Thought for the Day:

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul.
And sings the tune
Without the words,
and never stops at all.

- Emily Dickinson

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Vacation



When you don't really work do you deserve a vacation?

While reading a book on chronic illness one thing the author advised was to think about fulfilling different human 'needs' despite being ill.  For example, no matter how sick you are, to think about social, emotional, recreational and work needs.  

Work could be just resting and pacing, taking the drugs you need, stretching for rehab.  Social if you're bedbound could be writing a short note or email, a five min conversation on the phone.
etc. etc.

I think her point was that when you are sick all the time, it is still important to think about health in a variety of ways beyond the physical.

So anyways, my point is that I am justifying my upcoming camping by believing that even sick people, people like me who spend on average 21 or 22 hrs. a day laying down and less than 3hrs a week on average out of the house, can still take a vacation if there is a way to make it work.

I will definitely be pushing my limits some, but once the tent is set up I will spend most my time lying down and I'm taking food that is mostly snacks (minimal prep) so it should work out.

Here is what I'm looking forward to:

  • seeing a sky full of stars again
  • listening to the waves on the beach as I lay in my tent
  • sitting on the shore with my feet in the cool waters of Lake Superior
  • being 'unplugged'
  • taking photos....I love taking photos and trying to capture moments that will later inspire art
  • writing in my journal
  • reading
  • writing notes to friends
  • listening to the patter of rain on the tent
  • observing the many colours of Superior from mercury silver to grey to deep blue, to turquoise
  • seeing and hearing birds
  • seeing wildlife
  • eating wild berries
  • contemplating deeper questions (I seem to do this more out in nature)
  • lying on a rock that has been heated by the sun
  • lying in the sand and running it through my fingers
  • watching the dog swim
  • watching the sun set over the big lake
  • being mesmerized by the crackling of a fire
  • being open to the surprises of nature (I'm sure there will be some, last year one was watching a family of otters swim by, another was finding fresh caribou tracks in the sand)

Posted by at

12 comments:

  1. Yun YiJuly 30, 2013 at 7:30 PM

    Sounds too pushy to me, upnorth. You are demand something your body cannot afford. but good luck. I hope you enjoy your camping.

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    1. upnorthJuly 31, 2013 at 10:42 AM

      Yun Yi, thanks so much for your concern. I'll let you know how it goes. To be honest there is not much strain on my body in this style of camping. It's mostly just laying down in a different place than usual. That said, getting there and back will be the big hurdles.

      Delete
    2. Yun YiJuly 31, 2013 at 5:58 PM

      One thing I don't know if fit your condition, when sleeping outside, be careful with humidity. probably put lots of pads blankets on top of sleep bed would prevent humidity or coldness go inside your body.
      anyway, good luck and waiting for your beautiful photos.

      Delete
  2. AnonymousJuly 30, 2013 at 10:19 PM

    We really do work, just a little different, but for me and I'm sure I'm not alone, taking a shower is hard work, getting dressed, more work, brushing my teeth, getting ready for bed at night - it's all dragging my body around and it's work. So I'm saying bon voyage or whatever one says when you go camping. Your list is beautiful, I'll be looking forward to your photos. A lot of good advice in your post, thanks. from leah

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    Replies
    1. upnorthJuly 31, 2013 at 10:41 AM

      Yes Leah, all that is 'work' for us. Just managing the tasks of daily living. I think the word "dragging" your body around is perfectly appropriate.

      Delete
  3. ReneeJuly 31, 2013 at 8:30 AM

    Have a wonderful time, upnorth! Nothing like nature to soothe a weary and parched soul!

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    Replies
    1. upnorthJuly 31, 2013 at 10:40 AM

      THanks Renee, pictures to follow at some point. It will be emotionally and spiritually 'healing' I'm sure. To be honest, last year reminded me of the ancient vision quests people used to do. I understand why they were so powerful and important.

      Delete
  4. hkdJuly 31, 2013 at 10:20 AM

    Are you going alone? Or is someone going to help drive you and check in? Be safe and enjoy.

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    Replies
    1. upnorthJuly 31, 2013 at 10:39 AM

      Yes hkd, alone. Although I had someone do my shopping and I have a ride there and back (it's not too far but still). For some reason driving makes me crash terribly. I wish I had someone to go with, but that's how it is. I did it last year and managed OK....

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  5. At Home on the Rock...August 1, 2013 at 2:41 AM

    Have a great time, Upnorth.

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  6. hkdAugust 2, 2013 at 9:10 PM

    I should be reminded...you are not alone you have your amazing dog with you and all of us here are with you in spirit...enjoy safe travels....it will be wonderful

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  7. hayleyesztiAugust 8, 2013 at 5:09 PM

    We definitely deserve a holiday (or as you say vacation!) We put up with so much everyday that a short break is often needed to refresh and restore fighting power. Life can be so very lonely and tedious when you are sick, anything that breaks it down is in my opinion great :) Hayley-Eszti

    www.hayleyeszti.blogspot.co.uk

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