Embrace Your Destiny: Find Your Mantra

Relaxing after a big walk

 “You’ve Got This!” I had picked up a small interesting looking book on the counter of Elements Spa in Brevard and it flipped open to this mantra. I was struck by its clear message. I thought, “Wonder if I was meant to see this? Why did it open at this page? Wonder what other mantras are in this little book? Maybe I’ll buy it.” I didn’t have time to peruse it further but noted the title was Mantras for Strong Women.

I tucked this mantra away in my mind as I melted into the pleasure of the warm massaging migun bed. The spa music and whimsical ceiling lights were relaxing and intoxicating. “You’ve got this,” kept coursing through my mind attaching to images and possibilities in this phrase. When Sarah started taking my pulses and talking, clarity struck me. The mish-mash of disconnected ideas had taken shape.  “I need to write about this experience.”

Embrace Your Destiny: Be Audacious

Doing yoga on a cruise

“Ms. Lucifer, we’ve been trying to get along for twenty years. You were the audacious one during the first half of our journey. You were bold. You ruled me completely. I’ll admit that you were ever present in my mind. I didn’t like you then. Now, I feel like I have come to terms with you in the second half of our acquaintance. Now, I am being audacious in dealing with you. Don't you like this cool word, "audacious" that I learned in Toastmasters? Toastmasters stimulates my audacity. I’m definitely keeping you at bay.”

Ms. Lucifer was quick to note some setbacks. She said, “As I I recall, being audacious has gotten you into trouble. Aren’t I right? 

Embrace Your Destiny: What Is Your Goal?

I needed some inspiration to help me zero in on this blog post. My reader  blog comments did the trick. Inspiration washed over me! Thank you for taking time to comment.

What I strive for everyday is to feel good, happy and motivated. Sometimes before breakfast and hot yoga, I notice aches, pains and worries. Getting locked into my daily routine of yoga, weight work, piano practice, and healthy eating fixes all my issues. 

During this pandemic, it’s more important than ever to remain positive.  A special edition on Multiple Sclerosis of Brain and Life Magazine came in the mail recently. It was packed full of information about the disease that validated everything I do. Furthermore, since I have the Primary Progressive type of MS, I should be slowly deteriorating. My husband Donnie agrees with me that I’m not. i feel better, walk better, have more energy and can do more than when I started this journey twenty years ago.

Embrace Your Destiny: You've Got to Want IT

I wanted IT (normal walking) too much. I did too much. Sure it hurts, but it's suppose too. Listening to my body and my doctor is challenging for me. But, my body brought me to my knees. I acknowledge that I was wrong. The body can humble you better than anything or anybody. When the body says “Enough” that’s pretty much it, at least for me. I was stopped in my tracks. 

Walker, walker, I didn’t plan to bring you back to life so quickly.

Walker, walker, I am keeping you close again, 

You are my best friend again.

I want to leave you sitting, but that’s not safe.

I’d like to ignore the pain and move on strongly. 

But, that's stupid. I’ll keep you close until I’m sure I am stable again.

Embrace Your Destiny: Ode to Walker

Walker, Walker, I love you Walker.

You give me freedom,

You give me joy and power to walk.

When a step hurts, you support and comfort.

You are steadfast, always to the rescue.

Walker, Walker, you are ever humble,

Sturdy, strong and uncomplaining.

You go into mud. You navigate gravel.

Ka-plunk, ka-plunk, plop-plop,, schhhhh,schhhhhhh

You glide on the hardwood like a laser.

Walker, Walker, I won’t need you much longer.

Everyday, I exercises in my chair. building strength, flexibility.

Everyday I walk, squat, bend and extend that bum leg

You stay close, but out of the way.

You nurture my determination and independence.