Mobilising- what keeps you going when the going gets tough?

@Raynald I find that the chronic pain makes it hard to keep to ‘normal’ routines but I work really hard not to sleep during the day, so that I will sleep at night. I know it’s easier said than done with sleepless nights and high levels of meds, but it’s one thing that keeps me connected with everyone else. I hate mess so that’s a motivator for me. I fact one of my flare up tasks is dusting as it’s distracting, I feel useful but it’s not overwhelming as can just do one shelf or the tv, or whatever. Friends and family also keep me going. You’ll find who your real friends are - those that don’t mind you asking for extra cushions, specific chairs or to sit in another room or lay on the floor and arrange meeting places convenient and comfortable for me. Tbh I’d love a little dog, but the last two have been nightmares.

I understand your comment kittyruth. The only reason I keep getting up in a morning is because of my dog. I can't take her out now( can't get out the house) . I sit at the back door with her on a long lead and let her potter round the garden. She seems happy enough. That said, she's 13 this year so doesn't want long walks now. When I first got her I was fit and active, I wouldn't have adopted her if I'd have known how my mobility was going to go. She's a big girl and a lovely one. One thing I did notice that as my walking got worse she got even sweeter natured, if that was possible. And she seemed to adapt to my disabilities better than I did. Very intuitive, always knows when I'm having a bad pain day. And I'd guess other dog owners would say the same about theirs

I had to get a dog as I have had one all my life & it is the only thing that would get me out of bed, out of the flat & talking to people. I didn't want the latter, my GP did. The pup has give me the lift I knew she would & reason to live. Not been all plain sailing, in fact, my life is a bit more difficult with her, but I can live with that. I had to get a pup, so that I could train to how I have to live & do things. I started out with a pup sling bag, that sat well on my lap when in the wheelchair & she got/gets excited & climbs into it. The sling has been upsized & when she's had enough walking, actually, running, she jumps up to go back in her bag. She's learnt well & I'm now training her to pick up stuff that I drop & to pass laundry from the washing machine. She is the most loving little mutt & she is all the motivation I need to live.