I've lost the ability to work and play outdoors when it's warm. We planted grass over my 12x30 foot veggie garden several years ago. I could get it planted in the springtime but as soon as it got warm it would get overgrown with weeds since I couldn't go outside to maintain it. Now I doubt I could even get it planted!

I've lost the ability to multi-task, and even the ability to do any task at all if I'm in veg mode!

My high energy is a thing of the past as well. Being a type A+ personality living in the body of a 90yo woman is frustrating.

It's all I can do to make it into the office four days a week; that's hard for a workaholic! I've lost my patience for chronic whiners. (Especially if it's coming straight at me and I can't get out of the way!)

I think about the possibility of SSDI and it makes me sad. I haven't been in the workforce for that many years. I was hoping to work into my 80's like my Dad did.

I went through a period of feeling very vulnerable and helpless for a few years, but I gained something new and unfamiliar to me: a backbone!! I learned to stand up for myself and for issues I consider unfair. That can be painful at times but it always seems to net good results so I'm assuming I only use it at appropriate times. That has improved my marriage a lot, to name just one benefit.

I have an even greater appreciation for my family and friends. Living with this, and losing several of my loved ones over the years, I try to not sweat the small stuff anymore and focus on the important things.

I realize that I'm imperfect and that's ok, I don't need to be the best at everything. My personal best is ok by me.