Balance & Boundaries

I feel like the most obvious and ironic lesson you learn being an amputee is balance. You have to learn balance in a very literal sense, while learning to walk and do activities again. But you also have to learn balance for your mind and the rest of your body.

I’m the type of person who wants to push myself, but I will end up pushing to the point where I hurt myself. I want to accomplish a lot and I want to give a lot. I have a family and I’m self employed, so I’m going most of the time. I enjoy it, but I also have to take care of myself.

For me taking care of myself with balance looks like:

• Working out a few days a week but taking time to rest on days off. Lying down to read a book, watch a movie, look at social media, etc.
• Spending time with friends and family but saying “no” when I know my body or mind isn’t up for being social or staying out late. (You don’t need to explain yourself when saying “no”)
• Eating healthy food, full of the nutrients my body needs. But having a piece of chocolate or a bowl of chips when I want it.

Setting boundaries with family and friends can be a challenge but communication helps everyone understand. I always try to be honest about how I want to be treated. I’m not a victim and I don’t want sympathy. I do want understanding and patience. I will ask for help if I need it. Sometimes I take a little bit longer to do things, but that’s ok.

- Alexandra Wolf