Category: Perseverance

5/7/2024 0 Comments

244) Time To Put On My Positive Pants!

It’s time to put on my positive pants!

This is me in 2017 on my final day of chronic pain rehab. And the picture below is me in 2024.

Hey There Fellow Dreamers - I announced yesterday (on our Monday morning sunrise livestream) that this coming Saturday I do have a special, celebratory stream planned, and I would love for you to join me as I achieve this important milestone in my life…

May 11th will mark my 7th anniversary since completing the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Clinic (Mayo PRC) here in fabulous Jacksonville, Florida. I went through this life-changing chronic pain rehab program back in spring of 2017, and every day since then I have been living a very different sort of life than my entire life before rehab.

As part of my livestream on Saturday I will be happy to answer any questions I can about living and navigating life in chronic pain. So please feel free to drop me any questions down below, or simply chat with me in the stream on Saturday.

If there are no questions - no problem - I will still be celebrating life - with you. But I did want to offer Saturday’s LIVE as an opportunity to converse with you about this topic. And just as importantly, IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE who can benefit from such a video, definitely share my channel with them and let them know I would be happy to address any questions they have on Saturday’s stream.

So as I celebrate seven years of life this week, seven years out of rehab, and seven years of continually marching before I feel like it, I do invite you to keep exploring with me, walking hand-in-hand with me, learning new things about the world with me, and most importantly, to keep dreaming with me.

Love you,
Christine

#chronicpain #mayoclinic #jacksonville

*Editorial Disclaimer - Sharing my progress and journey publicly is not in any way to be considered medical advice, prescription, or treatment. I am not a doctor and my channel is not medical advice. I am not affiliated with Mayo Clinic in any way whatsoever, other than being a patient and graduate of pain rehab. I am not sponsored, endorsed, and have zero affiliation between myself and my channel, my website, and Mayo Clinic. But I can, and I am always more than happy to, share my progress and refer you on and spread the word about Mayo Clinic, by providing their phone number with you right here: 904.953.2000.

If you, or someone you know, is living in pain, chronic pain and/or severe depression, please know that you are not alone in this world. Please seek medical help immediately, or visit your nearest Emergency Room.
___

P.S. I talk about this coming Saturday's special stream in this YouTube video below:

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10/4/2023 0 Comments

125) Wake Up & Walk 1.11 Miles with Me in Jacksonville Beach, Florida! Looking at the Jax Beach Pier

Who is your Forever Friend? Do you have a friend that you have known for over half your life? If you do - make sure you wish them a Happy Birthday! Reach out to them - TODAY - and cherish them like life itself.

A lifelong friend truly is something special in this world, especially today. I am truly grateful for my best friend Gina, and today, I’m wishing her a very Happy Birthday!

Gina, I hope your birthday was the best ever, just like you! Love you lots and forever.

Happy Wednesday Morning Everybody! I hope you enjoy waking up with me and starting your day with the sunrise on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in Jacksonville Beach, Florida! It was a PERFECT 78 degrees this beautiful and salty Autumn morning, and I decided to take y’all on a walk with me. So thank you for coming along as I leisurely strolled 1.11 miles on the beach, in my Mickey Crocs, lol.

I walked ‘all the way’ to the Jax Beach Pier - which is pretty far for me, ha. So I’m extremely proud of myself, and grateful to take you along for the ride. And, I’m especially glad to share all those teeny, tiny, accomplishments with y’all. So, please, never forget to celebrate even the tiniest milestones that you reach in life. March Before You Feel Like It!

I hope you have a wonderful day ahead, and please - don’t forget to share something special in the comments below about a special friend you have in your life. I read all the comments, and would love to hear their story and the story of your friendship.

Also, don’t forget I will see you on Saturday - Live! So, be sure to Subscribe, Like, and turn on your notifications so you know when I go Live. We are going somewhere we have NEVER, EVER been before this Saturday - barring any disastrous weather of course - and I can’t wait to share this experience with you!

Love ya’s,

Christine

Filmed Wednesday, October 4, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

#jaxbeach #florida #goodmorning

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9/28/2023 0 Comments

123) Wednesday Morning Live From Jacksonville Beach, Florida!

Good Morning Y’all! Thanks for waking up with me today. After some ‘technical difficulties’ I made it LIVE, correctly, after my 4th attempt, lol. Join me in Jacksonville Beach, Florida to catch the sunrise with me. It’s a cloudy morning, and rain is on the way, but we have a lovely morning walk together to the 4 Points Sheraton Hotel downtown Jax Beach.

PLUS - There were sooo many birds today, you guys! I really enjoyed watching them, they were really a beehive of activity today, and always amusing. Plus, the birds caught a big fish, then left him on the beach.

