Hello everyone.....I can't answer in any particular order b/c somewhere along the way we lost that form. I noticed that Buddhism is the prevailing wisdom most respondents live by. At age 75, I still don't know what to believe and I guess I believe in what has given me the greatest comfort in the past.
I think ME has been a special gift to each of us. It has certainly made life harder, but perhaps not as hard as some illnesses have to those who are afflicted. we owe it to ourselves and whatever our beliefs may be to think and learn from our illness. Learn as much as possible....and realize that the days of a career and getting ahead are behind us. The bigger question is what is in front? I know for sure that I never would have become the woman I am today. I like her better to be perfectly honest....and she has given far more than the woman I would have stayed as if I had remained healthy. I'm just so thankful for what there is that gives me joy....little things that wouldn't have occurred to me in an easier life.
I have found that volunteer work was the way forward for me. Intense, all consuming work that was so needed in the early days (no internet). Even the NIH had no information on my conditions (I have a few, but 3 are major neurological difficulties). I have found peace within this turmoil and have given tremendously (of myself). I can meet death at anytime and know that I did my best.
I have no doubt that I'll have more suffering before this life ends, but I know too many people who have really suffered for all of their lives to be discouraged and feel sorry for myself. Not everyday is an "up" day, I don't mean that....and yes, I'm in a down period at the moment thanks to a bad fall at the beginning of January.
I have far less energy now than I did in my other recoveries. Perhaps this is as far as I'll go.....I don't let it worry me any longer. I can only do my best and be my best. I hope that's enough. Yours, Lenora
As I've said before, my very caring neurologist recently unexpectedly died....I'll never be able to replace him and I know it. I have one-3 meds that I really need, apart from that I'm ready to give it a go with fewer doctors and constant appointments. After all, we don't live forever. No, I don't look at that as suicide, it's just a fact of life.
Be a good and kind person....that's something we can all do and it cost exactly nothing. Make everyone else's life as easy as possible.....pray for those who need/want it and send it into the universe if they don't. It's a positive thing. "Give until it hurts" does not apply to just donations. I take it to mean giving of oneself. It was easier years ago to find groups that needed help, I'll say that....but many are still out there and it will give you great joy. Our family lives by this simple rule....even our working daughters. If people take advantage, that's their responsibility not yours. I just freely give of myself and have found it most rewarding. Yes, it's draining but is also uplifting.