Pain in the Back - Written by Wanda Rodriguez - Written on June 1, 2025 - Published on June 1, 2025

Pain in the Back

Written by Wanda Rodriguez

Written on June 1, 2025

Published on June 1, 2025

My back hurts today.  I keep trying to ignore it, but it just won’t let me.  I did too much yesterday and strained my middle back.  I am now reminded of this fact every time I do anything remotely strenuous like, I don’t know, breathing.  I have been sitting with a heating pad for over an hour to no avail because, as it turns out, I still need to breathe.  (Curses.  Foiled again!)  Don’t even get me started on twisting, coughing, driving or even crazier stuff like deep breaths and laughter.  

I was planning to write about songwriting, which is something I aspire to do.  Then, after church today, I decided I wanted to write about what was addressed today from the Book of James.  Now, as I sit with my laptop and realize just how much more it hurts when I try to type, I have changed topics yet again.  I have decided to write about the importance of listening to your body.  Clearly, I did too much this weekend, but I had a deadline that I was trying, in vain, to meet.  I am thankful for those who helped me with this, and I am frustrated that I had to step away before finishing.  I hate to be sidelined, and it’s especially hard when I am the foreman because I don’t want to ask others to work when I can’t.  

My body has said to me, loud and clear, that the time to sit down is now, right now!  It has also declared that it is not the time to type either.  I apologize for not writing more, but I am struggling to do this and breathe at the same time.  Breathing wins.  Please be mindful of your body and the cues it gives you.  It makes me think of an old Kenny Rogers song, The Gambler (heard it for the first time in a million years over the weekend).  “You gotta know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em, know when to walk away and know when to run…”  You've also gotta know when to “call it” and take a time out, whatever the reason.  Listen to your body and don’t be so stubborn (Me!  Talking to myself!!).  Things will get done when they get done.  

Thank you for joining me in this journey.  Many blessings to you and yours in this coming week.  -Wanda