Today’s post is different - a free associative thread of thoughts and contemplation. Choosing words which begin with the letters M.U.L.T.I.P.L.E.S.C.L.E.R.O.S.I.S., I have written a letter/note to myself and to the community at large.
In writing your own post,what words would you choose? What would your letter say?
M - Motivation
Motivation is at the heart of almost everything we do. We must be motivated to get up every morning to face the day. We can share of ourselves and provide motivation to others. On a personal note, I hope to be able to motivate others to live better lives with MS.
U - Understanding
I am blessed that I have a fiance and mother who truly understand the roller coaster which is living with an unpredictable disease. When I don’t feel well, I know that I won’t be judged for not rising to an occasion.
L - Love
What can I say? Love is vital to life. To give love and to receive love. To be surrounded by love. To know that you are loved. This is a basic need.
T - Trust
Trust is a tricky thing. Sometimes when I have doubts, I must remind myself to trust that things will indeed be ok.
I - Inspiration
My students inspire me each week. I don’t have as many students as I once did, but the ones I do have are highly motivated to learn and succeed. I have no slackers right now which is truly a blessing.
P - Playfulness
Smile, laugh, have fun, play. Spend time with the kitties and close the computer occasionally.
L - Laughter
Use those muscles involved in laughing! Not only is it good for the respiratory system, it is beneficial for the facial muscles. A really good laugh induces relaxation...well, after you’ve stopped ‘crying’ anyways. LOL.
E - Empowerment
Take charge of your health. Take charge of your happiness. Be in the driver’s seat and forge your own path. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask. That’s part of being a leader as well.
S - Stretch
Each morning before leaving the bed, take time to stretch. Wiggle the toes, straighten the legs, rotate the ankles. Reach wide with the arms (but be sure not to smack your bedmate in the face). Yawn. Be ready to greet the day.
C - Clean House
Um, I have to admit I do not have a clean house. I am a lousy housekeeper. It would be a good goal for me to clean one to two rooms each week.
L - Lose Weight
In 2010, I was documenting my weight every week. I lost 40 pounds in one year which was awesome! In 2011 however, I stopped keeping track of what I ate and what I weighed. I was depressed and began to eat whatever I wanted. I have regained about 20 pounds. I can feel it in my clothes and see it in my face. In 2012, I’d like to get back on track with the weight loss.
E - Exercise
I was so proud of myself this week. I passed a stress test with flying colors. While I was worried about how my legs would hold up, I concentrated REALLY HARD to make sure that my feet hit the treadmill squarely. They did fine. When the treadmill accelerated and tilted to a level which I knew was unsafe, I said so and we ended the test there. We didn’t push my heart rate quite as high as my cardiologist wanted, but that’s ok. We proved that my ticker is working great.
