Independence on Wheels

Have you ever been truly afraid of the one thing you really wanted?

I have. I wanted my independence, but fear crept into my psyche in an attempt to keep me from my desires.

I wanted the independence in mobility which a mobilized wheelchair could offer yet I was afraid to go down my ramp  and out into the world alone. Besides the few practice sessions with the therapist, I haven’t been on a ramp and into the world alone in twelve years.

At the tender age of 43, rheumatoid arthritis invaded my body, racking my joints in pain and leaving them practically immobile. The only treatment for the symptoms was for me to sit and be pushed around.

Several years passed and the disease progressed. It continued to destroy my joints and mobility, resulting in my inability to push myself around. The doctor suggests a mobilized wheelchair as a solution. I resisted at first believing that the mobility in my arms would return if I worked hard enough, yet years went by and the disease continued to exasperate my limbs. Finally, I began to see the benefit that a mobilized wheelchair seemed to offer, a benefit that all my therapists, doctor, and friends repeated so often; a benefit that through my trying to wheel myself around I failed to see, the benefit of independence.

The therapist decided that I needed a mobilized custom-built wheelchair. The sales representative told me, that it would take several months to design the chair. However, it took, a little over two years. Finally, after long months of waiting, she arrived with the chair and the ticket to my independence!

Driving a 400-pound wheelchair around the house was a cinch, and shortly after mastering that feat, I figured that it was time to move to the next level and drive the chair outside. I really wanted to go outside because I hadn’t ventured out alone in twelve years, and I adamantly wanted to change that part of my life. I wanted as much independence as possible, and I knew the wheelchair would give it to me.

I rolled into my family room and approached the ramp in the front door. I wanted to go outside, yet I was hesitant…okay scared.

In crossing the threshold onto the ramp there is a small bump which makes the chair pop up a fraction of a centimeter onto the ramp. I thought about the pop and wheeled away from the door.

My mind pondered the many times I went down the ramp with my therapist and ended up being fine. I prayed, “Lord give me the courage to wheel down this ramp,” when I finished praying I visualized myself rolling down the ramp safely. I then took a deep breath, placed the speedometer to “turtle,” the lowest speed, and I grasped the joystick. Holding tightly, inch by inch I moved slowly down the ramp and into the street. Yes! I was ecstatic, in fact so ecstatic that I decided to drive midway down the block—I moved so quickly and easily that I decided to go the full block. The sky was clear and a cool breeze surrounded me.

I was confident, thrilled, feeling adventurous and enjoying my independence—I turned the corner.

Moving along, singing and greeting everybody on the streets, I cranked up the speed from “first” to “second” to “third” out of the five speed range my chair offers. I decide to go around the block. At the end of the next block there was a cul-de-sac; I traveled to the end turned around and turned up the next block. I spoke with everyone I saw along the way.

I had so much fun that I turned around and continued heading south. Who would’ve known that the next street was a cul a sac as well? I sing and move the speed gear up to “rabbit,” top speed.

Moving toward the end of the next block, I spotted a bridge. I remembered seeing the bridge a few years ago when my aide and I ventured out for a tour of the neighborhood. I remembered that the bridge takes you to the opposite side of my house, yet I remember we didn’t cross it but I couldn’t remember why.

I rolled up to the bridge and pondered for a moment: I looked it over and proceed to move up the bridge—everything was fine until I got mid-way. Oops! The bridge descended into a slope, resembling the ramps in the kids skateboard park. It was too steep.

There was no way I was going to attempt to traverse the abyss below. I blew my horn and began backing up. I was doing quite well until…Oops I met a tree in an unfriendly manner…Bang! “Oh heck,” I said as I pulled the joystick forward.

The chair didn’t move; it didn’t even wiggle. I pulled the stick to the right and then back to the left—nothing. My neck is practically immobilized as well, but I turned my head as far as I could—no one in sight. I watched the ground, hoping for an advancing shadow—nothing. Next, I listened closely, hoping for the sound of approaching footsteps—nothing. I called out; “Help” several times, but there was no answer.

There I sat struck in the mud against a tree, a huge oak nonetheless. If someone were to walk by, they would never see me. I came to the conclusion that there was no one on the streets. Fear was trying to enter my psychic—you can’t be independent—now what? I had a little self-talked; Diane stop focusing on the circumstances. Independence is your desire and God is your source—seek Him. “

Instantly, my mind reflected on the scripture, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 (TNIV).

