AFTER 8 MONTHS IN BED….THEY DISCOVERED MY CURE!

It took eight months of being in bed unable to walk to figure this out, PLEASE READ.…

This unknown solution could save your life or help another person live a peaceful or painless life!  

 

After walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago my life changed. I look at life differently; I discovered answers for life’s simple but complicated questions. Why are we here on this little planet in this huge universe? When do we accept things the way they are? Or, should we face the fear that comes with change? This includes physical and mental challenges. These were some of the lessons I learned from the Camino; never give up and look into other options! There were days during my 56-day journey when I couldn’t make it to the next village and was forced into the decision to keep on walking or stop for the day with the insight  of my final goal to make it to Santiago. Never did I think I would not make it to the end.

 

My resent challenge of not being capable of walking for the past eight months has not been easy. However, I always visualized being able to walk without pain, just as I did starting one year before I walked the Camino, I had the vision of taking my final step.

 

It was January, 2014, at my home in Thailand and woke up unable to walk in extreme pain. I spent several weeks in the hospital and with help from family, and friends caught a flight back to the U.S. for treatment. I spent the following eight months in and out of hospitals and ended up in a nursing home. During this time, I had two strokes and heart issues.

 

They found the problem, but not the cause?  

 

I made my way to Mayo Clinic, one of the best health recovery centers throughout the world. After several weeks of testing, they found the cause of my problems. Yes, the strokes, heart issues and maybe even my back problem.

 

Few people know they have this problem. If you think about it, this sounds simple, but you can see how easy it could go un-diagnosed. My immune system was not working. Our body is an amazing self-repairing system. Think about it, if you cut your finger, it stops bleeding and even supplies healing medicine so it heals by itself. So what happens if your immune gets overworked; it cannot do its job, That’s what happened to me!

 

Why does this miraculous healing system quit working? I found the answer. It works when we sleep; so, if you don’t sleep properly, it cannot work.

 

I was sleeping fine….I thought! 

 

After many tests, blood, MRI’s, heart test and seeing over 20 doctors, including a psychologist, they knew the problem but not the cause. One doctor said, “We want to test your sleeping.” I said, I don’t have a problem sleeping! He asked, “Do you wake up tired?” I said, of course doesn’t everyone?

 

They did a simple overnight test which consisted of a little probe on your finger that hooks up to a small computer. This is done at home, and it records your breathing. I quit breathing 43 times within a hour, when that happens it puts a halt to your immune system; it can’t repair your body. This undiagnosed problem can possibly be the cure for many diseases and other health problems it can even help with depression.

 

After the night-long test which showed a possible problem, they put me in the extensive all-night test at the clinic. This verified my problem and solution. They traced almost all my issues were related to my immune system being “Out of Order!”

I have sleep apnea; a severe case, and did not know it!  

My two strokes most likely happened when I slept.

I like what my niece, Kryssi, said…

“Thank God you had the strokes;

otherwise, you may have died in your sleep!” 

 

The strokes were life-threatening, and the cause was the priority of the medical team at Mayo Clinic. They did not give up, and kept looking at other options, the same lesson I learned from walking the Camino.

 

I know, it looks scary! I only ware it when I sleep….really!

Today; I feel great! The only challenge is to get comfortable using the breathing machine which regulates my breathing and lets my auto-repair (immune) system to do the job our creator intended. I have been using the machine for three days, and it has made a huge difference. There are several machines that can be used, the CPAP unit did not work, but the Bi-level PAP, works great.

 

My lesson for you…if your doctor keeps saying, “Take a pill, and you will be alright.” And you feel; something is still wrong, ask for a sleep test; it may save your life!

 

The doctors cut back on all my medications, and I have my final appointment at Mayo Clinic on November, 27th. I expect the OK, to return to Thailand and get my life back in order. It’s been an amazing journey, thank you all for your support over the past nine months. My lesson…. “What I can’t do ‘WE,’ can!”  Love, Jim

Don’t be shy…..leave a comment below and pass this message on to someone you care about!

One other tip I learned; another way to stop the immune system from working is dehydration, so drink water; even, if your not thirsty!

More fun stuff from Jim, just click below.                                                                                                

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004                                    

jimideaman@netzero.net

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim

I am Disappointed, but….

Where would I be; if I never walked the 500-mile Camino de Santiago? 

Walking the Camino taught me how to handle disappointment. What is disappointment? When other people do not do what I would do or what I think they should do? How about if I do not live up to the standards I expect from myself? People handle these conflicts differently. Some get angry, others blame someone or something and many go into denial, it’s my parent’s fault I turned out like this or the government, they could even blame God!  They may even use the excuse, “It was meant to be,” when we have just made wrong choices.  I have been guilty of all the above! 

I live an optimistic life, but at times fall back to my old ways, however, I only visit those, “no fun,” places. Most of you know me and I never give up, this is just another challenge in my life, however, yesterday, was one of those, no fun moments. I wanted what I wanted, “NOW!”  I shared my frustrations with my sister, Joy, and she said, “Things happen in God’s time not yours!”  I responded, “How, can I straighten him out?” She laughed.

No question my journey walking the Camino has been the greatest experience in my life. So many life lessons learned. The most important one was, “WHY AM I HERE, ON THIS EARTH?”  I discovered the answer for that question. In the back of my mind yesterday, I thought “How can I fulfill my mission when my health will not let me?”

Friday, I had, which I hoped would be my final appointment at Mayo Clinic, I was expecting to hear, “Your good to go,” back to Thailand. That didn’t happen! I thought, I have been in bed unable to walk for eight months and now I can walk, I don’t even need assistance and have little pain. Thinking, I am cured!

