Hi all, I've been lurking this sub on and off for a couple years. You guys give some really great advice about self improvement and finding happiness. I find all your posts about learning new hobbies, switching jobs, etc to be crazy inspiring.

I was wondering if I could get some advice for my own situation though. Let me say, up front, that I am not looking for pity or sympathy here, as I've made peace with my situation and am actually a fairly content person. I just want ways to improve my life, that's all. You know, keep getting better.

Several years ago I was in peak physical shape and was really in a good spot career wise, but I suffered a severe back injury that nearly left me paralyzed. Great doctors did a wonderful job, but my back limits what I can do when it comes to about anything. It hurts on some level all the time, but I struggle through and do things I love, like hiking and raising chickens. Still, it is my weakest link. The rest of my body is willing and eager. But not it.

Tbh, there are a lot of things I've wanted to learn to do, like blacksmithing. But thats not possible unfortunately. And I'm stuck working a crappy desk job when I would be doing something a lot more physically active if I could. I am a man of action, not someone who is content to be sedentary. Not that thats a bad thing for people who are, it's just not my thing. Being stuck inside and limited drives me crazy. Four months after the injury I worked on the treadmill until I could run three miles without taking a break. Then the doc said to stop because I could reinjure myself. Im not one for cursing all that much but to put it mildly I was pissed.

Anyway, im rambling as usual lol. How would you suggest I go about improving my life based on these limitations?