Contributed by Bob Rawlins, oxygen user and consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
This is my personal favorite time of the year for many reasons. Living in the Midwest we see some snow, people are generally in a good mood, LOL. Probably, because they have to, or Santa won’t be good to them.
Of course, I still believe. With what most of us on this journey have been through, how can you not, right?
What does surprise me though, is how some people are actually depressed, bogged down with worries, and actually don’t enjoy Christmas. Look, I know there can be some unfortunate memories, missing loved ones who are no longer with us, we tend to think about $$$, but in the end what is not to like?
I am a movie buff and always watch “White Christmas” this time of year. Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, and the gang. I tend to remember the words of a certain song:
“When I’m worried and cannot sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings.” It has stuck with me for years.
We all can probably think of the many blessings we do have and if we remind ourselves of those very things, it can help us get through just about anything.
Our health and journey will take the most time for most of us – either worrying about our health or worrying about the future.
It is very hard to not think about what is next, either years from now, or the unknown in general. We have to plan, it is in our natural makeup, but I try and keep my short-term goals in mind. Getting my exercise in and keeping my mind as positive as possible.
Christmas is also a time of giving. Not just in a materialistic way but through so many other ways. Giving of your time. How does that make you feel when you are helping someone else? I get so fulfilled inside when I can help others.
Putting a smile on the face of a friend, family member, or stranger.
Volunteering at the hospital has been an amazing journey for me, yes, helping others, but I get incredible therapy for myself as well. I talk with patients about my journey and hopefully help them with theirs. 🙂
Being a good listener is so giving of your time. People generally want to be heard if you can get them talking and they feel you are really LISTENING. It’s amazing how much I personally have learned by just that, being a listener!
I have been so blessed by many and cherish those blessings every day and constantly remind myself of those very things when days aren’t going so well.
We all have those days.
I was listening to a patient just yesterday. She was recovering from some orthopedic surgeries and was in a bit of pain but, was concerned about how she was going to get around. Was she going to be able to do the things she use to do, sound familiar? She asked me about my oxygen therapy and my story. Told her the best thing I did was to start taking each day, one day at a time. Enjoy the marathon and forget the sprint I told her. We don’t have to get anywhere fast, we just need to get there. LOL.
She appreciated it because she felt I could relate, we all can, right? So please share your story with others. It will be good therapy for all involved.
Some other patients talk about oxygen therapy like it is so scary. I say, “It’s a medicine I wear instead of take.” How about that? Think for a second, is there anything more to it? Some have higher doses some, lower doses. A new way to look at things.
Christmas is such a beautiful time to give of yourself and share stories with others.
I miss those no longer with us, and some of the childhood memories and traditions but, when I count those blessings, it always puts a smile on my face.
So, this time of year I always become a year older, December baby, and it is always an “ugh” moment, LOL. But when I count my blessings, I can fall asleep with a huge smile on my face!
Merry Christmas to you and your families! Happy New Year and all it brings!
#LaughEveryDay
#TouchAHeart
#BreatheEasy
– Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 61, of Medina, Ohio, is husband to Terese and father to their 13-year-old triplets, a soccer coach, a hospital volunteer, and marketing guru. He enjoys a variety of activities with his FreeStyle Comfort portable oxygen concentrator.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.cairemedical.com or calling 1-877-704-0878 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.