Thanks for joining me today, and please, let me know how your day is going in the comments below. Even if you’re watching the replay - I’d still love to chat with you!

Love ya’s,
Christine

Filmed LIVE Wednesday, September 27, 2023 in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

#jaxbeach #florida #shetlandsheepdog

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9/2/2023 0 Comments

118) Singing TO the Angels - MY REACTION to Jimmy Buffett's Passing

These Are My Dreams - and JIMMY is a part of them.

Dear Jimmy,

Can I call you that? I feel like we’re on a first name basis…

You see, I’ve been to Margaritaville a time or two. And Jimmy, you were there with me every time… even if you didn’t know it.

Gosh, Jimmy, this one hits hard. Real hard. Because - Just like millions of folks, I woke up to the news… that you're gone. You’ve left us. I Truly Was Shocked. I didn't even know you were ill, and then I got the news via a text this morning from my Mom.

Usually, when I hear news of a celebrity death, the news hits me just like any other piece of news… A little distant… and a bit far from home. Maybe a prayer, and a well wish to the family, deep in my heart, and no one, but me, knows what I wished. Or what I prayed, as that individual goes to Heaven. But Jimmy - your news hit me differently… Much different.

Because, you see, I found my lost shaker of salt a very long time ago.

And how come you never told us you were sick? I know, I know, you kept it private for a reason. You really didn’t want your Parrotheads to worry about you. Because - worry - really is not part of the Margarataville state of mind, is it?

So, Immediately upon hearing the news, flashes of Margaritaville went through my head, and flew right into my heart…

And I was right in the middle of all of my dreams…
And I could taste that infamous cheeseburger…
And I could visibly see that bottle of Heinz 57.
And I went further away, deep into my dreams, and I thought of how much you have meant to me.

Because -
All through the years…
As I grew up…
And as life got hard…
And living got even harder…
And I grew older…
And hopefully a little bit wiser…
And never even just a little bit wealthier…

You were always there for me. During all the hard times. In the back of my mind. And always in my heart. It’s actually MIND BLOWING to me how many of your hotels we have been to, including my dogs! And how many of your restaurants we’ve been to. And how much of your good food we have enjoyed. And HOW many memories that me and my family HAVE that YOU have been a part of. You don’t know any of that. And SO, I thank you today. And I will miss you always. And it’s up to us now. Your devoted fans and Parrottheads. To keep living life even just a little bit differently than the rest of the world. To live a little bit loose. And maybe just a little bit more carefree. Maybe just because if we couldn’t laugh, we’d all go just a little bit insane.

So even if people laugh AT me.
And Even if I’m the joke.
It’s all ok.
Because I’ve already changed my Latitude.
Which did help change my Attitude.

Because Mother Ocean called to me many years ago now.
And Because I’ve been on that 7 Mile Bridge.
And I’ve sat at the end of the world.
And I’ve felt that salty air on my skin.
And I’ve breathed in those Heavenly Mallory Square sunsets.
And in my dreams I HAVE sailed away.

And I truly do know exactly where Margaritaville is located.
And I’m more than happy to post the address directly in the comments section down below.

Because I don’t want to take life too seriously.
And because I hope others do the same.

Because as life gets more conventional every day…
And modern living gets more serious every waking morning…

Here’s to hoping you’re not one of the last of your kind…

You were that constant reminder in the back of my heart, to continue being somewhat unconventional, because that’s me and who I really am.

So with that news of your passing, my heart aches today. And I do wish you well. And your family is in my prayers. And you are in all my thoughts. But maybe I don’t need to pray for YOU right now..

Because as when most people go to Heaven, I know they are up there where they Angels are singing…

Your trip to Heaven means something a little bit different… It’s what I’d call a Sail Away Party that’s a bit more unconventional…

Because as you arrived in Heaven -

Which is right where you should be -

The angels are not singing TO you -

I know YOU are singing to the angels tonight. You’re putting on a free show. The best concert the Heavens have ever seen. And they are lucky to have you there. And your song is on repeat. And the drinks are ever-flowing. And the rims are salty. And someday, the rest of us will be there, with you, wasting away in that Heavenly sunshine. And no longer searching… ~

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1/1/2023 0 Comments

117) 2022 ~ A Year Brushed UpOn Canvas

A Year Of Art, A Year In Imagery

'Mother's Baby' 2022 11x14 [SOLD]

'Sail Away Party' 2022 8x10 [SOLD]

'Every Night Is Halloween Night' 2022 11x14 [SOLD]

'You Are My Light' 2022 16x20 [SOLD]

16x20 Framed

'Sheltie Angel' 2022 11x14 [SOLD]

'Madeline's Christmas ~ In Heaven' 2022 11x14 [SOLD]

