Embrace Your Destiny: Everyday is Different

Everyday I feel a little bit different. Early in the week, I usually have great energy. I feel like cooking, blogging, or picking up trash on our pick up route. Then there are days at the end of the week when my legs feel tired and I'm just a little bit draggy. I will go out walking, but it's usually an effort. Those days, if I get very much done other than the regular yoga, gym, piano practice and meal preparation, it's just an effort. 

Then there are the days when I can tell I'm not right. That happened when I came back from my yoga retreat. I was rested, but then I developed a cough. After going to the doctor, I learned that I had allergies. I was like so many other people this year that were impacted by the strange weather and the tsunami of pollen that hit BAM. It sure locked into my immune system and wouldn't let go. I felt bad for about a month. I believe that the MS compromises the immune system and lingers making total recovery take longer. 


A lesson I learned from that experience is that feeling good is not a given. When I have good energy, no aches or pains, no coughing or sneezing, and am motivated to do things, that is something to be joyful about. Simply put, I will try not to take the good stretches for granted.  I've learned that taking care of myself requires being vigilant all the time.

Several things I intend to start doing better are to get my regular eight hours of sleep; do a better job of scheduling so late nights don't hit back to back; enjoy my soaking tub bath; listen to my body say "slow down". A usual evening starts early at our house. If I can make time for a soaking tub bath with essential oil and epson salt, I'll start the process in time to cool down before fixing dinner. The soaking tub is my time for me. After dinner, we start winding down for bed by 7:45 or 8:00 pm. 

I've also concluded that acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic adjustment are needed very month. On the other hand, yoga and/or strength training, and proper diet are vital everyday. I like feeling strong and good. If I can just do what I know to be the right combination, I would hope to stay well. Feeling good is not to be taken for granted and seems to require constant vigilance.