Slowing down

A week ago I had arthroscopic surgery on my shoulder. They did a bankart repair (stitched down my torn labrium). Since then and for 5 more weeks, I’m stuck in a bolster sling 24/7, except to shower. My “exercises” include hand grips, wrist movement, and elbow movement. So far I’m allowed to walk, albeit slow. Oh and I’m basically one armed for all other tasks…

This has forced me to slow down, literally, everything takes 20× longer than with both arms, and there is A LOT I cannot do. But as I’m forced to sit on the sideline for most of our daily chores, I am also forced to take my time and really play with my babies. Even though I’m limited on how far I can move when we play on the floor, and I can’t run or jump with them, I can make the most of our time together without the guilt of leaving chores undone. Normally I’d play for a few minutes then become distracted by something that needed cleaned/ picked up/ mowed/etc. One of the most positive things to come out of needing to keto my shoulder immobilized is the appreciation of focusing on my kids and really playing with them. Despite the antsyness in me to run, bike, swim, or lift, I’m very thankful that im being forced to take a look at what really matters, especially with one of my babies starting kindergarten this year and the other is starting preschool.

So even though the athlete in me is doing to do more, and the stubborn independent me is hating being so unhelpful around the house, the mother in me is thanking God for this wonderful opportunity to sloooow down and just enjoy.