My back issue is healing and I am happy with my progress. However, the other problems related to my strokes and heart will keep me in the U.S. for at least one more month. The doctor said, I am at a high risk, for me to check out, “The Other Side.” So I will follow his orders, I told him, I am having too much fun with this life thing. By the way, he also walked the Camino; so, we had lots to talk about. He also said, that I cannot even consider my walk across Death Valley. I want to do this to support my friend Farah, with her new projects in Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. So that is on hold for the moment.

Anyway guys, my spirits are great with hope my body will follow. If we get disappointed about anything; let’s make it temporary!  Lov….Jim

 

I am working on my book about my experience walking the Camino, “Sticks and Stones,” and it’s not about walking. Writing this is an exciting moment for me to relive all the life changing moments. I will have it finished in April, 2015.

How do you handle disappointment?  Tell me, in the box below.

 

 

 

Another fun video I made of the “other,” talent at Mayo Clinic.

More fun stuff from Jim, just click below.                                                                                                

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004                                    

jimideaman@netzero.net

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim

ACCEPTANCE

Welcome back to “Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim,” hope you haven’t been going through any coffee withdrawal? This will be published once a month because I am going full-time on my book about the lessons learned from my Camino de Santiago walk.  The title may be, “STICKS AND STONES.” The meaning is not what you may think?

What a whirlwind my life has been on since I walked the 500 mile Camino de Santiago. When you walk for 56 days by yourself, life answers  come to you when you don’t even know the questions? Now, I know the questions! I have been on my back for eight months and question everything; WHY ME?

Accepting things the way they are, has exceptions. When life throws challenges it is easy to say “That’s the way it is!” Or, do you look for other options? The blocking point is always feared. The fear of accepting things the way they are or going agents the grain and look for new ways to accomplish what you really want.

 

I am still at Mayo Clinic, which I consider has the best medical care in the world. The good news is I am walking again, even without a walker plus, my back pain is gone. It’s been a long eight months lying on my back. I don’t like to say, “The Bad News is,” but the challenges I still face is my blackout issue and the strokes. I had a second stroke here at Mayo Clinic.  They feel the blackout problem is not related to my back problem or the strokes. They feel I will have to live with this challenge. I am not at the point of accepting this; it will be difficult living with this the rest of my life. The strokes still has the doctors puzzled how someone as healthy as me, could have this happen, but feel it can be controlled with medication.

 

So, this brings me to the question of acceptance? Most of you know me and throwing in the towel is never on my agenda. However everyone has a breaking point, as I did fighting my addiction with drugs and alcohol. Not until I surrendered and said “I give up,” I cannot do this alone, did I find to door to live in peace. “I can’t,”….”We can,” has been my answer. “We,” can be your God/Higher Power, the Universe, or a group of people who has gone through what we could be facing. Today, I use this when I face the fear of acceptance. These are some lessons I learned as I walked for 56 days on my Camino and will be with me the rest of my life.

 

I have received thousands of messages for my healing from around the world and they worked. I misunderstood the intent of all the prayers received. I thought that they would heal me when what I really wanted was to be at peace with where I was in life. I am at peace, the message; “I can be at peace and still be in pain and suffering is always a choice, but pain is not.” Thank you for bringing me back to my Camino lesson!

 Lov….Jim  Hope to be back in Thailand soon. Feel free to make a comment or suggestion in the box below.

A short story by Paulo Coelho, another pilgrim who walked the Camino.  His book “The Alchemist,” is a great read!

Choosing One’s Destiny

Spiritual Story by Paulo Coelho

“I am willing to give up everything”, said the prince to the master. “Please accept me as your disciple.”

“How does a man choose his path?” asked the master.

“Through sacrifice,” answered the prince. “A path which demands sacrifice, is a true path.”

The master bumped into some shelves. A precious vase fell, and the prince threw himself down in order to grab hold of it. He fell badly and broke his arm, but managed to save the vase.

“What is the greater sacrifice: to watch the vase smash, or break one’s arm in order to save it?” asked the master.

“I do not know,” said the prince.

“Then how can you guide your choice for sacrifice? The true path is chosen by our ability to love it, not to suffer for it.”…. Paulo

This is the second video I made as I was waiting for my next appointment I had at Mayo Clinic. Known as one of the best places in the world for medical care, Mayo Clinic, has not only the best doctors, but the patients and staff supply entertainment. Unbelievable! “One day over the rainbow.”  plus “Amazing Grace.” If your going to Mayo Clinic, in Rochester, Minnesota stay at the “Nazarene Well House,” contact, Linda Scott Day, click here. much more than a bed, their home is filled with love and compassion, my new family!   ”

More fun stuff from Jim, just click below.  

CONTACT….Jim Kaszynski

jimideaman@netzero.net

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim

 

NEVER GIVE UP?

Welcome to, “Sunday Morning Coffee,” with Jim. I will be publishing this blog once a month instead of weekly, because I will be getting out of the nursing home and spending my time on getting my body in physical shape to go back to Thailand. I am also working full-time on my book about my journey walking the 500-mile Camino de Santiago. This week I will be going with my sister, Joy, and my friend Jimmy Haugen, to visit my brother and family in Wisconsin. Thanks for all your support with my challenges, you all have been my best medicine. I received over 1,000 messages from all over the world in the past seven months; I feel you helped me to grow new legs!

When do you say, “I have had it?”  I surrender…. I can’t take it anymore!

I have been on my back for seven months and had the nerves burned in my back this week; it was successful. I have my back pain and don’t know it! I will be walking soon as my leg strength returns. I am very happy with the results. However, the other challenge I have with the blood flow to the brain which causes my dizzy almost blacking out issue is still a puzzle. No one can figure it out and my attempt to get into Mayo Clinic is slim, they said it would be six to 12 months to see the doctors. I have seen many doctors with no success on the diagnosis.  So, after many months, I decided to go back to Thailand.

