There was a reason why this book came into my life, it was in a very roundabout way but now I think I see why a little clearer, why.
“IKIGAI” “the Japanese secret to a long and happy life”. Certainly not a book I would normally read as I am more of a Tom Clancy type of bloke. I bought it on Amazon of course, for I am pretty sure under $20, so it is not expensive.
It talks about allowing yourself to find your purpose, your reason for being, contentment, fulfilment and happiness. Having a very very mischievous disease I have found this to be rather useful. Things that I never thought would bring me a feeling of accomplishment do. What wakes me in the morning and gets me out of bed has changed so many times over the years, but I still open my eyes with a sense of excitement. What am I facing next?
Silly little things. Chocolate in the coffee or tea today. What to eat, what not to eat, how many setups can I do?. I am chronically incurably disabled and probably will be until I die, but reinventing myself, changing my attitude, again could be just around the corner. ms is not easy, it is not meant to be. If it was, anybody could do it, it is not easy so only strong resourceful people like us have it.
Somebody once told me, life only gives “YOU” what “YOU” can handle. I certainly did not know that I could handle some of the things I have handled and “YOU” will be amazed one day at what “YOU” did handle.
This is ms, that means that “YOU” can be upset, cry in the corner and generally be an emotional train wreck. This is a very very long-term illness. “YOU” are doing it in the blind, there is no instruction book, no user manual. Nobody to tell “YOU” exactly what to do or exactly what to expect. Just "YOU" and maybe us. Your knowledge and belief that “YES I CAN DO THIS"
Expect constant change, headwinds and potholes along your ms life path. Expect these things and do not be afraid or upset when they arrive. This journey we are on is not a straight path. Straight is for others, we are taking the slow curvy way.
Take a minute or a month and let it come to “YOU”. It is out there, just expect it to change again and again and again, and do not bbeat yourself up. Just pet your dog and cry a little if "YOU" have to.
Royce
20 years and I feel I might be finding min, but maybe not. Who knows.
