I know all of you can relate to this, either through your own experience or simple empathy and understanding.

Nothing, especially our health circumstances, ever stays the same for very long. Meeting the ever changing challenges, most of us several times a day, is exhausting in itself. So I ask you, why do we continue to take on new projects? We know and understand we may be chronically ill, totally disabled, on the diagnosis journey and feeling like crap, so "what are we thinking?"

I was not well enough to even attempt to travel to Disney World with my family and that ended up being a very wise decision, which I do not regret in the least. My neurological disease has now progressed to involve my bladder and now my diaphragm and lungs to the point they want to put me on oxygen.

In the midst of all of this, I have been assisting a young neighbor woman who I've known since she was 8 years old, in writing and publishing her first book. This book demonstrates she has wisdom beyond her years. The book deals with one's discovery and journey of belief and faith in their life from the point of view of a young adult. I enjoy every moment working with her, especially watching her progress each day on this project. I am humbled she is honoring me with assisting her through this process and as a resource. This is a very exciting and yes, an exhausting process for me, but well worth the investment on my part.

The big benefit to me is while working on her book and implementing her ideas, I am so focused on the process working on the computer I don't feel the pain or think of anything else. It is a true escape from reality for me. Since I just went through this entire process, being able to be of service to her is making a tremendous difference. She explains what she would like to see and I make it happen. Luckily, someone else is doing the editing of her written material, I just clean it up and put it in format for eventual submission to publish. I find it rewarding and exciting to share my abilities as a service to her.

I know I will only be able to keep up this pace for only so long, but wow, what fun this is, pushing the envelop and for someone else's benefit. For the short time we are here, to be of benefit and service to another with no expectation of return or reward is a tremendous feeling of freedom.

What are we thinking to take on projects like this, regardless our personal circumstances? Is there some need to always do something and in some way to add value to our lives? Like any other time in life it is directly related to being of service to others. Make every moment count. You never know what kind of difference you will make in someone else's life.

Craig sweety, you are something special...enough said..

How true....how true.

And you, dear Craig, have made a difference in many lives right here on this forum.

I appreciate your insight and wisdom. I appreciate your sense of humor. So much so that I know you won't be offended when I tell you I had to read your thread title several times to realize that it did not say "sneezing" but "squeezing"!! I wondered if you were dealing with continuous sneezing.......but now I know you're not. And I'm glad about that.

You're loved very much here!

[QUOTE=

I know I will only be able to keep up this pace for only so long, but wow, what fun this is, pushing the envelop and for someone else's benefit. For the short time we are here, to be of benefit and service to another with no expectation of return or reward is a tremendous feeling of freedom.

What are we thinking to take on projects like this, regardless our personal circumstances? Is there some need to always do something and in some way to add value to our lives? Like any other time in life it is directly related to being of service to others. Make every moment count. You never know what kind of difference you will make in someone else's life.[/QUOTE]

NNC- I get it!

I think the size of the project is not important. The important thing is that when we do this, we give and receive at the same time.

I have been coaching students for 5 years now and know that there is no way they can ever know how rewarding it is for me.

Not quite the same thing, but I started couponing a few months back. I follow a couple of blogs and coupon matchup sites. I sit and cut out only the coupons I will be using for that shopping trip.

I had worked for 25 years, and somehow, I feel this is my way of contributing to the family budget. Like I am helping again, I can do it at my own pace, and it is a wonderful feeling to get $100 worth of groceries for only $15 or $20

It does help me to focus less on my disease, and more on what 'deal' can I find. I would have to say that it is my hobby!

Yep!!! couponer here too!! I do have a parttime job as well, now. No matter what the level of disability is, there is always a reason to contribute and get your mind off of your health issues!! Start a blog inspiring others, read a book to a child, call a friend in need and worry about their problems instead of your own, and on and on. reading others concerns here and answering their questions has to be fufilling to the others here as well....

I agree. Especially with the blog to help and inspire others. Has everyone here read Craig's blog? It's absolutely wonderful and has inspired me beyond what any other blog/self-help book/inspirational piece has ever done. I'd encourage everyone to read it.....several times.

Craig...you're a wonder...you keep on going despite all of your health issues...you inspire me!!

Your hope should be endless;
Courage is your only option;
and Miracles do happen!



A friend posted this in FB and I thought of you Craig.