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| Pooh and Piglet |
Happiness and feeling good are my goals in life. Having MS or any chronic illness is a complicating factor, but it doesn’t rob me of the potential. Life with MS is a journey and it’s full of obstacles. Any one issue can detour or slow down my progress, for a minute. But, then I remember that I’m in charge of me so, I’m responsible for my happiness.
I’m a fan of Winnie the Pooh of the Hundred Acre Woods. Recently, I read The Tao of Pooh, by Benjamin Hoff. There’s a lot of wisdom to be gleaned from this simple minded bear. He views the world as a happy, fun place to be. When things aren’t going quite right, his honey pot solves his problems. I aspire to be more Pooh- like.
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| Family makes me happy |
Pooh says what really makes him happy is being with Christopher Robin and having Piglet close by while walking and singing in the woods. Of course, having his full honey pot is a given. His happiness is all about being with friends and doing fun things. I think Pooh has it right. Doing normal, routine things with friends and accomplishing something as well works for me.
I can deal with a set-back like falling and getting hurt. It’s the little, or big irritations that bother me. Unlike Pooh, I let these aggravations rule my feelings and behavior, sometimes. The internet is a good example. I feel like smashing it sometimes. All those updates on devices and programs that are meant to improve the experience, mostly confuse me. Occasionally, I will discover something I can use. I’m only grateful if, and when I figure out how to do something easier and quicker. Then, I might be thrilled.
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| Walking makes me happy |
Walking is my release valve. Pooh gently reminds us to be grateful for little stuff. I practice feeling gratitude a lot. I appreciate friends who let me vent my anger. After a good walk and talk, I always feel better.
Pooh enjoys the process of living. I agree, and I try to trust the process. It’s easy to be positive when there are so many great people encouraging me. Consequently, I enjoy the journey, most of the time.
The Tao of Pooh, says we are continually crafting ourselves like an artist carves a block of wood. What a great idea! It’s liberating to know that it’s okay for me to be me. I’m a work in progress! I do some things very well. For everything else, I have friends and family. My team, my “People” keep my body running well and take care of all the other things that cause me stress. Please understand, I practice humility all the time. I rarely have to do stuff I don’t like to do. People want to help me and I’m grateful.
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| Hot Yoga with friends |
Having MS is not an excuse for not being happy. It’s hard to accept that I can no longer do some things I use to do gracefully. There are physical, mental and emotional things that just cause me too much stress to do. I use to be that person who could pick up the slack and do wonderful things, but not anymore. Some things don’t fit into my happiness quotient. My bucket list for happiness is full of ordinary routine day to day activities.
My Honey Pot List
Grandchildren, priceless!
Walking in my neighborhood- Eating lunch in the sunny morning room
- Doing hot yoga with friends at the studio
- Exercising
- Bathing in my soaking tub
- Recording a video for YouTube
- Writing a piece for Memoir Group
- Talking with the family on What’s App
- Cooking a fun meal
- Planning for my summer patio garden
- Traveling with Donnie
Join me, define your honey pot.
