My Theme this April is “My Muse Says…“
The Story spark for this story was Self-Discovery.
The writing prompt I took was – If my body could talk, it would say…
The following is what my muse said I should write.
Growing Pains
A conversation between my Body and Self
Self: So what’s new, Body? It’s been a long time since we’ve had a conversation.
Body: Let’s see now, since the last report, you’ve had two heart surgeries, a trigger finger surgery, a tendon sheath on your wrist, multiple MRIs, X-Rays, and even an MRA (whatever that is), and countless pieces of advice from doctors as to what’s wrong with you. Does that about cover it?
Self: On the negative side, maybe. But there was also a beneficial loss of weight, a much better lifestyle in terms of diet, and a better outlook on the future for you. Doesn’t that count for anything?
Body: And how long did it take you to realize that? I’ve been signaling for years to keep track of what you eat and do. The fact that, back in the day, when you donated blood plasma on the ALYX machine every few months and even noticed that the color of your plasma wasn’t bright red like the other people donating, it was more of a murky, cloudy red, should have been a big clue. You even pointed it out, but didn’t take any action on it. Good call.
Self: I noticed it, but I still felt good. I didn’t think I needed to act on it right away.
Body: That would explain why, when you had those two head MRIs in 2012 and 2025 for suspected Trigeminal Neuralgia, they found nothing in your head. People may be laughing at that joke, but it is only because they don’t realize it is an accurate description of your thought process, up until the first heart stent surgery.
Self: I will grant you that the heart issue was a great wake-up call for me to make changes. But who’s to say that I wouldn’t have made those changes anyway?
Body: ME! I’ve been signalling you about those changes for the last 20 years. For goodness ‘ sake, you’re three-quarters of a century old, not the spry 20-year-old, not that you were very spry back then either. If you remember back in 2018, I reminded you, when someone suggests you should take some Tylenol (since that’s about the only painkiller you can take now), just do it!. Those bumps and bruises are screaming for help, and you just stand there, or should I say slump there and say, “It will go away,” or “It’s not so bad.” You are waiting for a complete shutdown, and trust me, I won’t be there when that happens.
Self: You’re only as old as you feel, and I feel good now…at least for today. As long as I keep thinking positive thoughts, I can improve my demeanor, my physical well-being, and my outlook on life. You’re the one who is griping all the time. No wonder I get out of breath and creak on occasion. You call it age, I call it kvetching! How do you know that 75 isn’t the new 45? Besides, I like what I’m doing now. I temper my actions both on my own and with the kind, emphatic advice of my wife, to match my advancing years. It does not mean that I have to just stop everything. I’ve not only accepted this new lifestyle and diet, but I’ve also learned to like it.
Body: I have to believe you in that regard. I have noticed a change. I hope you keep it up. As I said previously, if there’s a complete shutdown, I will not be there.
Self: Trust me, as to a complete shutdown, should that happen, you’ll be there.
Love this story great dialogue.