What would you try?

If I didn't have to do it perfectly, I would try __________. This statement was in my morning meditation. I recycle my meditations so I had this one previously in November 2022. At the time I was watching a girlfriend's dance videos on social media. It was only a passing thought, because when it comes to anything remotely physical I almost always avoid it because I'm worried about having enough air. When I discuss this with my pulmonologist, she just says that's why I have portable O2. Yeah right.

After much thought though I realized I do use my POC (portable oxygen concentrator) for necessary obligations - like traveling via plane. Why not use it for something fun or even something I want to do.

Obviously, initially I was worried what others might think. That worry passed. I've tried taking it hiking. It was okay. I've taken it in higher elevations. That was okay, too. Unfortunately for my husband, it's not that conducive for skiing. There's the whole snow, ice and wet factor. I can still go those places, but there aren't O2 stops on ski slopes. And you know what, that is just fine, because anywhere there is a ski slope there's a 99% chance it will be cold. I can live with not skiing. As far as hiking, there have been times I've taken it so I didn't have to worry, but other than Stonehenge and the Grand Canyon, I can't say that I have ever visited any sites that are worth losing brain cells over oxygen deprivation.

That brings me back to my meditation question. If I didn't have to do it perfectly, what would I try? After probably a year of cyber stalking my girlfriend, I decided it was dancing. And what a journey it has been. I always have my air closeby. The good thing about dancing is when learning choreo we have lots of breaks, so for the pulmonary impaired it's doable. And heels classes aren't as cardiovascularly intensive as non-heels classes. Dancing in sneakers is almost always harder for me, because it's usually a lot of cardio. So, naturally, it's a no brainer. Wear cool hot outfits with high heels to work out or sweats and tennis shoes?

I'm over half a century old. 54, almost 55 to be exact, so if I'm going to leave the comfort of my recliner and my precious continuous flow cannula, IT HAS TO BE WORTH IT. Period.

My kids are grown. I'm passed the time in my life I had true obligations. What would you try simply out of want, with no concerns of perfection or judgement? Now ask yourself what's keeping you from doing it? Is it time? We all have the same number of hours in a day. Is it your health? (Not valid. There are work arounds for everything. Trust me. I know.)

The phrase "I would if it wasn't for _________" is common. My challenge to you is to really evaluate what is in your blank. That may have been something of value to you during a period of your life, but is it still? If it's not, then quit letting the grass grow under you. Tomorrow won't bring you youth. You'll only be a day older.

There is always the thought of "what will people think or say?" Guess what? If you're being talked about in rooms where you're not present, then I'm 100% sure you're a badass. Full stop.