My last post was angry and sassy. I have to be mindful of the energy I’m releasing into the world. That being said I did have a nice time at the parade and would do it all over again!
What I want to touch upon today is …shit! I’ve been searching for a progressive outlook towards Multiple Sclerosis that will transport me to the next level of acceptance. I think I’ve found it!
In times of pure angst, we cry “Why, Why, Why”? I’ve learned from a seminar that ”why” is not the question or the point at all! Multiple Sclerosis is here to stay for me. The question is: What am I going to do about it? You can find the positive in any disaster if you dig deep. This seems hard to grasp, right? Let me explain.
Earlier, I complained MS was infringing on the core of me. The truth is MS is only a PART of me. It’s not the whole of me! The thing I can do about it is harness the other 75% of me, the portion that is unaffected by MS. The part that adores learning and speaking Spanish (I’ve been studying it for 10 years!) The fraction that likes helping others, learning, reading, writing, and making them laugh! (I briefly volunteered in the food bank at my church St Camillus Catholic Church of Silver Spring, Maryland). The piece that likes exercising. (Though lately with modifications.) If I didn’t have this opportunity to make the most of these benevolent aspects of me untouched by MS….I wouldn’t. Or at least it wouldn’t be the focus of my life. Through my writing I can help others going through their shit. (Again, I got this from a monk.) AND drum roll please…There lies the positive part of having Multiple Sclerosis! I never viewed it in this manner. What about you?
A dear friend told me, ”I have Graves Disease and your webpage has completely changed my way of thinking regarding my disease. I’ll be the first to buy your book! One of my girlfriend’s sisters has MS and I have already forwarded your webpage to her. I love the site and will constantly watch for updates.”
It just doesn’t get too much better than that!
When you walk into shit (your MS) never wash it off your shoe. Instead, bring it home and walk out back and dig it in your garden.
Thus, MS (your shit) becomes fertilizer for something to come!
Unspeakable heartache can become the fertilizer for something great. It’s happened. So, what are you going to do about it? The earthquakes, the Tsunamis, the floods, the wildfires, the tornadoes, the hurricanes… all horrendous. What are we going to do about it? I know easy to question, hardier to live. But what’s the alternative?
MS is not the whole of me. I was so busy complaining about it infringing on my life, I forgot the lesson. The question remains. What am I going to do about it? I can exercise the essence of me. I can incorporate it into my daily routine. I can take a Spanish class. I love exercising. I can modify. I can take my meds. I can reach out to those who need a smile. I can volunteer.
Multiple Sclerosis is my fertilizer. What’s yours?
But more importantly, what are you going to do about it?
Next year as you are devouring your delicious fruit you can remember just what you are eating!!! (I got this from a monk!) In using the profanity the monk and I just want to shock you and really drive home the point in a way you are less likely to forget!
Que le vaya bien!
love this!!!
“When you walk into shit (your MS) never wash it off your shoe. Instead, bring it home and walk out back and dig it in your garden. Thus, MS (your shit) becomes fertilizer for something to come!”
I am with you and this is the alchemy that transforms what seems to be bad into new life.
This is what I did with my diagnosis of MS over 15 yrs ago and now live symptom and medication free. It’s how you live with it and what you do with it.
xo
Hillary
Hillary, good for you!!!! It always amazes me how this(MS) can look so different. I must admit I didn’t have this outlook as long as you. Plus I came to it reluctantly! I wasn’t prepared for disability. I always thought I didn’t have THAT kind of MS. But later I found out …..I did. For my first wheelchair my husband had to carry me to the store on his back, my walker no longer did the trick. I was pretty bummed out.
wow that is pretty big deal and you handle it really well. how are you now?
Big deal it is. I’m handling it by moving… Whatever way I can.Thanks Nicole
“One disease, long life; no disease, short life.” – Chinese Proverb
Thinking you are healthy neither means that you ARE healthy nor that you are taking care of yourself. When you know there is something wrong, you take care accordingly.
I can’t walk for more than a minute without losing sensation below my waist? Fine. I will walk a minute at a time. I never cared for jogging anyway.
I can’t exert a lot of energy without a resulting 3 hour nap? Fine. I always admired the concept of the Siesta.
I don’t look at MS as a Weakness as much as an encyclopedia to my limitations. And limitations are not bad – we all have them. My goal is to learn to flow with those limits. If I’m lucky, I’ll be able to keep a sense of humor about it.
Enjoy your workout! 🙂
Michelle, wow what a class A Attitude! I usually have to fall trying to do something I shouldn’t even be doing before I get it.
Hey Nicole! I’ve used the same metaphor myself: if life gives you shit, make fertilizer. Then we get to have fun choosing what seeds to plant. –Kate
hi nicole! i love your insight and your learning and your digging of the shit… i too have studied with monks and found it just simply amazing. the way they look at life, the world, situations… and turn it into the every day mundane parts of life… man! such wisdom they have… i’m glad you stopped by my blog so that i could find yours! i look forward to blogging together, commenting, and growing in our MS….
Namaste,
Sherri
Wow you actually studied with them. What an experience!! Yes, they intensify the mundane. I’m so happy you liked the shit. I was afraid people would find in offensive, buut I just followed the monks direction!
Nicole
Nicole this is a wonderful write. wishing you all the best in the days ahead.
Thanks for stopping by!
Alex, thanks so much for stopping by! You are so right attitude is everyhing with this.
And it’s something I have to be constantly aware of. Because Mr Negativity can easily creep in.
You said this was your first time visiting. How did you learn of me? Nicole
I like Dr.Dyer too Nicole
Hi Nicole,
Thanks for stopping by my blog. There really is no secret to 10thousand hits. Just write from your heart, and follow other blogs.
You have a good attitude…stay positive, it doesn’t cure MS, but it sure helps.
Cheers
I can do that!
Awesome, comical, inspiring, enlightening!! I really LOVE how you allow your words to offer a glimpse into the essence of Nicole. So freaking cool!!
Thanks for the support. It all really helps.
Nicole
I got it from a monk!
Great post! I decided about 3 months after my diagnosis, that I was meant to turn this adverse situation into something positive and try to help others. Please check out my blog for more information! http://optimisticwithms.blogspot.com/
Looks like you are doing exactly that!