I’m a woman of faith, a friend of Jesus Christ, I serve others…

And I’m not walking without a walker! (I know that you Louise Hay followers – I’m one of them – are saying, “If you keep saying you can’t walk without a walker you’ll always be stuck there.” – just know, I’m only repeating that statement for the readability of this post.)

I’ve done everything I can think of!   I’ve tried every available pharmaceutical, almost every alternative therapy,  eaten a healthful diet, done emotional work; EFT, exercised, visualized, affirmed, introspected, prayed, meditated…

And I’m still not walking without a walker!

I know with all my heart that we are here in this life for a purpose and all our experiences are for our good.  I know that my heavenly father could heal me in a blink of an eye…

And yet I’m not walking without a walker! 

I recognize what multiple sclerosis, active MS, feels like. What I’m experiencing is active MS,  again. Not every minute, but throughout the day, my head seems foggy, I’m not thinking clearly, my vision is sort of blurry, I have numb, almost achy fingers and toes, and undeniable fatigue to the point of not feeling like lifting my arms up to type on the computer or legs off the ground to walk.  I don’t feel MS fatigue all day, every day, it’s on and off throughout the day.

I tell you these things not to make you feel sorry for me, but to help you understand that it is not as easy as it sounds, to relearn to walk – as easy as I thought it would be. 

Why am I not walking without a walker?!

A couple months ago I wrote a post about defining a new reality.  When I wrote it, I was feeling very focused on healing, believing I would be walking without a walker by now.

I’ve concluded that I need to stop broadcasting my walking updates! I have no idea what will happen in my future. (Does anybody, really?)

I have a great life and I’m happy!  I’ll continue to reach out to others and help those around me realize they can have a happy life, no matter what their external circumstances are!

If we can’t change our circumstances, we can change our attitude!

I won’t stop exercising! In fact Chris McCargar sent me some new exercise equipment, the Beach Body 10 Minute Trainer!  I’ve gotten busy with this already!

I won’t stop doing all that I’m doing, living the lifestyle that deserves health and healing! And I won’t stop enjoying life, no matter what! 

You can look forward to another walking update when I can walk without a walker!

PS. Until then, let me help you develop an impressive web presence and become successful online!

I didn’t plan on it! I wanted to exercise! I didn’t mean to stop exercising! So many things got in the way!

Excuses are like armpits, everyone’s got ‘em and they stink!

As far as walking goes, I’m in the same place I was last month what a surprise-

I’ve done the same things.

What’s the quote? Insanity is doing the same thing expecting different results? Then it’s a fact, I’m insane!

Last month, June 1st, this is what I said:

“To Do List:
Physical Therapy 6 days each week:
Ride stationary bike 20 min.
30 modified pushups
Walk every two hours using a cane
1 hour physical therapy 5 days/week
Sleep 7 hours each night (that’s what I need)
I can do it~ I know I can! Next month it will be fun to see my progress!
I did that for about a week.

For the rest I of the month, I rode my stationary bike for 20 minutes and did 30 modified pushups 6 days a week. The same thing I’ve been doing for two years.

I could tell you lots of excuses as to why I didn’t do anything differently, but excuses stink. (You need to know that MS showed up active in my June blood work. I tell you that not as an excuse, but to let you know that if I can, you can.)

We all need to assess our circumstances and plan accordingly. What ever our situation is, exercise is a must.

So I’ll just recommit to adding a smaller amount of basic physical therapy exercises to my usual 20 minutes of stationary bike riding and 30 modified pushups.

This is what it looks like:
Stretches
20 sit to stands,
20 leg lifts from a sitting position.
Walk around the house with a cane 5 times a day

I spend so much time online (sitting), there is NO REASON not to do them. OK, Darlene Davis started an exercise challenge and I accepted. I won’t stop exercising!

If Darlene and I can do it, so can you!! Come on, join the Exercise Challenge!

Tell me in the comments below what you’re willing to do each week~ what ever exercises you’re able to do will improve your health!