Does this mean; I give up? No, I just don’t know what to do, but will look into some natural healing methods in Thailand. Most of you know me and quitting is never an option,  but I am running out of choices.

Is saying, “I surrender,” a sign of weakness?

I am not at the stage to accept living this way the rest of my life. My lifestyle would never be the same, and I just can’t go there. There are many things, I still need to do. Faith is an important part of my life, and I am proof that it works; I have done many things that people told me was unachievable. The only way I did accomplish these impossible dreams is when I changed the word “I,” to  “We,” Today…. I am WE!  “We,” is my Higher Power, God, my friends and the Universe. On my 500-mile journey, I walked by myself, but I was never alone!

When is the right time to quit or do you try one more time?

That’s the magic question, I try never to give up but everyone has a breaking point. Before I reach that point, I look for other options to accomplish my goal. How I do that; I search for someone who  faced  the same challenge. I learn from another’s experience, and that’s how the 12-step program works in A.A. the 12 steps help with any challenge a person may have. In time for me, the thought of drinking  declined and living in peace was my only quest. At that point, I share my life experience with another who may still be suffering. And that’s how and why…. it works!

Everyone has lessons to learn and also teach!

I think we have all been there at one time or another. Not sure whether to say, “I have had it,” or try one more time. I have been in recovery from an alcohol and drug problem for quite a few years. I work with a lot of people who are, or trying to get clean and sober. I also spend time with families who want their loved ones to get back on track. I know the pain of feeling so helpless when someone you care about just doesn’t get it, and the only solution is to accept them the way they are; Easy to say, but so difficult to do. I know at that point you can’t give up. HOPE…. is always available if we choose.

ACCEPT, REJECT OR CHANGE.

It is all about change and choices we make plus what we do when we make an incorrect decision, and then how we celebrate the right things we do and even the lessons from the wrong choices. That is when my life is filled with gratitude.
I will keep you posted about my life on Face Book, and I do want to know about your life. I am always open to suggestions you may have. Of course, I will be working on new projects when I get back to Thailand and love to have visitors.  Lov, Jim     jimideaman@netzero.net

I invite any comments in the box below.

Sometimes I have to read many stories to add to my blog, it has to be something that relates to my weekly story. This one talks about the gifts of life that comes from things that go wrong. It is from one of my favorite authors, Paulo Coelho who also walked the Camino and wrote my top choice in books “The Alchemist.” I recommend it! This story came from his book “Like the Flowing River.”

 

The story of the pencil

December 19, 2009 by Paulo Coelho

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point he asked:

‘Are you writing a story about what we’ve done? Is it a story about me?’
His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson:
I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I’m using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up.’

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn’t seem very special.
‘But it’s just like any other pencil I’ve ever seen!’

‘That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.’

‘First quality: you are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us according to His will.’
‘Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he’s much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.
‘Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.’
‘Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.’
‘Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality: it always leaves a mark. in just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action’

source: “Like the Flowing River” by Paulo Coelho

Photos from Google Images  

More fun stuff from Jim, just click below.  

CONTACT….Jim Kaszynski

jimideaman@netzero.net

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim

Proof…Compassion Needs No Words!

I came across this story I wrote about compassion several years ago when I moved to Thailand to volunteer at an orphanage. I went to be a teacher; my goal was to share my life experiences with these beautiful children.  Little did I know I would quickly become a student to learn about some of the simple lessons I never learned as a child or an adult.  This story is how a six-year-old child would teach me the true meaning of compassion.

Hope you enjoy your “Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim.”  This story was written Feb. 26, 2012.

I am still in a nursing home, will be having the nerves burned in my back on Thursday, I will soon be walking. Still waiting to get into Mayo Clinic to solve my other challenge, will be on my way back to Thailand as soon as I get back to normal, of course everyone says, “I was never normal?”  

THE IDEA MAN…. Jim Kaszynski, Yahoo Contributor Network
Feb 26, 2012

A Six Year Old, Teaches Compassion!

We have a six-year-old who stays at the orphanage with us in Thailand. His name is Chatagorn. A few days ago, he had a problem with his thumb. It swelled up to twice its normal size. We took him to the emergency room, and they gave him some medicine. Two days later it got worse. We took him back to the hospital, and they had to do surgery; he was terrified. The following day it became infected, so we were looking at the next few days in the hospital.

Most of the children at the orphanage were from the different hill tribes, and the Thai government gives them free health care.  We

Four people sleeping under the hospital bed.

were in a ward of 30 beds. In Thailand you have to B.Y.O.N. (bring your own nurse) most people have their family stay with them. During the evening, the family sleeps on the bed with the patient or under the bed. See the photo.

 

 

Since we were Chatagorn’s family, the three of us, Fernando, Bally and me (the volunteers) would spend the day and night with him.  I was scheduled for the third night. I was feeling sorry for myself and not looking forward to siting in a chair all night, especially seeing this beautiful child in pain. Little did I know there would be a lesson for me? Yes, six-year-old Chatagorn will become the teacher, and I will be the 66-year-old student!

 

I arrived around nine pm. His brother and sister were watching him and we took them back to the orphanage. My goal was to take his mind off the pain and entertain him with videos and photos I had on my computer; it worked! We were having fun, and he learned how to use my computer in minutes. He would move the mouse and click on the following photo all on his own. He would always look at me for my approval to click on the next photo. Wish I could have learned to use the computer that quickly.

 

It’s around midnight; he is getting sleepy. As I sit next to his bed, I lay my head on the corner of the two-inch mattress. Even though he spoke no English, likewise I not knowing a word of Thai, we communicated. He motioned for me to join him in bed seeing I was uncomfortable sitting in the chair. As I lay next to him, he took his blanket and covered me up. I hugged him, and we went to sleep.

