I found Pollyanna talking to one of our buddies just a few minutes ago. So I decided to bring her back!

I don't see Pollyanna as someone who lives with fru fru and la de la da! I see Pollyanna looking for the positives in the bad.

Find the blessings in the chaos of this disease, specifically your disease or your mate's. Find the things this disease has brought into your life.

I know you are groaning and rolling your eyes, because it has caused a lot of pain and made you change a lot of things. But strain....look for the good stuff, the unexpected things. These blessings will help you deal with the bad stuff.

I found a strength in my family I truly didn't know existed! When Mommy got sick, why they ALL pitched in!

I believe my children have matured in a wonderful way because of my MS.

I found a wonderful group of friends on the internet due to my MS....people who I never would have met otherwise!

I found a wonderful group of people who cheered me on, when I needed it. On the net and at home.

I LOVE to work with special children, and because I don't "look" like all the other teachers, I think it makes me more approachable.

I certainly have read so many more books in a year, than I had in 10! I had forgotten how wonderful books were!

I FINALLY redid my bedroom so it is me because of my last yuck attack, I was really sick of looking at someone else's wall and my boxes!!!

Canes! OMgoodness, who would ever guess how much I love canes! I almost have more canes than shoes!!!



Your Turn!

With my tremors I make great milkshakes!!

How's that??

I wish I could be more positive to contribute to this thread, but every time I try to respond it comes out like I'm faking.

Ok . . . I'll try again.

- I appreciate how good I feel when things aren't AS bad.

- At times it's good to be numb in some places.

- I have a good excuse to not have to participate in my daughter's team bottle drives or to exercise.

- After stock-piling for several weeks, I can lose 5 pounds in one sitting.

- My doctor believes everything I tell him.

Maybe someone else is having a better day. Great idea, bird.

Cherie

Oh my word, she's back! LOL.

I have been a single mom since my DDs were 1 and 2 and have always had to work outside of the home. I had a goal that by the time they were teens I wanted to be home more as I felt that as teens they would need guidance in a different way. (I had heard far too many stories of what others teens were doing in their homes while they were at work.) Well, it didn't look like that was going to happen, even though I took a job with more flexibility. However, MS has given me the opportunity to be home with them. Maybe not the way I planned, but I am here for them.

MS is teaching me to slow down. No more going 90 miles an hour - I only go 80. LOL. Not really, I'm slower than that.

MS has taught me who my real friends are; who have stuck with me during my rough times and understand what I go through.

MS has brought many new friends in to my life that have become so important to me and I enjoy them tremendously. That includes all of you.

MS is teaching me to laugh at some of the crazy things going on with my body. Don't get me wrong, I don't laugh all the time just some times this stuff is so silly and bizarre I can't help but laugh.

MS has taught DDs that Mom is human! Supermom went out the window a couple of years ago and Humanmom stepped in and is here to stay. (I don't want to go back to being Supermom.)

AZ, the power to laugh is a BIG BLESSING!!! I want one of your milkshakes!

Cherie, this exercise IS NOT easy....it is a thought provoking one, and makes us think outside the box....which is really hard to do when you have a crummy disease. BUT I think you did a GREAT job with your answers!

Tkrk, you go girl!

Bird - You are right, this is very thought provoking. Sometimes it is hard to see the good in the mist of misery. However, it can be very therapeutic to see the positive changes that MS has made in our lives however small they may be.

Because of MS I have started to paint again and am loving every painting that I do.

Because of MS, I have learned that everyone must have a plan b, c, d, etc. because life is unpredictable. DDs have learned this as well and have become more independent due to the unpredictability.

Because of MS, I have been able to help out family members more than I did when I was working. Little things such as watching my niece and nephews, visiting more with my parents, etc.

Next . . . .

BTW - Cherie you did a great job! Despite not having a good day, you were able to see positives in things.

I think the hardest lesson of all for me to learn has been that I am not in control of anything. And as I feel better I keep forgetting that....but I know that I react differently to some situations because of it!

I had a situation in a classroom with another adult not too long ago and I sat back, watched the kids and realized it didn't effect them, it only was making me crazy....so I readjusted my thinking and let this adult carry on....2 years ago I probably would have made a stink and been miserable!!!

Since I 'done so good' the first time , I think I'll try again :

- My kids know I am always home, so this might encourage them to stay out of too much trouble.

- I can nap any time I want.

- I don't have a boss breathing down my neck.

- I can catch a nice tan early in the season, before it gets too hot.

- My analytical skills stay honed, while trying to decifer all the research and interpretations.

- I get to park close to the shops.

- I can usually shop when there is no one else in the stores.

Cherie