 year old– mom of three grown men, wife, full-time Radiation Therapist, photographer, and basic human being who is like everyone else- trying to find myself in this crazy journey of life.
So, self discovery begins. So far it is making me defensive and uncomfortable, studying the truth of myself, and the changes that I need to achieve. Only, because I feel that I have failed myself and that, perhaps, I was a little hard headed (ok, for those that know me- a LOT hard headed) about many things in my life.
So, my first step is to simply keep trying to find myself, and to find the joy in life, and to hopefully share that joy with people around me.
Mary Michelle Scott
You are very much in my thoughts, Mary! You still have a lot to give and I still want more!
Dear friend, thank-you so much. ❤️ my joy is found in my art and in my friends like you! 😊
I’ve missed you! I’m sorry to hear you’re going through this tough time, but am glad you’re doing better, and working toward managing your blood pressure. I’ll keep you in my thoughts!
The image above is so beautiful and soothing!
I have missed you, too! But, I am planning to be back regularly, my art and my friends here (you!) are such a joy in my life that I am planning on staying in this happy place more. 🙂 The moment in time of the image was so incredibly peaceful, it really spoke to my soul. I seem to discover more of myself through the lens of my camera.
Thank-you so much, dear friend!!
Blessings to you, dear Mary. I have missed you and am so glad to see this post. I am so sorry to hear about your challenges over the past months. I will send you tons of healing energy. Just know that there are lots and lots of us here in the blogosphere that are thinking about you and sending you love and healing! Cher xo
Thank-you so much dear friend! That means so much to me ❤️😊 I am glad to be back and am grateful for the blessings you are sending my way!
Love and hugs,
Mary
xoxoxo 🙂
Michelle.. I am so sorry to hear this but yet so damn proud that you are determined to fly…. This right here: find myself, and to find the joy in life… This is your savior. You will see a whole new life that you maybe are supposed to see differently.
Love you!
Thank-you sweet lady ❤️ I love you, too hon! Your friendship is part of that joy 😊
Big hug for you Mary 😀 ❤
Thank-you dear Ralph! ❤️ I am sending you big hugs and love, too 😊
So sorry to hear of your health troubles. Sending good wishes and hope you find the balance you’re looking for x
Thank-you sweet friend, I hope all is well with you 🙂
Thank you, it is 🙂
Yikes! Glad to hear nothing long term on the stroke, sending positive thoughts your way!
Thank-you dear friend! ❤️😊
Wow, very insightful and inspiring words
Thank-you very much!