 

All I thought about was this little boy in pain and he still has the compassion for another! Wow…another lesson I learned about life! And yes; from a six-year-old, I still have so much to learn. I love this “LIFE” thing! I remember the saying “It’s better to give than receive.” Today…I disagree with that.

 

This morning I took Chatagorn (my teacher) home from the hospital. He has his contagious smile back. His infection is going away; a “Hollywood” ending, for the both of us.

The story below blends in perfect to my own experience with compassion.  Love you, Jim

 Some times, rules are meant to be broken! 

Two Buddhist Monks were on a journey, one was a senior monk, the other a junior monk. During their journey they approached a raging river and on the river bank stood a young lady. She was clearly concerned about how she would get to the other side of the river without drowning.

The junior monk walked straight past her without giving it a thought and he crossed the river. The senior monk picked up the woman and carried her across the river. He placed her down, they parted ways with the woman and on they went with the journey.

As the journey went on, the senior monk could see some concern on the junior monk’s mind, he asked what was wrong. The junior monk replied, “How could you carry her like that? You know we cannot touch women, it is against our way of life”. The senior monk answered, “I left the woman at the river’s edge a long way back, why are you still carrying her?
Reference…. A Zen Buddhist Monk Story

Go ahead and leave a comment in the box below. What does Compassion mean to you?            

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V701puSqvk                         

More fun stuff from Jim, just click below.  

CONTACT….Jim Kaszynski

jimideaman@netzero.net

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim

TRUST!

My Father always said, “I would rather go through life trusting people and be lied to once in a while then go to go through life trusting no one!”…. Hope you enjoy your,” Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim.”

My dad was a great person, and I wanted to be like him. Although he kept telling me, I was OK the way I was. I wondered if he wanted to change that statement when I became a teenager. He was an example of trust; he lived his life trusting others, with that he got respect in return.

 

However, what happens when the trust is broken? Is it intentionally or was it because of unforeseen circumstances? Many times when that trust is broken it turns into anger and then the real damage begins with resentments. The word resentments come from the Latin word re-sentire which means to re-feel. The English word has become synonymous with anger and spite.

 

We all know people who had a promise broken and the trust dissolved, only to lead to a lifelong battle. This resentment challenge can go way beyond a person; it may be the color of a person or even a political party. I know people who will not be associated with someone if they are a Republican/ Demarcate or from a different country, all because of a resentment! I don’t trust them, is heard around the world.

 

What has worked for me, if someone has lost trust in me all I can say is, “I am sorry,” sometimes they will accept it? I cannot make someone let me back into his or her life if they don’t want it!  If someone has broken the trust, I have with them, I need to forgive them. When I do, I am at peace. Today I have zero resentments against anyone or any place. Believe me, it feels good!

 

This week I am giving my trust in my doctor, he will be burning the nerves on my spine. The good news is I will have pain…. and not know it! I hope to be going to the Mayo Clinic for my brain/ blood flow problem. When I get fully repaired I will be on my way back to Thailand.

 

This story is how we may be looking at things wrong, when we turn things around, trust can be born and our lives can be free of resentments!

Lov…Jim    

Black or White

 

When I was in elementary school, I got into a major argument with a boy in my class. I have forgotten what the argument was about, but I have never forgotten the lesson I learned that day.

I was convinced that “I” was right and “he” was wrong – and he was just as convinced that “I” was wrong and “he” was right. The teacher decided to teach us a very important lesson.

She brought us up to the front of the class and placed him on one side of her desk and me on the other. In the middle of her desk was a large, round object. I could clearly see that it was black. She asked the boy what color the object was. “White,” he answered.

I couldn’t believe he said the object was white, when it was obviously black! Another argument started between my classmate and me, this time about the color of the object.

The teacher told me to go stand where the boy was standing and told him to come stand where I had been. We changed places, and now she asked me what the color of the object was. I had to answer, “White.”

It was an object with two differently colored sides, and from his viewpoint it was white. Only from my side it was black.

Sometimes we need to look at the problem from the other person’s view in order to truly understand his/her perspective.

Author Unknown

What does this story mean to you? Please make comment.

CHECK OUT MY NEW 500-MILE CAMINO STORY….CLICK...

click…. I took my final Camino step a year-ago today….

Or was it my first step?

Soon, I will be walking on my own! With my Physical Therapist, Adele.

More fun stuff from Jim, just click below.                                   

CONTACT….Jim Kaszynski

jimideaman@netzero.net

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim

DO WE CREATE OUR OWN BUMPS IN THE ROAD?

Let’s all have a Good Morning Coffee with Jim; I hope with no side effects like the coffee coming out of your nose from my enema story!

I don’t know anyone who has not had bumps in his or her life. However, we handle these life encounters differently! I see people responding to things in ways I would not even consider. This is when I realized, my actions many times are not understood by others. The question is, “Can I go around the bumps so a problem can’t even begin, or are the bumps just unavoidable?”

“Until the whole world is free to agree with you or disagree with you, until you have given the freedom to everyone to like you or not like you, to love you or hate you, to see things as you see them, or to see things differently – until you have given the whole world its freedom – you’ll never have your freedom.” ~ Adyashanti Meditation Masters’s photo.

So much of what I write about now, has the Camino de Santiago 500-mile walking journey experience attached. Walking alone for 56 days without any electronic connection to the world has opened an energy link that I did not know existed. It was filled with peace, serenity and mystery. No, you don’t have to take a 500-mile walk to get to that calm part of life we all seek. For me, I could not avoid these mental mountains I am climbing. Fear can make me or break me. The truth is I am still at peace with everything that’s going on in my life! That doesn’t mean; I never have uncertainty.