Continuous effort not strength or intelligence is the key to unlocking our potential. ~Liane Cardes

It’s all about me. Whether we’re a teenager or a father, a baby or a mother, whether we want to admit it or not, life really is all about me.

There is a simple (not easy, but simple) formula for self-management. What ever undertaking we pursue we must put ourselves first. When we put into practice these actions our foundation for success will be laid.

Remember the flight attendant on the airplane instructs us if the oxygen mask is dropped down, to put it on our mask first, before assisting the person next to us, even if it’s our own child.

The fact is, if we don’t get the air we need, we won’t be around to help the one next to us.

So it is in life. Even though we have a natural desire to help those around us, we must spend the time and energy to lay the foundation in our lives.

In order to be successful in all our undertakings, whether they be business, family, or fun, we must take care of ourselves first.

As we learn to master the basics, we’ll be more equipped to create the life we dream of and help others along the way!

4 areas of necessity:

1. Food

2. Sleep

3. Exercise

4. Water Consumption .

Millionaires are hiring personal coaches to help them stay on-track with the basic four.

Following a proper diet contributes to a healthy body and opens the way to the life we desire. There are many food issues that block successful dietary self-management. We sometimes perceive we are fatter than we are. Sometimes we are actually over-weight and trying to loose the weight. Other times we might be the right weight but are ignorant to what nutritional value is in the foods that we eat. . No matter what is blocking us from having control, we must put diet on the top of our priority list and get control of our eating.

Sleep is necessary. Generally we don’t understand the importance of sleep. All we know is that we won’t be able to work or to think as well as we will when we are fully rested. Sleep deprivation is rampant. A large proportion of the problem is due to a high paced lifestyle causing the lack of time to get the sleep we need. Sleep deprivation can have serious effects on your health in the form of physical and mental impairments. Inadequate rest impairs our ability to think, handle stress, maintain a healthy immune system and moderate our emotions.

Proper exercise has many benefits. Gaining control of your body size and weight through fitness is an amazing way to increase self-esteem. You look better and are more confident which empowers you in everything you do. You will find that the self-discipline required and learned through regular exercise spills over into other areas of your life and you will be better able to make other necessary and desirable changes. For the greatest overall health benefits, experts recommend that we do 20 to 30 minutes of aerobic activity three or more times a week and some type of muscle strengthening activity and stretching at least twice a week.

Drinking regular amounts of water is essential. A good estimate is to take your body weight in pounds and divide that number in half. That gives you the number of ounces of water per day that you need to drink. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, you should drink at least 80 ounces of water per day (10 cups). If you exercise you should drink another eight ounce glass of water for every 20 minutes you are active. If you drink alcohol, you should drink at least an equal amount of water. When you are traveling on an airplane, it is good to drink eight ounces of water for every hour you are on board the plane. If you live in an arid climate, you should add another two servings per day.

When we lay this foundation every day, choosing primarily fresh fruits and vegetables, lay off the processed and unhealthy foods, sleep enough, exercise regularly, and drink enough water, the results are staggering.

If we want to create some real results in our lives, we must learn to master the basics.

When we do, we’ll be more equipped to create the life we dream of and help others along the way!

Leave comments below and tell me how you’re mastering these basic four.

