Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Living within my changing limitations.

Is working out good for me, I'm not missing out and my life isn't dull. Finding I'm happier and healthier by not pushing past the point of what I'm capable of, because the price is too high. Learning I have more time then energy, pushing pass the pain to get a task done sooner only makes my recovery time so much longer ranging from weeks to as long as a month instead hours to a day maybe two. By doing what I'm able to knowing I'll get done what needs doing. Having stopped living on a time table I'll admit was of my own making. Kind of silly with limitations that are  changing to set time table's, when I'm not sure what I'll have to work with the next day, finding a balance isn't always easy, if I don't at least try I'll end up on a the M.S. roller coaster ride, that's hard to get off. So I have fun by being more able to do most of things I enjoy. Within the progression of M.S. and getting older, I'll push a bit too far to fast and pay for it. The difference now is I don't get back on the M.S. roller coaster, by slowing down a bit and learning what my new limitations are and begin working within them. Doing this is really helping me enjoy the little things that turn out to be the big things. The things I can't do are increasing, however what I'm able to do with what I got to work with, is growing by learning new and different ways of doing things, it will take longer I've got the time, to learn how to use the energy I have more efficiently. Makes more room for the fun stuff I love doing. Yes M.S. has slowed me down faster than just getting older has that's true enough, but it's also showed me wonders I would have never seen. Like watching a bud growing into a flower. Seeing a baby bird that failed to fly and watching as other birds bring it food showing it how to hop up into to a bush for safety at night, to seeing it take it's first flight, hearing birds seemly praise it as it flies into the tree to join them. Little things that I would have never had the time to notice, if not for M.S. my focus has changed from what has been taken from me, to all I've gained in spite of what M.S. and aging have taken from me. So far life been a learning experience of all I don't know and trust me that's a heck of a lot! Are all the things I've learned important Nope most just make me smile.

It's not about what I can't do anymore
It's about what I'm able to do with what I have to work with

Before I end yes, there always is a balance of good verses bad and light and dark. For  me I take the lessons learned from both and find my balance. 
     

7 comments:

Joan Laufnick said...

Mary, I am the same with my arthritis and fibro. You learn that the small things are really the most important. You wrote it most eloquently.

Unknown said...

You are so right. It took me awhile to figure out one good day that I pay for the next few days. I found I am eating different and I learned the sky won't fall if the dishes aren't done. Glad you found a sense of balance. Keep learning new things, it's fun.

Mary Mennenga said...

Joan, Thank you, so often people lose sight of all the little things, glad to hear I'm not alone.

Mary Mennenga said...

Nancy, The sky won't fall is so true. You bet, I think life would be a bit dull if not for learning. Thank you for stopping by and for your comment.

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

You are so right...we live anyway with MS...I adjust to rest

Karen said...

I agree with you Mary. I look forward to doing the things I still can, and try not to dwell on my losses.

Mary Mennenga said...

Thank's Kim @ Stuff Glad you stopped by and for commenting also. Having patience with ones self, is learned behavior, still working on that one!:) Have a good week.

Karen, It's hard not to dwell on losses. Had one of those putting twist caps on bottles,took weeks to figure out to hold the cap and twist the bottle. Necessity is the Mother of innovation twist the big and hold the little part, one of my many duh ah moments!

Thank's, for stopping by and commenting too. Enjoy the little things