Three times in a row, the work week started off wrong. My personal life exacerbated a streak of the “Monday-est Mondays that ever Monday-ed.” A perfect storm for a bad mood.
Exercising after work every day had little effect. My stiff left shoulder revisited. Initially, I experienced that painful condition when I first started taking pole fitness classes, which I originally credited for the injury. Then I learned that “frozen shoulder” was one of seemingly hundreds of symptoms that may accompany menopause.
Menopause, the neverending adventure.
When the local theatre premieres a new play/musical on a Thursday evening, they offer half-price tickets and theme-inspired libations. Since the show was set on a Caribbean Island, we enjoyed beef empanadas and a fruity rum cocktail. I happily declared to my friend that this event broke the curse.
A-type personality that I am, I strategized how to maneuver my way out of the rut, both personally and professionally. Things had started to pay off. That wonderful show, which combined mysticism with African dance and Afrocentric attire, marked the upswing in a creative and fun way.
Not a moment too soon. For the first time in years, I worked on the following Sunday. In the past, I’d worked a half day on a few Saturdays for overtime pay. This time around, the powers that be assigned the Sunday shift for normal pay because they gave me Tuesday off.
Normally on Sundays, I scan pictures as part of a long-term project. That endeavor shifted to Tuesday before getting a massage. I may have an intense goal-oriented personality, but I also adhere to a daily rhythm where I like doing the tedious things first then progressing to more fun and relaxing activities as the day unfolds.
I’d booked an hourlong massage, dedicated to unfreezing my frozen shoulder. Ninety minutes before the appointment, I shopped for an international electrical converter and adapter, two bathing suits, and permethrin spray for my clothes…all provisions for my upcoming trip to Ghana in July.
For the first time ever, my massage therapist was a Black man with dreads. Although I indicated that I wanted medium pressure, I suspected that he applied hard pressure to unfreeze my left shoulder. I didn’t complain although I tensed up in another part of my body. I knew that firmer pressure would be better in the long run.
During my hot yoga class later that day, I enjoyed greater range of movement in my neck. He’d stretched out my neck and shoulders, so I continued the process.
I ended the day working on a digital illustration while binge-watching TV. My usual evening wind down.
The day had been a perfect balance of relaxation and getting things done. Returning to work wasn’t a nightmare since I’d attended a meet and greet and orientation for the new position.
Things had become stale in my current position because there was no way to grow my career in a direction I wanted to go. At least with this new lateral move, I’ll be able to network into being a trainer. Once a teacher, always a teacher!