Update: Fruits of the Spirit Self-Control

March just flew by. One moment it was the beginning of March and now it is the beginning of April. It is time to write my review of how March went with the fruit of the spirit Self-control/discipline and give you updates on how my wellness goals and plans are going.

Here is what I accomplished in March:

• I did sit on my ball and use my core ball for a couple of weeks. Then I stopped for a couple of reasons. One, I met my new lung doctor and she gave me albuterol nebulizer treatment and it said on the medication to stop exercise until you see how your body adjusts to the medication. I did that. I am currently back to moving my body (more on that in a minute).
• I got my CT scan of my lungs. It did not look good. I am making so much mucus and mucus plugs that it is causing inflammation in my lungs. My CT scan also showed that I am not getting all the air out of my lungs partly to all the mucus production. I was put on albuterol/sodium solution nebulizer treatment. I have to say it is working. I am not coughing as much, and mucus production has slowed down a bit. This makes me happy.
• As a result of meeting my lung specialist and getting blood work done. My IGG levels are low and now I am getting ready to start IVF treatments to raise my antibodies so that I can continue receiving my Rituximab treatments which help my body fight my immune system. I feel like I am walking on a tight high wire, but I am confident that my medical team knows what they are doing to keep me strong so I can keep on keeping on.
• I found out that I have lost a total of 61 pounds, now I am weighting 319 instead of 380. That is progress. Because my electric wheelchair is being fixed, I am using my manual which I am considering exercise because I must use my legs and arms to get myself around. It is a challenge, but I am looking at it as an opportunity to move my body more in a different form.
• I talked to my counselor about self-love. In the church I grew up in self-love was taboo. It was considered a sin. I disagree. Self-love is Biblical. The sin part is being a narcissist about it. Jesus tells us more than once to love your neighbors as yourself. If you are constantly talking to yourself poorly you are not loving who you are and therefore not able to love your neighbors. Just something I am contemplating. I started an affirmation regiment daily. I found a list of them, and I write them in my journal as a journal prompt and I saw them as I do my self-care routine. I have had a couple that were challenging for me, I am not going to lie. I am moving forward anyway.
• My electric chair is being repaired. The cord that connects the controller to the battery started to fray and I did not realize it and so it was not charging anymore, and I could have compromised the battery charger as well as the controller. It is a big mess. I am hoping to get it back soon. Thankfully, I have my manual wheelchair to get me around.

This month I realized that I needed to practice self-control and this is one of the firsts of the spirit I will need to work on over and over again.