During my son's high school and college years, he was a drummer in the high school and college marching bands and it was something that he loved. I was not a soccer mom, but a drum line mom. One thing that I observed and appreciated was that there was a synchronicity of beat, movement and purpose. Long and exhausting twelve to thirteen-hour practices in prep for the halftime shows were routine. Battered and bruised in the moment but exalted as they perfected their low single diddles flawlessly. In rhythm with their purpose and motion.
I am prepping for that kind of synchronicity with my mind and body. I am seeking to perfect it. I do know that perfection should not be the goal. I know that challenging myself is my goal. Being outside of my comfort zone. Working hard to be the best version of me.
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
- Keala Settle, This Is Me
Unfortunately, my darn hips sometimes march to their own music, but what I can control is how I react to the music of aches and pains and frustration. And, sometimes, I just shout at my hips to follow my lead and the “beat I drum” even though they are screaming at me.
As with most things in life, much is outside of my control. The unexpected and tragic death of someone you love – horrendous. A cancer diagnosis – horrible. Having another hip surgery? In the grand scheme of things, it will be a blip on my life’s radar. What I can control is how I manage my thoughts and reactions. And, you know what? It takes a lot of practice. I am by no means near perfection with my mindset, but everyday I find that I’m closer to where I want to be
I have a mindset of perspective, hope and optimism sprinkled with realism. And even though I’m heading into a hopefully smallish revision hip scope in a few weeks, my bottom line is that “I’m marching on to the beat I drum” in spite of my hips!
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