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Relax Zone

In South Carolina, I would go weekly to Stretch Lab, and a flexologist would assist me with stretching different areas of my body. Sometimes, we would focus on legs, other times back and arms. Not often but occasionally, whole body. My flexologist was Sheldon, and I miss him so much. I have not done any unassisted or assisted stretching since I have been back. My back had been hurting for over a week straight. Let me clarify. My back hurts every day, but it is levels to the pain. I am usually about a 3, but the past week, I had been on a solid 6. I don’t take drugs, so I decided to get a massage.

Before I came back, I was talking about how I was going to start getting at least a 30-minute massage bi-weekly. The massage place at the mall is reasonably priced and allows for such extravagance 😆. Or at least that is where I thought I was going to go. I googled Relax Magic to see what time they closed yesterday, and it said permanently closed. What the fuck? Who knew this topic would be so important that it had its own thread on Reddit regarding the closure?!? I found out from the Reddit post that the employees just moved to a new location across the street from the mall. YAY! The new spot is called Relax Zone. I would like to note that there is still a massage location at the mall. It has a new name and I have no clue what it is. Lol.

So, with the back hurting and general body dysfunction, I made my way into Relax Zone for an hour massage. I know I said 30 minutes, but it had been a while, and I needed it! My guy was fabulous. He did try to kill me in an effort to get out the knots, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I think they want to work miracles and see me walk out of there healed 😆. Hell, I wish a simple massage would be the answer, too. For anyone who does not like a deep tissue massage, Relax  Zone is not for you. Not only did my massage therapist help me to get on the table for my massage, he sat me up when it was over, took off my socks, put my shoes on, and tied them up. I want to cry right now because that was so sweet. He has beat out my neighbor who wiped my face off with the towel. He is currently tied with my neighbor who picked me up off the ground when my dog niece, TT Jr, made me fall.

I am feeling so much better, and my back pain is back down to a level 3. I don’t know why I waited so long to get a massage. I really have to start taking better care of myself. Have you been neglecting yourself? What steps can you take to start back on your self care journey? Or do you practice self care consistently? If so, what does that look like for you? Don’t be like me, stay well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

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I ❤️ Toledo

What do you love about where you live?

I was ready to write a totally different post. I had a really good day, and I wanted to share. But then, I saw this Day One Prompt and I had to give some love for my city, Toledo.

As Elizabeth Barrett Browning says, “How I love thee? Let me count the ways.” I love my city! Like to the point, I will fight you about it. Not physically, but definitely verbally. Part of my good day was just enjoying the weather and riding around the city. I rode down River Road, looking at the houses along the water. Past Walbridge Park, countless food trucks on Summit St., through Downtown, under the Veterans Bridge, past Jamie Farr Park, and my sunrise spot at Cullen Park. I saw a city that is improving and thriving. I saw people enjoying life and eating good. I saw a river that up close may not be the best looking, but it is still beautiful to look at from a distance 😆. I noticed the new artwork that has been spray painted on buildings and how colorful and engaging they are.

I love that my city is small enough that it takes no more than 25 minutes to get where you need to go, and big enough that you have choices of places to go. People are always quick to say there is nothing to do here. There is a lot to do here. We have a nationally ranked museum that offers different exhibits throughout the year, breweries, a ton of local restaurants, beautifully designed libraries with programs catering to kids and adults, numerous parks with trails for walking and biking, free summer concerts at these same parks, and on and on and on. I promise I have just scratched the surface with the things I listed. Now, one can say,  there is nothing to do here that I like. That would be more accurate.

I love Toledo because we experience all four seasons with fall and spring being my favorites. I’m not a big fan of the cold, but I do like to see snow. It feels natural to have the change of seasons and clothing. I love my city because my friends and family are here. I can stop by my brother’s house and see him and my nephew. I can tell my friends to meet me out for a drink. I can invite my people over for game night. I can stop by the barbershop on the weekends and talk junk with the guys.

Though I may move to experience more of the world, Toledo will always be home. I will always love Toledo. I will always look for the good in my city and tell you about it if you say something unpleasant. If you live in Toledo, can you tell me what you love about this city? If you don’t live here, tell me where you live and what you love about your city? Stay well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚

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Peace

What positive emotion do you feel most often?

I am not exactly sure if peace is considered an emotion. I received mixed responses when I Googled it. I do feel peaceful most days. I realized at some point of time in my twenties that negative emotions take energy. I was always tired and wanted to take naps so I knew I had to regulate my emotions. It took a while but I was able to do it. Once I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis,  I also realized negative emotions, like stress, caused me to have relapses. Another reason to focus on positive emotions.

I am able to feel peaceful because I am very particular about what I allow in my life. I do not participate in drama or arguments. I am quick to agree to disagree. I don’t do things that I don’t want to do. I fill my time with activities I enjoy, and that makes me happy. I protect my peace. When I think about it, I live similar to the serenity prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I still have work to do to completely adopt this prayer.

I decided to go with the Day One Prompt today. I knew I had an answer for this question even though I had not thought about it before. It was a good thing to realize. I do really enjoy how peaceful my life is. I am happy that I know what makes my life easier, and I don’t stray far from the formula. What positive emotion do you feel most often? Do you consciously make an effort to bring more of that emotion into your life? What steps do you take to keep the negative emotions from not taking over? I would love to hear what you have to say. Be well and whole. Much Love 🧡 💚