Back Spasm

April 7, 2026

I tweaked my back yesterday morning. I’d had plans to swim, do errands. Today I was going to sing in the streets with friends and go to a block party. Instead I find myself on the floor, sockless, unable to roll over without spasms and gasps.

So guess what mean little thoughts have been rolling through my head:

Your tummy is too big and that’s why your back went out.

You haven’t been doing your core exercises enough.

You’re eating too much; you need to loose weight.

Everyone is healthy and able to do stuff except you.

You’re just an old overweight stick-in-the-mud. Life is going on without me.

The peeps at the block party are going to think you’re lame for not going.

Zoinks and Zounds! Can you believe how skanky I’m being to myself? Even I’m stunned at me.

But then the sweetest text came in from my friend Arlene, who also can’t go singing because she has plantar fasciitis.

“Our bodies have done so much for us…time for some TLC. Rest up and know you share company in pain and protest.”

What a spot-on re-frame, Arlene!!!

Yes body! You rock! Let me reframe those pesky skanky thoughts:

Your tummy is too big and that’s why your back went out. = Hey! Tummy carried two kids and is over 60. Tummy is as strong as she is round.

You haven’t been doing your core exercises enough. = That is NOT the truth.

You’re eating too much; you need to loose weight. = Maybe, maybe not. Skinny was me decades ago. Now I’m a different shape. A developmentally appropriate shape!

Everyone is healthy and able to do stuff except you. = C’mon! Everybody gets sick, tired, wobbly and has to cancel sometimes.

I’m just an old overweight stick-in-the-mud. Life is going on without me. = Girl, dang it. At least be truthful and factual. This is absolutely fake news.

The peeps at the block party are going to think I’m lame for not coming. = Nope. They sent a sweet email saying they missed me sorely.

Thanks Arlene for setting me straight.

If you ever have skanky thoughts trying to hijack your truth, check out these Cue Cards:

“Reach Out”, “Know Thyself”, “Practice Positivity”, “Spin It”, & “Add and And to It”

Love, Anh