For people who have the courage to change those bumps into a level balance life, (and yes it does take courage,) we face the fear factor! To stay the way we are and conform is easy. This week I was filled with fear, I did not want to stay in the nursing home. I knew if I stayed one more month it would take all my money, and I would not be able to come home for Christmas, which has been a family tradition all my life; I had fear of staying and leaving.  So, I decided to leave, not sure where I would go. A friend offered me a place to stay about four hours away, or I could go back to Thailand, not knowing if I would ever find a solution to my health issue.

CAN…. “OTHER PEOPLE HELP OR HINDER OUR LIFE? 

Or is it really up to me?

One friend said he would support me whatever I decided to do. Everyone else said I was crazy; I had one more appointment coming up that may shed some light on my confusion problem. Other people; could they be right and I am wrong? I must say I am a very open-minded person and I do listen to other people’s view/ opinions. It did not feel right, however, I decided to stay. When I write this, I share what has gone on in my life this week. Even though I know most of you are not in a nursing home, but I feel some of you may be facing choices and not sure where to turn. I do feel you can relate to this uncomfortable position. My final choice is Mayo Clinic and I am working on that. So far, the doctors can’t figure it out, what should I do?  It does not sound complicated to me, the blood does not flow to my brain the way it should!  Which brings me to the “other people,” problem, doctors included.

When we deal with people who cannot see your point of view….

What do we do? Say, “Thank you?”

I think we all have dealt with people who just do not understand when we know; our advice/ experience can benefit them. Of course, this happens often with children; they don’t listen! It‘s like we constantly talk about them….never us. My friend is a huge Chicago Bears fan, and he invariably says, “They lost,” but when they win he says, “We won!”  It’s seemed like we all want to be on the winning side of everything?  And when we’re not; those bumps appear.

Could it be true, if I have a problem with another person, the problem is me?

Alternatively, is it me; not accepting them the way they are…. my solution?

This weeks story; I have read a parable similar to this before, this time I got a different message. Ask yourself, like I did, am I the Farmer, the mule, or one of the person’s watching? Do other people rule or influence how we live? Enjoy and study the story.  Please make a comment below. By the way, I am doing great with my walker, can’t do it alone…yet, the blood flow to the brain still in question?  Love you guys Jim

Face Difficulties Positively

This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up… shake it off and step up… shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP! It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him … all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.

Author Unknown  For me, I have been the farmer, crowd (friends?) and the mule,  today, I ask what my past lesson was? I must always remember to visit the past; and not live there!….J 

The next best thing to a tattoo!

I am so grateful to my many friends from around the world. David DePhillps, who I never meet in person, has been following me for over a year and heard about the challenges I have been facing. He sent me this as a gift so I can bring back a Camino memory at a glance.  This is the sign that we pilgrims see all along the path of our journey, thanks David for your huge heart. For my pilgrim friends, CLICK HERE for more information. 

More fun stuff from Jim, just click below.

CONTACT….Jim Kaszynski

jimideaman@netzero.net

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel Strokes “R” us The Snail Gang…for slow walkers. Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

COULD YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE WITH NO SECRETS?

Welcome to “Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim,” where I tell you about my “No Secret,” life, even if it’s about my enemas?

A painting from a  high school friend Painter Charlie, her work is brilliant!

Last week’s story about my seven enemas exploded (almost like my stomach) around the world, and I got emails from over 15 countries.

At least now I know it’s an international problem;
that they “won’t,” talk about on C.N.N.

I asked myself why this story got so much attention. Is it because I write about what people think and don’t talk about? Or is it the touch of humor that softens some of the gruesome details? …. Literally, enemas do that!  By the way, I’m clean, no enemas this week.

Last week, we got some fantastic comments, but this one nearly made me  get up and walk…. love it!

From Susan, “Ah, Jim…I’m so sorry, but I tried hard not to laugh, and I failed. I snorted my Sunday morning coffee, through my nose!” 

Now that kind of statement made my day, CLICK HERE to check out other people’s thoughts in last week’s comment section.

I might write more un-comfortable stories like; when I expel gas (fart) all by myself, it doesn’t bother me but when other people do it? I think the world is going to come to an end, how can they be so rude?… Just thinking about it?

WHY DID YOU LIKE THIS STORY? I think people just like stories. For me, I reflect back; some of my greatest life lessons came from stories.  I remember in high school I had a math teacher, Mr. Peterson, even today I remember his narratives, and always respected his view on life that he told us through stories. How about the fairytale’s, we heard from mom or our kindergarten teacher, a story with a moral and a lesson that we can instantly use in our life. At five years old, in kindergarten, 1950, I saw “The Wizard of Oz,” I remember that day!

So, why did my enema story caused all the excitement? I think, first off; people want real-life stories. They also want to know that other people think like they do, but never talk about certain subjects. Is it proper to be speech-less  and not talk about what is really on our mind? I have found out this week, one way to open that door is humor.

I have discovered for the past five months to get over pain, physical and mental is to add a smile. Now for me this is a delicate matter, because it’s easy to hide out with humor and never deal with “What ails me?”

I think we all know people who always would kid around, and we have no idea what is really going on in their head.  Here is an example;  my life was filled with success and failures, with that I lost tangible and intangible things. The most pain I had, was when  the trust I had from others vanished and that included, the ones I loved  most. I would have a drink and make jokes about it; denying I even had an issue.

I remember one time I was having a car repossessed, saying, “Great, no more payments,” laughing on the outside, crying on the inside. I would drink and tell funny stories, not even knowing, internally, I was screaming for help. I was filled with fear because I did not have the courage to say, “I am sorry, I was wrong!”
I had to own up to all the incorrect things I did in my life, not easy; however, it was something I had to do!  I gave up drinking and drugs, and made amends to the best of my ability; even knowing some may never accept me back into their lives. Only then, I felt whole again and realized I am not in this alone! AND….I can breathe and have enemas, knowing you may like me the way I am?