1.Eat smart – There is a connection between mind and body. A healthy diet not only fuels your body, but it also helps you feel better. Limit fat and sugar.  Build your diet around plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help improve both your health and stabilize your mood.
2. Eat small meals throughout the day for a pick-me-up.
3. Choose wisely – Increase omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B-12.  Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, flaxseed, nuts and dark green vegetables contain omega-3 fatty acids.  Seafood and low-fat dairy products are good sources for B-12. Vegetarians may take supplements.
4. Drink less caffeine  Too much caffeine can make you nervous, jittery or anxious.  Cutting back on soda, coffee, tea and processed chocolate can improve your mood and help you sleep better at night.
5. Treat your aches and pains – chronic pain can cause depression and depression can make pain worse. Work with your health care team to treat your depression and your pain.
6. Get a consistent amount of sleep each night.  Learn good sleep habits. Use relaxation techniques to help fall asleep.  Healthy sleep makes you feel better physically and mentally.
7. Exercise: for some people, exercise works as well or even better than antidepressants. Exercise each day in your home, with a friend or exercise group or go for a brisk walk. The important thing is to pick something you like and be consistent! 
8. Take time for mindful relaxation.  Restore a sense of calm and control.  You might consider a yoga or meditation class. Have an attitude of gratitude.  Make a list of 6-10 positive things or blessings in your life.
9. Get enough sunlight! Do you feel more depressed during the darker, cold months?  You may have seasonal affective disorder or SAD. SAD is often treated with light therapy (exposure to artificial sunlight).  Ask your doctor if light therapy is right for you.
10. Avoid alcohol and drugs.  Alcohol and drugs can slow or prevent recovery from depression.
11. Fill your surroundings with beautiful music you enjoy.
12. Explore your Creativity. Painting, photography, music, knitting, or writing in a journal are all ways people explore their feelings and express what’s on their mind. Do something that gives you pleasure.  It may help you to define who you are and how you feel.
13 Your dog can really be your best friend.  When you play with your pet you take your mind off your own problems, also you’re fulfilling a commitment to something outside yourself.  Caring for others can be very therapeutic.
14.  Go out and enjoy the beauty of nature.
15. Do something for yourself that you know will lift your spirits.
16. Establish/review your priorities and eliminate low priority stress and pressure-causing activities.
17. Be forgiving of yourself and others. Don’t dwell on your mistakes and what you consider to be the mistakes of others.
18. Recognize the fact you can’t please everyone.
19. Do it now! Procrastinating just creates more problems.
20.Be decisive.  Indecision leads to worry.
21. Communicate on a deeper level with your sweetheart. Use “I” message instead of “you” messages.
22. Recognize The Power Within ~ understand that you are a diamond in the rough.
23. Avoid negative terms of speech such as never, always, I have to, I can’t, no one ever, hate, etc.  Use more realistic positive terms like sometimes, occasionally, I choose to, I’ll try, some people, it’s irritating, it’s inconvenient, dislike, don’t care for, etc.
24. Reach out and touch someone! When we receive and give good touching, the body chemistry helps us feel better and relaxed.  Keep Friends and family in your life.  The people who love you want to support you. Talk about your depression, it feels good to have someone listen.
25. Keep people in your life, have lunch or dinner with a special friend.
26. Do something nice for someone else.  Get you mind off of yourself.  Caution; Don’t become involved with other peoples problems, just listen, encourage, and help where you can.
27. Get involved in worthwhile community activities. Being involved with others can help you regain a sense of purpose.  And it doesn’t take much to get started.  Try volunteering with a charity. Or join in a discussion group at the library or at church.  Meeting new people and doing new things will help you feel good about yourself.
28. Remember that you have a Heavenly Father that loves you and cares about you.  Seek His comfort and Help.
29. Seek professional help if you feel you or any member of the family need it — without embarrassment.

Never a dull moment!  This really is an emotional rolller coaster! When I was younger, I’d hear people say, “at least you have your health.”  That never meant anything to me until I no longer had my health!  I am determined to get it back!  I’m going to exercise doing dance aerobics (to ’80′s music) and jump on the trampoline with my grandkids!

I’m staying positive, exercising regularly, eating right and my area of needed self discipline is sleep! I am amazed how poorly I do when I don’t get enough sleep! I’ve always felt that sleep is a waste of time! Now I realize it is necessary! I only need 7 hours of sleep a night and I have a hard time making myself go to bed! The days I do, I can stand and walk without pushing down on my walker you know, letting my legs do the walking and just use the walker for balance! See you next month!

Thursday, October 1, 2009 I’ve made the decision! The MS is in remission, the only thing holding me back from walking is ME! I’ve always said that if the disease was stopped, I’d be able to re-learn to walk. Now, I’ll prove it! I will continue to eat a predominantly alkaline diet, take my supplements, sleep enough, and fill my life with positive thoughts, feelings and actions! Check back in a month to see how I’m doing!