I called out “God help” and I closed my eyes, visualizing myself being rescued, I then opened my eyes and yelled “Help, Help.”

A woman appeared. She looked as if to be in her early thirties, fit and toned standing about 5’8 and weighing approximately 140 lbs. She was wearing a neat pair of khaki pants, matching top and sneakers and as she approached, asked in a calm patient manner, “What can I do to help you?” I explained to her the function of power release bars. She attempted to reach them, and reported to me that the tree was blocking her access to them.

“Darn it!” I say aloud. Meanwhile, the woman looked at the wheelchair, rolled up her sleeves and placed her keys on the ground. “Don’t worry,” she said confidently, “I’ll help you,” she squatted down and gave me directions. “Turn the chair on. Now move the joystick to the right. Okay, now to the left” she said as she moved the chair, “Now go forward.” I followed her directions and the muddy wheels rolled onto cement. “Hallelujah!” I shouted. She smiled.

I put on my reporter hat: I introduced myself, and in turn, she introduced herself as Michelle and explained that she happened to be checking on her grandmother when she heard my call for help.

I asked if she happened to be a physical therapist… she smiles and offers to walk me home. I thank her for her gracious invitation and dash away full speed ahead alone. I travel home singing all the way, enjoying my freedom…independence on wheels.

It’s All In The Food

It’s all In the Food…Just a fork full away

Providing your child with good eating habits promotes lifelong good health. Food provides the energy that children need to grow strong, learn successfully, play creatively and explore the world around them. American Academy of Pediatrics, (AAP) encourages families to think of their nutritional decisions as health decisions.

There is 50 plus minerals, including, iron, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, etc, the water –soluble vitamins: (B vitamins and C): and the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are essential to a child’s health throughout their lifetime.

I interviewed 3 nutrition specialists: Sabrina Candelaria, Register dietician at the University of Miami at Miller School of Medicine; Sarah Krieger MPH. RD All Children’s Hospital St. Petersburg, Florida and Dr. Jose Rosa-Olivares, general pediatrician, Miami Children’s Hospital. All three were in agreement on one issue: “parents need to focus on their child’s diet before concerning themselves with vitamins and supplements.”

At what age shall we begin giving our children vitamins? Vitamins are essential to a child’s lifelong health. All children need the same kinds of nutrients, but the amount of each nutrient differs according to age, thus it is essential provide the child with food rich in vitamins and minerals. The child’s diet is vitally important; therefore it is imperative that parents are armed with proper nutritional knowledge as they prepare the child’s daily meals. The healthier your child eats, the more nutritious he remains; however, as children become older and more independent, their food choices change. So with that added independence how do you get nutritious food into your children?

The following are seven incentives for parents to encourage their child’s nutritional knowledge and proper daily food intake on his lifetime journey. The following seven incentives can be used to educate the children and encourage them to take the vitamins, and minerals:

· Parent…Be aware…your child is watching you. You need to be aware of your nutritional habits. It’s imperative that you teach positive eating habit. Moreover, it’s mandatory that you eat a variety of foods from the four food groups, (insert groups here) in order for your child to develop the same habit. Model proper food choices at all times for your child, beginning at birth, children imitate what they see.

· It’s best to give 5-6 small meals a day, to encourage the child to intake the appropriate amounts of vitamins and minerals in each serving.

· Examine the vitamin and mineral content of a food and figure out at what stage in your child’s development it would be most beneficial for them to benefit and grow from it. For example, what stage is the brain developing? What foods do they need to consume in order to develop wholly in that stage, and benefit from the vitamins and minerals specifically in that food?

· Teach children to recognize their appropriate nutritional intake is essential to their vitamins, intake, thus they will continue to eat well when they are alone with their peers.

· About school age, children tend to be influenced by their friends, and become more selective about their food choices so it’s imperative that you arm your child with proper nutritional knowledge as you prepare your child’s daily meals.

· Write a grocery list, that covers the spectrum of the four food groups with your child. Be sure to get your child to select foods from the four food groups; continue to educate.

  • Teach your child to read the labels before purchasing food to ensure the required vitamin and nutrient content.
  • Make a weekly menu with your child. At younger ages, use pictures to make a list.
  • Create a social gathering for your child or with your child, and always use their input to define the menu.

