Ponder with Pamela

Tag: strength training

  • Building Resilience: Exercise and Routine in Pain

    Building Resilience: Exercise and Routine in Pain

    June 5, 2025

    Rain and clouds brought some familiar pain along with them today, just as predicted. It’s remarkable how accurately my body can forecast weather changes – sometimes I feel like a human barometer when those pressure drops hit.

    Persistence Despite the Weather

    Even though I was definitely feeling the weather shift with increased pain and fatigue, I still got up and completed my daily routine and strength training this morning. That felt like a real victory, especially knowing how easy it would have been to skip it when my body was already protesting.

    Four days into this exercise routine and I’m learning that consistency matters even more on the difficult days. Maybe especially on the difficult days. The movement didn’t magically erase the weather-related symptoms, but it did provide some counterbalance to the stiffness and discomfort.

    Professional Development on a Pain Day

    The rest of my day was spent working on testing and qualifications for various job positions. Trying to focus and perform well on assessments when you’re dealing with increased pain and brain fog adds an extra layer of challenge to an already stressful process.

    But I pushed through and completed what I needed to do. Sometimes that’s what chronic illness management looks like. Showing up and doing what needs to be done even when your body isn’t cooperating fully.

    The Weather Reality Check

    This wasn’t a bad day, but it definitely wasn’t as good as the amazing few days I’ve had recently. The contrast is striking. Just yesterday, I was walking three blocks and feeling energized, and today the simple act of concentrating on work tasks felt more challenging.

    I definitely felt the change in weather with that familiar combination of minor pain increases and subtle fatigue. It’s a reminder that progress with chronic illness isn’t always linear, and external factors like weather will always be part of the equation.

    Building Resilience Through Routine

    What I’m proud of is that even on a weather-affected day, I maintained my new routines. The exercise happened. The work got done. I adapted to how I was feeling without abandoning my commitments to myself.

    This is exactly why building sustainable habits matters, because they carry you through the harder days when motivation alone wouldn’t be enough.

    Tomorrow’s Forecast

    The weather is supposed to continue being stormy through Monday, so I’m mentally preparing for some more challenging days. But I’m also feeling confident that I have tools now. The exercise routine, better planning, and realistic expectations. With these tools I will navigate weather-related flares more successfully.

    Here’s to maintaining momentum even when the skies are gray. 💜

    Progress isn’t measured only on the good days – sometimes it’s most evident in how you show up when conditions aren’t ideal.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜

  • Embracing Good Days: Managing Chronic Conditions

    Embracing Good Days: Managing Chronic Conditions

    June 3, 2025

    Today was another wonderfully good day for me. It happened to be my daughter’s birthday, which made everything feel extra special. There’s something magical about feeling well on days that matter most.

    Morning Rituals and Birthday Prep

    I got up and enjoyed my usual morning routine of reading while drinking my coffee. There’s something so grounding about starting the day quietly before the activities begin.

    Then I dove into making my daughter’s birthday cake. One of those mom moments that feels important, no matter how your body is feeling. I’ve been making this cake for years, and we don’t have it often. So when we do, it’s a special occasion. I get a box of devil’s food cake mix and then add in a can of cherry pie filling. It’s so good!

    Being able to bake for someone you love when you’re feeling good is such a gift. The kitchen felt like a place of celebration rather than a source of exhaustion.

    Day of Strength Training

    I managed to squeeze in time for my strength training workout, and overall it went really well! I’m discovering that these beginner videos for people over 50 are perfectly calibrated for my needs and limitations.

    I did have trouble with the squats because my knees and hips aren’t quite ready for that movement yet. Everything else felt manageable and even empowering. It’s okay to modify or skip exercises that don’t work for your body. That’s the beauty of working out at home with videos.

    Birthday Celebration Simplicity

    My daughter and I had pizza for lunch and spent time binge-watching Netflix together. Sometimes the best celebrations are the simple ones. Good food, quality time, and zero pressure to be anywhere or do anything elaborate.

    Having the energy to enjoy relaxed time together without feeling guilty about not being productive felt like its own kind of birthday gift.

    Small Victories Add Up

    I even managed to take the trash cans out to the curb for tomorrow’s pickup, and it’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to handle that task. It might seem small, but when you’re managing chronic conditions, completing routine household tasks without exhaustion feels like a real achievement.

    These little signs of increased capability are so encouraging.

    Weather Appreciation and Reality

    I’m absolutely loving all this beautiful weather we’ve been having! The sunshine and warmth seem to be contributing significantly to these good days. Unfortunately, we have storms coming our way again from Thursday through Saturday, so I’m planning to enjoy these nice days while I can.

    Weather awareness becomes such an important part of chronic illness management. Appreciating the good weather days while preparing mentally and physically for the challenging ones.

    Building on Success

    Two days into this new exercise routine and I’m already seeing real benefits. More energy, less pain, and the ability to accomplish daily tasks that have been difficult lately. Even with the squat modification needed, I feel proud of what my body accomplished today.

    Tomorrow brings Yoga Wednesday. Another gentle practice to look forward to. Here’s to riding this wave of good days and building strength one workout at a time! 💜

    Sometimes the best birthday gift you can give someone you love is showing up fully present because you feel good enough to be there completely.

    The dogs are snoring. I’m signing off. See you tomorrow. 💜