I used to paint, draw, sew, and in general make so much with my hands. Not on an everyday basis but whenever it struck me and now that I can't its really maddening. I am still at the point in my disability where I keep saying "Well I used to be able to do that....."
I am trying to think outside the box and find new ways to be creative and keep from flaring up. I have been in a couple of stage productions- dancing or acting. To keep my brain sharp I like to play solitaire and mah-jong.
I want to do more. What hobbies do you enjoy? (and/or) What do you do for a creative outlet?

Early on, right after my accident I started doing light scrapbooking. Then from there, researching geneology of the family and made a almost 200 pg book for the extended family with over 900 members in it and a lot of local history.

After that I started to be involved with a local rec non profit to build a center in our community. Recently I got my daughter involved in a local photography group. They are having a meet the artist exibit this Tuesday and the photos are displayed all month.

I am working on a committe for an after school program for the locat middle school. I can do the reading and research, the typing is limited so a lot of Dragon dictate.

Midway back I went back to college and finished my BA. I took internet courses when I could, attended pt time, back to back two classes two days aweek.

Nothing wrong with my mind it is my body that fails. Then I complain about house work, no motivation and how can I get caught up. I guess it is the toll it takes physically that challanges. I can use my mind without hurting my body......the sweep the floor, do a bit of laundry, pick up., run errand, and I am totalled.

Today I ran the vacuum, and went into the kitchen to use the swifter mop, I had power outages to my legs and back spasms.....I sat a few, put the wet wipes on my feet and walked around doing the floor that way.

I hate the power outages. There is no finishing or do one more thing it is stop and drop. Even if it is 15 minutes.
But where the body fails I still have a mind and like to be productive and useful.
THink of what you like to do and another way to do it. With good ergonomics and software on your computer, you could make nice things for people with no time.

Wedding programs, business cards, resume's. invitations, flyers, if you use to paint, could be nice.
Scan and record on Archive paper into a book your paintings and craft work you have done in the past with a little history for your family to have forever. Long after the crafts are gone the memories and history will always be there.
Just an idea.
di

That's wonderful Di!!
Thank you so much for your response. I really love the attitude you've taken and the ideas you've given me. I might just start scanning in some of my artwork today

I was VERY crafty before the accident and kind of still am....I used to sew and make my own bath salts and scrubs with essential oils even contemplated my own business with them.......I now do scrapbooking....using a timer of 20 mins then rest and do something else and then come back to it later when I am able to do more again with the timer. My doc asked me to keep timers all over the house so I limit to 20 mins of whatever it is I am doing then go and rest for a while. I do ATC's check out my album....artist trading cards, I make my own greeting cards and do collage and watercolour abstract things.
I love to be creative and have made jewellery as well. it keeps me active and alive it makes me feel WHOLE when I do my artwork. My doc encourages it but with the timing..pacing is a lesson we all must abide by!!!!

take care and happy creativity
love and hugs,
Victoria

I still do quilting, and scrapbooking. It hurts, but I do it for only about 20 mins. like Victoria, and then move onto something else. I am taking a class this fall that will help me to update my math skills. If I ever decide to go back to University that will be one more step forward.
I take it one day at a time, and try new things. If it hurts I stop, and move on.

Hi there everyone..... Last January I took a Wire Wrapping Jewelry class in Florida.. well it has blossomed so much that I am soon to be sending inventory to Florida to be sold ! I love it and it let's me design the piece the way I feel ! I wrap alot of Seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and they come out great ! I love doing it and it takes alot off my mind !! ( especially the pain ) .

I'm so jelous of all of you artsy women out there! Its a good, productive way to spend your spare time. I have always wished I had at least one creative bone in my body.

Trixlynn - good for you on taking that math class! I opened up my sons Algebra text book the other day and realized I didnt remember any of it and couldnt help him with his homework! 9th grade math is tough! I better start reading his text book more often, and try to re-teach myself...

i have always felt like i should have some hobbies....but never have. i used to read a lot before tos - but now it hurts to hold or even look down slightly at the pages, so i cant really do that anymore and just for short amounts of time when i do!.

i used to enjoy the gym but seems a waste as cannot use much of the equipment - clothes shopping used to be a passtime i loved but cant carry anything for very long so that has fallen by the wayside (positive side: it has saved me lots of money!!)

Tracy, I just stumble upon a book clip solution for avoiding "book" pain that really works for me. I just wrote about it on the TOS tips thread. Check it out!: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...828#post364828
As for the gym- does yours have a sauna or a whirlpool? I joined a gym for the first time in my life recently b/c the YMCA in my area has these features and they are so good for the TOS pain I admit, I feel a little devious for having gym membership for the purpose of relaxing Oh well!!

Thanks for that! - do u use it on paperback books as the book used on the example picture is a hard back...generally i have paperbacks.

There is nothing wrong with relaxing at the gym - i cant afford a membership at the moment but if i could then i would go just for the saunas etc!