I spent much of my life trying to become someone I was not. On my 500 mile walk, the Camino de Santiago, I discovered it’s OK to be me. I took myself  on a mental journey, back to birth (remember I am walking the 56 days, usually alone) I was the perfect child, flawless… I took all the good things I had learned and the lessons from all the bad stuff from my life and re-created Jim, who laughs, cries and enjoys every moment of life. My past ten years have been great but a year ago as I was walking the Camino; everything fit together perfectly, which was always my Higher Powers intention!

This is just one of the miracles that happened from my Camino Journey; I was reunited with my son after 30 years…. CLICK HERE.

A part of what I wrote above is
from my book, “STICKS AND STONES,”….
Coming, December 2014

This entire story blends into an exciting moment this week; two high school friends Charley and Paulette organized a party for me with some of my school friends. My friend came to the nursing home loaded  up me and my wheelchair, and off we went, to Jake’s Pour House in La Salle, we had a great time.

Thanks Paulette for the photo! Why am I the only one with no gray hair…naturally? Of course, the first question they asked was, “How was your enema today?” Love these guys!

What a difference 50 years makes?

This gathering turned out to be what I wanted, about us, not me, which was a beautiful connection to all our lives.  We are all in our mid to late 60s, a time in our lives when the big things (material) in life are unimportant. I liked what my friend Charlene said, “We all look the same!” What that meant to me…. The gray hair, bigger bellies, bank accounts or even a wheel  chair did not make any difference!

Accepting people for whom they are, is what I felt, does turning 60- something, do that? Do you have to take a path in life filled with joy, pain and fear to get to this stage? Is our final lesson, to live in this moment and be in total peace? I did not get the feeling that, anyone was thinking, “IS THAT ALL THERE IS?” Thanks guys, a fantastic group of fun people, today we still do everything, it’s just a little slower.

We are making plans for our 100th class reunion, 2063, already have five signed up!   Love, Jim 

I have a friend that I recently told me he witnessed something as a child, in his mind it was so bad he couldn’t even tell the priest in confession. Today it really wouldn’t be a big deal, he is over it. But that is not the important part, when it happened it was terrifying. It affected his life for many years. He was filled with shame and guilt because of his “bad confession.” If you have a secret that affects you like that, tell  someone, do not take it to the grave! WHY…it messes up you trying to enjoy the moment. I know; I did that myself. and now, I can breathe! 

Paulo Coelho is one of my favorite author’s, not just because he walked the Camino, but his early life was so much like mine. The “Alchemist,” is the best book I have ever read or reading, I am taking my time with it, like I don’t want it to end. The story below is from one of his other books “A Manual of the Warrior of the light.” What I did when I read this was read each statement and answers it with my own thought. It walked me through my life and showed me all that I have to be grateful for!
I love this life….Jim …. Are you a Warrior?

DON’T BE SHY, PLEASE MAKE A COMMENT BELOW…..

More fun stuff from Jim, just click below.

CONTACT….Jim Kaszynski

jimideaman@netzero.net

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim

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HOW WAS YOUR ENEMA TODAY?…FINE, AND YOURS?

Welcome to “Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim,”

A little different story today, but I’m sure it will move you;

it did me! lol

You’re going to put this blue thing in where? And all this soapy water will do what? Photo by my friend, Nurse Stacy

I know this is not a subject you talk about as you sip your coffee or tea. Who talks about ENEMAS….? No one!  Well, I gotta lighten things up on this blog and my life. This is one lesson; I did not learn about on my little 500 mile stroll walking the Camino de Santiago. What to do when you’re full of ????
This story dedicated to my friend, Jenni, she understands!

I don’t know about you, but I would  have a problem, 
even talking to my mother about this? 

HOW DOES ONE FEEL AFTER 7 ENEMAS’?

Its Sunday, 6:45pm at my nursing home; a storm was brewing, not outside, but inside me.  My stomach is hard, and I can’t poop! Hmm its been seven days, and I just got to go, but my body says no? Suddenly, the five months laying on my back and not being able to walk was unimportant! 

 

First step, suppository…no luck, step 2, an enema…not even close, step 3, enema again…still, no luck?  Now, I know ladies; what it’s like to have a baby (big thing, through a little hole…ouch!) Step 4, ambulance to the hospital.

Believe me, I am a truly shy person when it comes to below the waist, however, very quickly my shyness disappeared, although I

For the past few years, I have always said, “I have no secrets in my life!” So….I cannot break that vow, just imagine; I could have taken this painful memory to my grave! Oh, I feel better now?

kept trying to pretend, I was tough and could handle this, when really I’m a baby when it comes to this stuff. The physical pain was not as bad as the emotional part of everyone looking at my butt and knowing as soon as they left the room, they would be telling everyone, thinking it was probably on Face Book in the next few minutes?

The ambulance drivers were easy to deal with, but I was warned not to mess up the back compartment with an explosion. It was a short ride to the emergency room where I had to explain everything to all the female nurses; I covered my face and talked. To make things worse they called my sister Joy, and she came running (God love her). She has always been with me, through my spine and stroke problem, but this was like…. embarrassing!

The doctor came in and said, “I heard you are full of s…,” I liked him right away. They took a x-ray which confirmed the problem. They sent me up to my room, (thank the lord it was a private room) the nurses knew what I had already been through and said, “Are you ready for another round?” I said, “Go for it!” (With my eyes closed). The nurses were great; they did want me to use a bed pan, because I am still unable to walk, that did not sound exciting. However, I did persuade them, that I could maneuver from the bed to the wheel chair and on to the toilet.

