As I write this, it’s just a few minutes shy of Monday. By the time you read this, it’ll likely be Monday morning. A new week. What would you like this week to bring? How often do you set an intention for yourself? And how often do you then follow through and act on it to make it manifest? Let’s try that this week. Decide what you’d like to be true of you this time next Monday. One symptom gone? More energy? A more generative way of being in the world? A better haircut?...
Reality is a funny thing. You see, most people believe in it. They believe in the R-E-A-L of the word. They believe what they’re experiencing in their life is beyond their control. They believe, with the passion inspired by any dogma, that what they’re experiencing is REAL. Or even worse, TRUE! This is not a post about quantum physics, nor is it some philosophical discussion. What I care about is giving you something useful to consider as you move through your life, negotiating the sometimes tricky terrain of Multiple Sclerosis, or any chronic illness....
This morning was Open Music Class at my four-year-old daughter’s school. I walked into the class five minutes late, holding my daughter’s hand on my left and my cell on my right, thinking I’d text or tweet if it should get boring. To my surprise, I walked in to find all the parents and kids organized in a circle, taking turns coming up with some bodily motion like clapping their hands or tapping their shoulders that the rest of the circle could repeat to the sound of the beat. After that, the music teacher...
Someone posted this photo on the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Facebook page yesterday. I don’t know who created it or who published it. Aesthetically, it’s a beautiful image. As a professional photographer for the last ten years, I admire the skillful lighting and the woman’s naked fetal-position pose to express her vulnerability. But note the writing at the bottom, that reads “When you have Multiple Sclerosis you never know what will expire next.” All over the woman’s body are stamps that say “use by”. Really? Because I almost cannot believe anyone would spend their...
It’s not your fault, but you are responsible. You’re not to blame, but you are responsible. Don’t be ashamed. Do be responsible. Sometimes people think I’m blaming them for being sick. They are mistaken. I don’t assign blame but I do require responsibility. There is no position more empowering than taking responsibility for your life and your illness. It’s the first step in getting well. When you play the victim role, you have no control. If you’re a victim, things can only happen to you. When you take responsibility, you literally become response-able. You...
I hear many people refer to MS as a monster, a mysterious entity that they have no control over, an evil creature who comes to attack them at will. Is this a bad story to be telling yourself? That depends. There are two ways to be in this story of the MS monster: one of them is useful, the other is not. If you’re the hero on your journey, the myth of the monster is a central and very important element of your story. The monster is your challenge, and in order to receive...
“Maybe that’s what adversity gives us – a sense of self. A sense of our own power.” – Aimee Mullins I urge you to take twenty minutes to watch this very inspiring speech by Aimee Mullins, who was born without shinbones and shows how this challenge opened the door to her own potential. It’s a long video as far as internet viewing goes, but it’s well worth it. As you watch, ask yourself what kind of words you’ve been using to define yourself. Want more inspiration? Read Take Responsibility or go back to the...
