Going Outside My Boundaries Isn't Always Wrong

"The coolness of water brushed against my feet as the sun was hidden beneath the clouds. The ocean was cold on that November day, but that didn't matter. My smile grew bigger as I gently walked along the sand. It was blessing from God."

I've been longing to go to the beach for months. I went a few times this year, not walking on the sand, but seeing the ocean from a distance. That is, until one of my friends offered to take me to a beach that had a paved pathway. The goal was for me to enjoy the beach just like anyone else.

While the two of us have been talking about it since the summer, plans were never made. That is, until we decided to go at the beginning of November. The 1st to be exact. So a group of close friends and I went together after previously being in a dance rehersal. My body was tired, but my heart still longed to be outside.

It was a beautiful day. Though it was a little cold (only because of the cool breeze), I was grateful. After struggling more in October, I needed a break, and going to the beach was so peaceful. What I didn't plan was to put my feet in the water. In fact, it's been years since I've been able to walk down to the ocean and feel the water against my toes.

One of my friends warned me that it would be cold, but that didn't matter. I smiled and walked closer to the edge of the water.

In the past, I've written about the beach feeling like my safe space. It's where I can truly relax and find inspiration. And with it being a cooler fall day, there was hardly anyone there.

In some ways, the part I've wrestled with the most when it comes to my CMT is the limitations. Walking on sand has continued to become one of my most challenging surfaces. Even with my AFOs on, it still didn't change how my feet and legs felt later.

As I was sitting down on a beach towel, overlooking the ocean, I knew the recovery time would be difficult. Sure I would enjoy the hours spent with friends and at one of my favorite places. But, I most likely struggle to sleep that night because of the pain.

But, what I'm learning in this season, is sometimes the unexpected blessings come pushing myself to do more. Maybe not all in one day - like going to the beach after teaching a dance class and joining a rehersal. But, it's not always wrong to go outside of my boundries. Typically my energy is very limited by the time the weekend rolls around. I often find myself resting and that's necessary so I'm able to continue working.

Once in a while, it's okay to do more. If I hadn't, I wouldn't be writing about the beach in November. After all, it was definitely an unexpected blessing. Not one too many would have on their calendar.

My encouragement for you this month is not let your limiations due to chronic illness completely hold you back. Life will look different in every season. But, find a way to explore or enjoy something that you thought was taken away. For me, it was going to the beach and being near the water. Take small steps. Even if that's just sitting outside on a beautiful fall morning.