THE SMELL….Oh My God! Somehow you can accept your own “bad smells,” but when you walk in on someone else’s, you pretend like everything is fine? You can take a breath and hold it; and if you do speak, it’s only short sentences, so you can leave quickly. My room and my body had a stench that would keep your dog away. I felt so embarrassed and kept my head covered, thinking I may run to one of the nurses in church someday? God love the nurses; they assured me it was just another day at work, and everything would be OK, which did help. Now, if you have visitors, it might be a different story.

OK no more gruesome details but after one suppository and seven enemas and two days, I was clean and many pounds lighter. Now, you guys know me; I like to set records (want to check out a few that I did, click here) well this one I am not really proud of? The nurse asked that I hold the solution in for as long as I can (this was the last enema, #7) she wanted to give me my privacy, so she returned in one hour, and asked, “How long did you last before you had to go?” I said I’m still holding it; I am at 62 minutes, she said, “Oh my God, you must go right now!” I followed her instructions like a good little boy; however, I still got in trouble for my short-lived contest.

She said, for most people its 10- 15 minutes and holding it that long, can do harm to your electrolytes and really mess up your body. They kept an eye on me all night, and I slept well. I will have to check the Guinness book of records to see if I’m a contender; should I look under the Enema or Insanity section? Someday, I will tell you my Thailand enema story, it had an even much happier ending?

OK, NOW YOU CAN GET BACK TO YOUR COFFEE!

All kidding aside, although everything here is true and my recovery is about being completely honest and what is going on in my head plus my body (even if it’s below the waist) humor is a very significant part of my life. If I ever start to lose that, it would take away from an important part of my healing. With all the support from my family and friends plus a smile, it leaves me no choice but to get better.
Love You, Jim

I had the same doctor in the hospital that I have in the nursing home. I asked him “With all that is going on with me and the still unanswered questions. What should I do??” He said, “Sometimes there is no answer and only God knows!” I said, “I know God; and he told me to ask you!” He smiled, as he left.

 Please leave a comment in the box below.

I hope I didn’t lose any of my readers with this story, if so; next week, it will be about forgiveness?

This story does fit into my story, no matter where we are in life even if it’s filled with psychical or financial problems. SOME-WARE, there is SOME-THING to be grateful for! What I have learned this week…even if it’s dark outside the sun is ALWAYS shinning SOME-WARE!

This story is originally written by Heinrich Böll, and the title was: Anekdote zur Senkung der Arbeitsmoral (“Anecdote on the Decline of the Work Ethic”). It is about an encounter between an enterprising tourist and a small fisherman, in which the tourist suggests how the fisherman can improve his life.

Mexican Fisherman Meets Harvard MBA
What Really Matters in Life?

A vacationing American businessman standing on the pier of a quaint coastal fishing village in southern Mexico watched as a small boat with just one young Mexican fisherman pulled into the dock. Inside the small boat were several large yellowfin tuna. Enjoying the warmth of the early afternoon sun, the American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish.

“How long did it take you to catch them?” the American casually asked.

“Oh, a few hours,” the Mexican fisherman replied.

“Why don’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?” the American businessman then asked.

The Mexican warmly replied, “With this I have more than enough to support my family’s needs.”

The businessman then became serious, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

Responding with a smile, the Mexican fisherman answered, “I sleep late, play with my children, watch ballgames, and take siesta with my wife. Sometimes in the evenings I take a stroll into the village to see my friends, play the guitar, sing a few songs…”

The American businessman impatiently interrupted, “Look, I have an MBA from Harvard, and I can help you to be more profitable. You can start by fishing several hours longer every day. You can then sell the extra fish you catch. With the extra money, you can buy a bigger boat. With the additional income that larger boat will bring, before long you can buy a second boat, then a third one, and so on, until you have an entire fleet of fishing boats.”

Proud of his own sharp thinking, he excitedly elaborated a grand scheme which could bring even bigger profits, “Then, instead of selling your catch to a middleman you’ll be able to sell your fish directly to the processor, or even open your own cannery. Eventually, you could control the product, processing and distribution. You could leave this tiny coastal village and move to Mexico City, or possibly even Los Angeles or New York City, where you could even further expand your enterprise.”

Having never thought of such things, the Mexican fisherman asked, “But how long will all this take?”

After a rapid mental calculation, the Harvard MBA pronounced, “Probably about 15-20 years, maybe less if you work really hard.”

“And then what, señor?” asked the fisherman.

“Why, that’s the best part!” answered the businessman with a laugh. “When the time is right, you would sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.”

“Millions? Really? What would I do with it all?” asked the young fisherman in disbelief.

The businessman boasted, “Then you could happily retire with all the money you’ve made. You could move to a quaint coastal fishing village where you could sleep late, play with your grandchildren, watch ballgames, and take siesta with your wife. You could stroll to the village in the evenings where you could play the guitar and sing with your friends all you want.”
The moral of the story is: Know what really matters in life, and you may find that it is already much closer than you think.

 

 

CONTACT….Jim Kaszynski

jimideaman@netzero.net

Phone; Thailand and U.S. 815-200-4004

Check out my new blog, “Good News Stories.”

More other fun stuff from Jim

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim

Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim

CLOSE YOUR EYES!

A painting from an old high school friend Painter Charlie, her work is brilliant! Even looking at this  will make your coffee/tea taste better.

Welcome to “Sunday Morning Coffee with Jim,” Of course all my friends in Thailand and other parts of the globe plus all my pilgrim buddy’s from the Camino...it’s OK if you drink tea! I hope to be walking soon, this being on my back for five months is not fun, however I made the best of it and have made hundreds of new friends from around the world. Who said.“Everything happens for a reason?” I have now discovered the reason!  All I had to do was close my eyes?

Yesterday I went through one of the most terrifying moments of my life!

NO ONE could understand how this felt,

unless you were inside my head.

HOW DO I EXPLAIN SOMETHING THAT NO ONE WILL UNDERSTAND? 

