Excuses
We all have excuses. I know at the end of my life I will regret the things I did not have the courage to try - not those things which I tried, but failed. At least for the failures, I will know how it turned out. For all the others, I will just leave this world wondering.
Multiple sclerosis can provide anyone with plenty of excuses. It's an excuse not to exercise because of the heat. It's an excuse not to try something new because of the stress it would involve. It's an excuse to not live life to its full potential. That, to me, is the ultimate power of the disease.
It's important to identify those things which are in your control and those that are not. Much of this disease is out our control. It starts with being diagnosed and continues throughout our lives with various symptoms that appear. The good news is that there are things that are within our control: Taking care of one's self; Working with a neurologist; Finding treatment regimens which work, etc. Those are my focus.
I refuse to let this disease have any more power over me than possible. Yes, it dictates many of the decisions in my life. But I am still the "decider" as a not-so-wise man once said.
Comments
I tell ya, every month I regret trying something. Usually, its something I tried the previous month and ended up in the emergency room. Ya think I would learn. Perhaps, I'll not remember trying and failing at the end of my life. And even better, I'll remember trying but not failing! :D
Posted by: mdmhvonpa | September 25, 2007 03:05 PM
I enjoy reading your blog on MS (diagnosed 4 years ago). In reading I realized that you were right about the power of MS. It has power because it prevents you from doing something that you would otherwise do, by providing a convenient excuse if it is at all uncomfortable. I think that is very insightful and just wanted to say thanks for sharing the insight, it's valuable. The other insight was a couple of posts back when you noted that people in their prime get the disease and that it is different from other age related diseases in that it changes the perspective of people at a different time in life. I was thinking the other day and trying to figure out what about it changed me so much that I feel a little alienated from other folks my age and can identify more with older people. I think you expressed it well. Thanks for that. I look forward to other gems while reading your blog.
Posted by: Troy | September 25, 2007 11:06 PM
Thanks for the kind words - I'm glad you find the site useful. Please let me know if there are specific topics which you'd be interested in seeing.
Posted by: J | September 26, 2007 04:28 PM