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11/26/2021 0 Comments

114) Foundation of Faith

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9/9/2021 0 Comments

113) God Bless America ~

~ God Bless America ~

Author:

Christine Pieper is an Artist, Lifestyle Blogger and Vlogger - living, writing, painting, and filming in Jacksonville, Florida, with her hubby and nine year old puppy. She made a major life change in 2017 by uprooting and moving from Illinois to the Sunshine State, and has been living her best life in Florida since - detailing all her many and varied adventures living and traveling the Deep South to share with you here. Her mission is to help you live YOUR best life - by getting out there, going for it, and making that big change you always dreamed of. Christine will inspire you to get over yourself, show up for yourself, and get out of your own way. The only one stopping you - is YOU.

*To catch all of Christine’s Floridian Dreams, just bookmark this site, and check out her YouTube Channel while you’re at it - why don’t ya?

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8/31/2021 0 Comments

112) August 31, 2021

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5/11/2021 0 Comments

107) 4 Years Killing It

~ Celebrating Four Whopping Years Out Of Rehab ~

Wow.

Today I’m celebrating four years of life.

I may be 40 years old, but these last four years are what today is all about.

May 11th is the anniversary of my discharge from Mayo Clinic’s Pain Rehabilitation Center - located in Jacksonville, Florida. Today... marking four years out. Four times three hundred and sixty five whopping days. Each and every single day being counted and tallied. All adding up to - four years strong - and four years of absolutely killing it at life.

You don’t get to that numerical tally by simply blinking and repeating. Or taking a breath in, and a breath out, over and over again. But then again… you actually, and really, do.

I would not be the happy, content, at-peace-with-the-world, and God loving person that I am right now and today, if it wasn’t for Mayo, and my time spent there. Because while God saved my life, Mayo Clinic helped give me the momentum to keep going after that.

And I’ve rambled on about Mayo in the past quite a few times, so you can go ahead and check all of that out below, if you’re interested in learning more about my experiences at the Clinic:

Christine’s Floridian Dreams: ABOUT
Bean’s Library
#34) Merry Christmas ~ And How To Buy For That Person On Your List Who Saved Your Life ~
#65) The Sea Life ~ Happy Easter

The above articles delve a little bit deeper on how I came to be a patient at Mayo Clinic, my experiences traveling from Chicago, Illinois up to Rochester, Minnesota for treatment, and all the way to my new and fabulous life in Jacksonville, Florida. Plus, why my long and challenging month at Pain Rehab changed my life, and continues to change me - to this day.

So today, I wanted to pull your attention to what I view and believe, very strongly, are the tools and virtues necessary for living a fruitful and rewarding life with chronic pain. Because, four years later, it’s not just a snap of the fingers and life is amazing - it requires work - constant work - every single day. And one needs tools in order to do this work. So - here are the most vital tools I deem imperative toward continued success and maintenance after leaving rehab:

[ Plan ]

I plan. And I plan for everything. I plan my day. I plan my week. I plan my next two weeks out, and I strategically and creatively title that plan - “My Two Week Plan.” I plan the month. I plan the year. And, most importantly, I also plan for all these things to NOT go according to this plan.

But, at the same time I do all of this plotting and planning and scheming and theorizing... I simply live for today. (And, if that sentence makes any sense to you, please let me know.)

[ Purpose ]

I live. And I live now. I don’t wait to live. And I don’t count on tomorrow (even though I plan for it).

I wear my favorite clothes today (and I don’t save them for a better outing). I burn my favorite candles (and I don’t save them for only when guests come over). I sign up for the class I’ve been aching to take. I paint on all my canvases. I purchase tickets to my favorite play. I buy my coffee on the outside (as Jerry Seinfeld once said). I go to museums. I try all the newest restaurants. I create every single day - and not merely when I have time. I read all the books - of all kinds. I travel. I explore. I look up at the sky - and not down at my phone. I drive with the windows down. And I say hello to strangers, all the time. I know exactly why I am here and exactly what I am supposed to do. And I do it. Now. And I don’t save any of it for the unknown future.

Ahhhh, the unknown future. The future on a distant horizon we cannot possibly yet imagine. That brings me straight on up to my next tool.

[ Perseverance ]

There’s a reason the Mars Rover of 2020 was named Perseverance. My goodness! Can you even imagine the amazing journey that darn little robotic thing went on to get where it is right now?