When I walked the Camino, on my 56 day journey, I entered a world that was detached from life as we know it. I have shared my experience walking as a pilgrim with thousands of people, many in person and even more through some of the talks that I have given. I have expanded sharing my story through the written word.

I do close my eyes and write; I do open them to find the right keys on my computer. I am a very slow writer because I dip into my storage bank which we call “The Brain,” and then go to the heart which is filled with only love and compassion.  In the end, I come up with the direction where I want my life to go. I examine my many life experiences, knowing not to repeat all the bad stuff and change my actions and even as important my thinking. When I get to that point, I have one goal, to share my lessons with another, and here I am.

WHEN WE SHARE OUR EXPERIENCE WITH ANOTHER

WHO STILL SUFFERS….WE BOTH WIN!

Remember all I want to do is to be in total peace, all the time. I know I may never get to that point, but I also know I will never give up trying because that’s what keeps me going! Isn’t that what we all want, to be at peace even when in pain?

Now back to that scary moment in my life.

I think I am good at facing my fears; however, this went beyond fear as I know it, a place I never want to return. As you know, I have been faced with many challenges the past few months with my spine problem, which led me to not be able to walk because the nerves in my back is being pinched by the vertebrae, if I try to stand I collapse because it’s the only way to relieve the pain. I am making progress with that task.

I had to fly back to the US from my home in Thailand to get the medical care that I needed. It’s been five months of being on my back and in hospitals, I could have never done this on my own. I have had unlimited help from family and friends from around the world. Believe me the hundreds of emails, letters, phone calls and visits plus the financial help has given me the strength to go on. That alone is healing and is the best medicine I have received. After six weeks in the hospital, I had the stroke.

 

 

The stroke: The doctors are still shaking their heads saying,

I am way too healthy to have a stroke?

Nevertheless, I did! The damage was to my vision; I cannot see to my left or above. I can live with that, especially when I see other stroke victims that had losses much more than I have.

Today I face; my dizzy almost blacking out challenge which we thought was from the stroke? It is not vertigo, they call it lightheadedness, sounds like something simple….WRONG! Joy (my sister) and I went to see a neuro-ophthalmologist. They put a computer on my head that wrapped around with goggles over my eyes  to measure my brain waves. I did not know what to expect. There were the doctor and three other assistants; my sister was watching.

They put me on a table and lowered the head, and I went crazy with the feeling that’s not explainable; I became very dizzy. My vision went from blurry to checkerboard, and my eyes rolled back and things went black; I knew I was taking my last breath and was going to die! The four of them held me down, and my only choice was to grab everyone and throw them off me. I don’t think I hurt anyone? It was “flight or fight.” This was the worse experience in my life! After the episode was over, I understood they had to do this to record my brain waves. I thought of my sister seeing me going through this; it was also scary for her.

What they discovered; my problem was not related to my stroke. What is causing it….they don’t know? The doctor said, “You, had a panic attack!” Of course, I did! I thought I would die, and that I don’t want; I am having too much fun living! He said, I should see a shrink and get medication for a panic attack, I said, we need to find the problem that is causing the dizzy/ blackout which is before I go into the panic attack; He had no answer. So, currently, we have no solution for my problem.

WHAT DO WE DO WHEN WE HAVE A PROBLEM AND

EVERYONE OR NO ONE HAS A SOLUTION?

Hmmm… ask the Doctors, no answer, Mr. Google…even more confusing, ask someone who went through what we’re going through?….YES! When that’s not available, I put it on the shelf (mentally) and go to bed and ask my higher power (God) to help out.  I always get an answer, but not always the one I want!

AS I TYPE THIS, I AM IN TOTAL PEACE!

My sister Joy and I got this tattoo, “TODAY,” a few years ago,  It reminds us when we start living too much in the past or the future we must bring ourselves back to today….the moment! That’s really what it’s all about.

Really, I am; I look around my little room in the nursing home and see all I have to be grateful for and that brings me to enjoy this moment and day.

For anyone who is in pain and suffering, please know everything is temporary! I know its difficult, however; the beginning of a solution is to believe that we “ARE NOT ALONE,” I know this is true, because I am no longer alone, and you are a part of my strength, and I am a part of yours….if you choose. So close your eyes and take a very deep breathe through your nose and exhale it slowly through your mouth….”IN WITH THE GOOD, OUT WITH THE BAD.” Think~Know~Peace!

 

We are not playing on our last string?….open your eyes; enjoy this weeks story!  Lov….Jim

Hang In There
by: Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Nicolo Paganini was a well-known and gifted nineteenth century violinist. He was also well known as a great showman with a quick sense of humor. His most memorable concert was in Italy with a full orchestra. He was performing before a packed house and his technique was incredible, his tone was fantastic, and his audience dearly loved him. Toward the end of his concert, Paganini was astounding his audience with an unbelievable composition when suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung limply from his instrument. Paganini frowned briefly, shook his head, and continued to play, improvising beautifully.

Then to everyone’s surprise, a second string broke, and shortly thereafter, a third. Almost like a slapstick comedy, Paganini stood there with three strings dangling from his Stradivarius. But instead of leaving the stage, Paganini stood his ground and calmly completed the difficult number on the one remaining string.

WHEN A STRING BRAKES IN OUR LIFE, LET’S STAY ON THE STAGE, FACE THE FEAR, AND THE SHOW WILL GO ON!

I would love to hear your comments in the box below, now don’t be scared, I want to know what this story means to you?

 

Photos….Google images.

Don’t forget to check out some more of my fun stuff, just click the names…

Jim’s… Camino de Santiago

Jim’s… You Tube Channel

Strokes “R” us

The Snail Gang…for slow walkers.

Yahoo News Stories…by Jim