[Blessings2You]

Now tomorrow or the next day, somebody might say "Look on the bright side" and I might bite that person.

But today I'm trying really hard to focus on what's good, not what stinks. For example, I've been kinda feeling sorry for myself because I haven't been able to sleep in the bed for maybe three weeks. Well, I'm trying to focus on how grateful I am to have a big old recliner that I CAN sleep in, with my specific arrangement of pillows and such.

It's a small step, but it's a step.

[missj]

it is NOT a small step. it is a BIG step. Trying to see things from a different perspective is sometimes the only thing we can do to shift things. Don't minimize it. Be grateful for that ability.. Yay B2Y

[Aarcyn]

@B2U. remind me again, why can't you sleep in a bed?

[SallyC]

I used to be so bad at that, Blessings, but I'm getting better.. You're an inspiration.

[karousel]

B2Y sometimes all you can do is look on the bright side. But sometimes you may need to have a good cry or rant first. Finding the good is always much harder than the bad. Good for you for trying and keep at it.

[Blessings2You]

Aarcyn, it's a combination of MS, arthritis, and back problems (lately). Usually I can sleep in the bed once or twice a week, but I've been having back muscle problems.

One thing I've learned is that I can tell me to look on the bright side and be MUCH more receptive to the concept than if somebody ELSE suggests that I do so.

[kicker]

There's a bright side?????

I'm really cranky this morning. An e-mail awaited me from my big sister. Though in November I told my cousin I couldn't really take company after all the holidays, everyone's birthday (including my own), there was a part of NO she didn't understand (apparently I was just being a big silly) and they chose a date and are coming anyway. They want to see me and cousin J. so my sister and my brother both want to come too. Nobody felt obliged to see me before the MS DX. Apparently I'm having a party, like it or not!!! I refuse to pay for dinner at an expensive restaurant for 10 like last year. I refuse. It wasn't very good either. Yes, yes I know. Aren't I lucky to have family? Right now it just feels like a movie with Chevy Chase about to happen. My sister has a really bad cold now, but can make it. Both my legs and my head are throbbing (but as my cleaning lady told me yesterday I look so good) and I'm sleeping poorly and taking pain meds., but she has a COLD! I know I am lucky and have good, loving relatives but JEEZ!

Anyway, I'm just really cranky right now, In many ways I know I'm lucky but I'm really cranky right now.

[kicker]

B2Y, I get tired of being grateful for stuff I once didn't have to be grateful for. Wide paths in my house to use for My WHEELCHAIR because of MS. KWIM?

[Blessings2You]

I do know what you mean, Kicker. Maybe not exactly, but close enough. In your situation, I (theoretically) would be grateful I had family BUT not let them in. I'm serious. I'd tell them, "You aren't taking me seriously, I have medical problems that make it very difficult and exhausting for me to have company, and I'm not going to do it. Be mad if you want to." Tough love? Whatever. Don't let them bully you in the name of "what's good for you".

Anyway, YES, I also get tired of that...I refer to it as "Oh goodie, at least I didn't break BOTH legs!"

Once I saw a poster: "Why do blessings always have to come in disguise?" Wish I'd bought it, never could find it again. I think it applies here.

[karilann]

Would a little medicinal marijuana help you sleep? When I have trouble sleeping due to pain, a little klonopin does the trick. I don't think it takes away the pain, it just enables me to sleep through it.