Mars!... Freaking Mars! Do you really even realize how far away Mars really is from us here on Earth? Enough ‘really’s’ already. Without perseverance, there would literally, and really, be zero evidence of humanity on Mars. Or should I say - evidence of Earthlings on Mars. And that’s because the road to Mars is not paved and narrow. There is no defined route to arriving on the Red Planet. We’re making this all up as we go. It’s all foreign territory. And it’s scary. But thrilling. This - this feat - never accomplished before - landing humans on Mars. Who on God's green Earth knows when this will happen? It could take a number of years - a tally of days - a number and amount of time beyond our comprehension right now. And - It will take determination. It will take struggle, and challenges we possibly cannot yet even imagine.. It will take sacrifice. It will take discipline. And it most certainly will take - perseverance.

To persevere, means to struggle. To persevere, means to keep going. To persevere, means to face adversity, challenge, pain, hardship, and loss... and to keep going away. To persevere means you know how far away the future is, and to continue onward anway. To persevere, means it’s ok to fail. To persevere, simply means to get back up and try again.

So, while I plan for the future... And I live life for today… And if at first I don’t succeed, I try, try, again. This fact brings me to my final bullet point of today’s discussion - Patience.

Yes, I live in the moment, while at the same time... I have to have the patience of a freaking saint.

[ Patience ]

The single most important factor to making it through one thousand four hundred and sixty days of life outside of rehab. Without patience, I wouldn’t be writing this today. Without patience, I would not be celebrating four years strong. Without patience, I would have zero creativity. Without patience, I would be suffering. I’d be pacing, and agonizing, and wondering when in the freaking heck is all of this pain ever really going to go away?... Really.

Without patience, I would not be alive.

There’s a real and solid reason why there is a saying on this Earth that goes a little something like this:

Patience Is A Virtue.

That’s because it really and truly is.

Patience is NOT the most popular kid in school. People tend to not like Patience. And actually, people tend to despise Patience. Patience is continuously, and unrelentlessly, teased and taunted and bullied. And sadly, Patience gets tortured every single gosh darn day, somewhere on this planet.

Yes, Patience is really hard to live with.

But Patience is Required for Success.

So if you really want to succeed at whatever your goal is, I’d say to simply suck it up, buttercup... And to welcome some good, old-fashioned Patience into your new and modern life. Become friends with Patience. Actually, I'd even go so far as to say to make Patience your very best friend in life... Yeah, Patience is really that important.

So while everyone else is beating up Patience in the back alley around the corner from the school yard… YOU - you there, you go ahead and save Patience from that beating. Drag Patience out of the alleyway. And usher Patience straight on into the nurse's office for a solid checkup and mending and a bag of ice to go home with.

Then, take Patience home with you. Serve Patience a plate of cookies and milk - almond milk - not cows milk. And ask your mother if Patience can sleep over. Watch your favorite movie with Patience. And then, go ahead and watch a film that Patience likes, that you happen to utterly and totally despise. But suck it up and have some darn patience already. Humor Patience, and watch the movie anyway. You’ll be best friends in no time. Gosh, and at that exact point - Patience will really and truly love you back, too.

If you can learn the value of patience, you can learn the secret to life. If you can learn the virtue of patience, you will be exactly where you are meant to be. If you can simply have patience, there is nothing that you cannot do in this world.

But gosh, golly, oh jeaz - there is most definitely a secret to being patient - and that is this. if you can accept patience, you can accept your pain. Your struggles, your misfortunes. Your annoyances. Your anger, temper, and all your irritations. Your mind - arguing with itself. Your heading - spinning. Your every breath you take. You can then handle the deck of cards you’ve been dealt. You will learn from this adversity. And that experience will build momentum, and carry you forward, through time. Yes, if you can accept and welcome patience into your life, you’ll be killing it at life too. Because, without patience, you’ll really never know or even possibly imagine where you will be... four years from now.~

*Editorial Note & Disclaimer:

All views, opinions, and statements herein are my own. I am not a doctor. I am not trying to save you, and I cannot make your pain go away. I am merely detailing to you my own personal opinions and experiences with the Mayo Clinic as a patient. Each person is unique, and what works for one, will not work for all. I share my story in hopes it will reach someone who may need to hear or see just these exact words at this exact time to push them to get the help they need… right freaking now. Because - sometimes saving yourself, is allowing others to help you save you. If you are in chronic pain, struggling, or severely depressed, I would highly recommend calling the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida to explore treatment options. Their phone number is 904.953.2000.

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YOUR CART

244) Time To Put On My Positive Pants!

125) Wake Up & Walk 1.11 Miles with Me in Jacksonville Beach, Florida! Looking at the Jax Beach Pier

123) Wednesday Morning Live From Jacksonville Beach, Florida!

118) Singing TO the Angels - MY REACTION to Jimmy Buffett's Passing

117) 2022 ~ A Year Brushed UpOn Canvas

114) Foundation of Faith

113) God Bless America ~

112) August 31, 2021

107) 4 Years Killing It

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