Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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almairis 12/04/2011

Being positive is very beneficial because it reduces stress and attracts people. We will always gravitate towards positive people. When we feel sick we want someone to cheer us up not someone that comes to complaint. God knows we have plenty ourselves. Being positive will help us achieve our goals. Our goals can be getting an appointment, making coffee or changing the channels. Finishing a puzzle. When I go somewhere I make it a goal to smile , be nice to people and maybe remember their name, even the nasty ones because after all I don' know what they are dealing with. It has always paid off. When we are positive we can also be fun to be with, people will practically force you to go places with them because you are pleasant company. I'm divorced but when I go to the mall on my wc I say hello and smile to those who look at me and I get the same back. I don't stay home to hide the chair, I LIVE . I have to carry my pain, my diapers, pills. My life isn't over , It's just different and is going to become what I choose it to be. Bitter and alone or happy with company.

deleted_user 12/04/2011

Great Post!! I agree ONE THOUSAND PERCENT!!! And I'm not just saying that =))

deleted_user 12/04/2011

In the end, the pessimist may be proven correct... but the optimist had time getting there!

dxat59 12/04/2011

I try to be positive but I don't think it's my job to judge or punish the pessimist. After all, I don't walk in their shoes and I don't want to be judged or punished either. That's not what I come here for. Not all are at a point in their journey with MS where they are able to go out and "live" any more. I'm sure that when and if I get to that point, my viewpoint might change too. We should never become complacent or overconfident. Remember, we too were happy and healthy at one point, we could just as easily progress to PPMS and then how positive would any of us be? This isn't meant to start an argument just something to think about as it is something any of us could face.

deleted_user 12/04/2011

If you don't have optimism and hope, you have nothing. At the beginning of this disease, my doctor told me that I have MS, MS DOES NOT have me. I get to choose what I want to do with my MS. And after saying that, he told me that every night, before going to bed, to keep a journal and write down ONE positive thing that happened during the day. That has helped me so much to simply focus on what is good in my life.

almairis 12/04/2011

When my daughter was diagnosed I died. Then I tought her how to be independent, we got her the dog, wc walker and cane and motivated her to get involved with the MS support group. Who would have told me a year later I would be using all of that and worst than her. When I read posts I do it from both sides of the fence. When she cries I suffer for her, at least I did it all had kids, job, husband, etc . She was only 17 when dx. She was only getting ready for life, now she chose not to have any. That could be depressing but everyday we have to work on that. I love being here, it helps a lot. Thank you all.

deleted_user 12/04/2011

Let's just say I am cautiously optimistic. I tend toward the pessimistic side but NEVER with others. Life is what it is and there are many many times you don't have to like it but if I have learned anything you can't change fate. I don't deal with it well (more often than is in my comfort zone) but again it is what it is and as for being kind to others and pushing forward - is there really any other choice? Just every once in awhile I would love it if someone could walk a few steps in my shoes but then again one never knows what is going on with someone else since we all have great facades we put up. Don't judge lest you be judged!

baywatchkelly 12/04/2011

Love your post and your choice to LIVE life anyway!!!! Despite our stinky situations. Bless you.

koda1 12/04/2011

Thank you thank you, Being positive is the ONLY thing that gets me up, as someone else has said you need to have optimism ...and hope (I think it was atmhurley) anyway I am so glad you posted that
Warm hugs for you

AusSue 12/04/2011

I love this post & the varied responses too. Iagree with atmhurley and auntilyns responses esp.

I do try to find something to be positive/happy about each day no matter gow bad I am feelkiing, struggling etc.

deleted_user 12/04/2011

I agree that attempting to be positive makes everyday more enjoyable. When I feel really cruddy I try to dress a little nicer and look my best. It helps when people compliment you. Mean people are no fun and I too will smile at them because their life must be worse then mine (at least I tell myself that). Your comment "When we feel sick we want someone to cheer us up not someone that comes to complaint." seems true for people who are typically positive, however, for some people that are negative I think they thrive on other people that are negative. Like the saying "misery loves company". Last I will say this hopefully without offending anyone and only speaking for myself. I found God after my MS and it has made a world of difference for me. Doctors cant cure me but putting my faith in God to heal me makes life worth living.

deleted_user 12/04/2011

I completely agree. Life with MS is different but we have to be thankful for the little things. We have to take advantage of every day and live it to the fullest. Today I ran. Because I can. And I know that tomorrow I may not be able to. I feel like at least I have a warning of the possible roads ahead. Luckier than the workaholic that gets in a car wreck and can no longer walk. Never saw it coming. Never knew to be thankful for each day walking, running, having a memory, etc. I feel lucky because I got hit upside the head early enough in life with MS that I can truly appreciate each day for what it is. I am not happy that I have this stupid disease but I am happy that it made me into a more appreciative person. Appreciative of those around me and of my own achievements. I completely agree life is what we choose it to be. Thank you so much for saying that and reminding me once again to be thankful for what I have and what I can do and who I am!

deleted_user 12/05/2011

"A man's life is what his mind makes of it" - Markus Aralius.

We can't always choose our path, but we CAN chose what scenery we look at along the way. (not a quote, just my thoughts)

hmmmingbird 12/06/2011

What a bunch of Pollyannas! I'm depressed this morning and i don't mean to offend, but I probably just did.

Let me give you a different perspective.

We all have an incurable disease, never going to get better, is going to get worse, don't know what symptoms we'll have day-to-day, or how bad they'll be, balance is off so I do wall walking, pain for me is near constant now, have to take shots and lots of pills, walking "normally" is out of the question, discovered last week that I couldn't run.

Oh yeah, I have SO much to be thankful for. Bah humbug.

deleted_user 12/06/2011

Staying positive is crucial to this disease. I realize that it brings negative things, but think about the positive things it has done for you. It caused me to change my whole diet(for the better), made me realize who my true friends were, and brought me closer to the people that are real friends. It allowed me to see people for who they really are. I am not grateful for MS, but I am grateful for the lessons it has taught me. I believe it made me a better person. Would I get rid of it in a heartbeat? Oh yeah, but if there was a cure tomorrow would I forget the lessons that I have learned? Absolutely not.

deleted_user 12/06/2011

Such a great post, with a positive outlook!!! This really just made my day... Hope all is well with you!!

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