A coworker posted the picture with the little dog in the wind on a day when I was struggling so I captured it to remind myself to believe...
believe in my heart that I am making the right decisions about managing my Multiple Sclerosis...
believe that the medicines I am taking will eventually get me into remission from symptoms...
believe that someday when I workout I won't do it with trepidation due to the likelihood and severity of a flare up...
believe that one day, in my life-time, they will find the right 'cure' for people with MS so this disease won't permanently leave me limited in some capacity...
believe that even on my hard days when I feel like crying and giving up, that I will take a deep breath and keep putting one foot in front of the other (or in some cases, let myself take a nap.)
I am a pretty busy person without dealing with not one (unstable thyroid), not two (unstable adrenals), but three chronic illnesses (MS) which I have struggled with unknowingly with MS, for the last eight years. I believe in living life to the fullest although my husband and folks likely believe my life could be a little bit less full. I have a tendency to keep pushing myself past when most people would stop, rest, regroup. I am certain this tenacity and drive have also been part of my downfall. I am not good at making time to do things just for me. I am not the best at dealing with my stressors and letting things flow off my shoulders. I have an army of medical professionals who keep me upright (acupuncture, massage, non-traditional chiropractor, etc.)
So with that I am attempting to redouble my efforts to allow myself some time to get back to meditation, learn how to do Tai Chi, and indulge in things like a ladies weekend to the woods or a photography class. Unfortunately this adds more to my busy daily schedule but I am hoping the stress releasing nature of these activities counter acts any additional stress.
Meditation
Myths of meditation. I have found when I meditate a few times a week I feel more calm and centered.
http://greatist.com/happiness/myths-about-meditation
A great resource for guided meditation series. I have several of these programs and really like them.
https://chopracentermeditation.com/
Tai Chi
I started a Tai Chi beginner class with the hopes of learning the first 24 forms for the Yang family style. I am only up to the first three forms, but learn a few more tonight. I am hoping to do this a few times a week once I master more than three forms. I find the movements very fluid and peaceful. It will take a long time to master and I again find I have to be patient with myself.
http://www.taichiforlife.ca/?q=content/tai-chi-24-form-yang-style
I will report back on some of these efforts in a few months. So with that I leave you with another quote (photo above) that seems fitting as a move along on my journey. Below is a link to some of the work the Multiple Sclerosis Society is supporting. I am tentatively planning to do an MS ride in June and would love it if you can help with my fundraising efforts. As always, thanks for reading.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/NationalMSSociety/media/MSNationalFiles/Brochures/Paper-Society-Research-Efforts-in-Progressive-MS.pdf
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