So I spent another day  hobbling around. 

On the upside, I discovered stronger leg and butt muscles than I realized I had, 

as I stood and sat completely without using my back muscles.

Once again, everyone noticed and told me I should be at home. 

I agreed, but when I said work was more relaxing than home with my kids, every woman with children nodded and didn’t question me any further. 

I grew up hearing, “do I want a medal for my chest, or a chest to meddle with? ”   — A general response to complaining or bragging,

 which I find is almost always applicable to daily life in some way. 

Right now, it applies to my back. I think I am starting to feel a little better though, because I was able to do stairs today.  Small victories!

( No need for a medal)

Part of me hopes it was just a blip, something that fades away so I don’t have to deal with it.

Actually, all of me hopes for that, but the adult part who may or may not be a physician thinks this is a warning, a wake up call. 

My back has been grumbling since my last love was born, but I’ve convinced myself I just have “weak core muscles” 

Yeah, they’re not that weak. I shouldn’t  be throwing my back out without doing anything if I can run without pain.

So, it’s time to step back and be an adult, and make time for my health. Because if you don’t make time for your health, it won’t be there for you when you need it.

 I’m officially middle aged. I’ve always told people that everyone has a decade when things start to hurt.

So, welcome to my decade! I’m starting the clock at 35. Time to start using the same advice I give others for myself now. 

And that means time for yoga, no matter how painful I find it to slow down. 

Slow and steady wins the race after all, a race that hopefully ends at 100. 

This means a strong mind and body, and listening wisely 

when my body speaks as loudly as it has this week.