Supplement indicators: If the child neglects a food group for days, it might be an indication that they are not receiving all of these nutrients. At this point, you may need to supplement the child’s diet. A vitamin’s or minerals can supplement a healthy diet but do not to replace nutritious food. It’s not just, about their eating but the overall education, says Sarah Krieger MPH. RD All Children’s Hospital St. Petersburg, Florida; again, she reiterates, “that’s exactly, what vitamins are, supplements.”

Whenever you think, your child may be in need of supplements it’s time to consult your pediatrician. A pediatrician can prescribe the appropriate vitamins to supplement your child’s nutrional intake. Krieger advises parents to read the labels and purchase whole food verses synthetic supplements.

Advisably, nutrition should come from foods first and if the child is not eating well then they should be supplemented with chewable multi-vitamin. Dr. Jose Olivera warns, “Parents need to make sure that their children understand that the cutesy chewable vitamins are not candies. Supervise the kids intake an explain it to tell because vitamin overdose can cause negative effects. “

If you follow these steps then have no fear, you have created great habits so continue to foster these habits and continue to educate your child about the practices of healthy eating.

Destination to Success

Are you committed to a dream or goal? Senator Barrack Obama, the democratic candidate for President of the United States of America is. His commitment stems from the desire to go to the White House and serve as our next president. He rallies purpose, determination and motivation to expedite his way to becoming the 44th president of the United States.

Senator Obama along with his campaign members develop strategies for reaching that destination of success he so longs for. As the campaign unfolds, the Senator and his staff unfold their plan: creating and revising the intricacies of each decision, and adapting with swift versatility when necessary. Senator Obama always keeps a keen eye on his goal and on any obstacles that might be thrown in his way on the road to the oval office.

With every speech Senator Obama delivers his focus is primarily on the joint efforts which he and his supporters can undertake to achieve victory…he tells his supporters of the taxing demands of the campaign trail and of promises grand for the future; he asks his supporters to work with him. It’s quite evident that work is what sets the dreamers apart from those tangibly who achieve their goals.

Are you committing yourself to an arbitrary dream or a tangible goal? The arbitrary dreamer longs for fulfillment of their desires but their sometimes capricious whims are for naught.

Dreamers dream, and like steam their whims are flimsy, unsteady and uneasy; for to achieve or succeed you must go through the trouble of backing a rebuttal to not sit placid while your dreams go flaccid. Idealistic, and anti-rational, most lofty dreamers are usually procrastinators reacting to the circumstances at hand.

They refuse to be pragmatic and would much rather challenge fate by rolling the allegorical dice and crossing their fingers in blind anticipation, while goal setters model their goals to achieve success. The realistic view of those who set concrete goals develop a tested strategy for achieving said goals. And it is only after this process of work that they are free to revel in their sweet successes.

Senator Barack Obama is committed to win the 2008 presidential election and transform his hard work, and his determination shall lead to unlimited success.

Goals direct your life—plans tell you your next step. Work your plans and plan your goals, always remembering the words of Warren Buffet, investor, “the only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.”

Are you committed to your dream—or are you committed to your goal?

Mindofagoddess.wordpress.com

Living your dream

Are you living your dream?

I have wanted to be a writer all my life. As a child, I wrote scripts and songs for my friends to perform. As I grew older, I was encouraged by people around me to write more and cultivate my talent. Increasingly, I dreamed of becoming a writer.

The fall semester of my freshman year in college changed the direction of my dream. My English professor returned my first writing assignment with a huge “F” written across it. No one had ever given me such a horrible grade. No one. Not ever. I was in total shock.

First in grade school, then in high school, I was commended and received honor awards for my writing. It was my dream and I thought I was good at it. But now, staring down at that monster “F”, I was devastated. To make matters worse, at the end of the class the professor approached me and candidly told me that I had no talent, and suggested I forget about my dreams of becoming a writer immediately if I wanted to make enough money to eat in this lifetime.

Distraught, I attempted to squelch the dream, yet the longing in my heart for writing—a longing I had been suppressing for 15 years persisted.

I believe that I’d been chosen by God to write, then I must write. I finally understand my critical teacher and my fear of failure are rocks blocking my blessings, and it’s up to me to remove the rocks, and embrace my dream.

I am now FREE.  To live your dream is to be free.

Are you free?

Mind of a Goddess