“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” – John Wooden

Isn’t that the story of all of our lives, MS or not? Well, at least it’s a part of my everyday struggle. Especially when it seemingly becomes easier to list the things I can’t do. But once again my friends, perception is everything. Sometimes we have to tweak our assessment in order to move on in these never ending new normals of ours.

I have learned the lesson of embracing what is. Not to resist it simply because it is already done. Quite frankly I have fought with every new symptom that has come my way. At first, I was fortunate enough to only require a cane. At the time, I thought it was a death sentence. I’d rather trip and fall instead of using that dreaded cane. Now that I need to use a scooter, I long for those days of canes and walkers. I wish I had enjoyed it while I could. The transition probably would have been a lot less stressful.

Now several years into this new normal, I’m still riding the wave I mentioned last week. It’s unfortunate that I can’t live like the able-bodied. But the fact is I’m not. Sometimes I resent that and sometimes I’m okay with it. It just depends.

But what I will not allow is for my restricted status including the fatigue, limited mobility and memory loss to get in the way of what I can do! Because if I do then MS is winning and we can’t have that.

Thanks Mr. Wooden and rest in peace.