How To Be Kind To Yourself To Be A Healthier You

It's true that my health's been further compromised by a series of unfortunate events. One of them is the direction our country is going. I've spent a lot of time watching breaking news stories and reading compelling articles about what I consider to be dark clouds on the horizon.

You can't predict when my wacky disease will strike. I'm not aware of large studies correlating stress and MS, but as I stated in prior posts it sure hasn't helped.

They say life imitates art. If that's true I think I'm a Cubist painting by Picasso where my broken parts have yet to be reassembled.

As my body challenges me I realize it's time to take stock of my life. My health depends on it. Something has to change if I want to heal.

It's time to choose a better path.

The words from Robert Frost's most famous poem have guided me for years. But in the fog that's enveloped me I've somehow lost my way.

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

The time has come to travel those roads once more in hopes of finding spiritual wellness.

My word for 2017 is kindness, one I chose with great care. Generally kindness means to be friendly, generous and considerate. But to me it means so much more.

You can be kind to others. But you also must be kind to yourself.

Power down devices more often. Meditate. Be mindful. Practice gratitude. Observe nature. Help others. Read books for pleasure. Spend time with loved ones. Reach out to those being marginalized. Laugh. Sing. Exercise. Eat healthy. Write, write, write. Enjoy life.

I've been fortunate to have special people in my life, those I know and some I've never met. With each gesture of love - offers to do my laundry or shopping, loving calls and texts, or gifts in the mail - my heart soared in gratitude for the thoughtfulness of their acts. I thank you all.

I've let life lead me by the nose by giving into fear. That's not my nature nor my intent but Illness and politics can swallow you whole if you let it. I did.

Right about now I'm looking around for Cher to slap me in the face and say, "Snap out of it!"

My word for 2017 will stay in my mind's eye by repeating it daily. It will become second nature to me, reminding me that life is precious and today is the day to put my word into action.

My goal is to find my way back to a life filled with meaning and wholeness. Despite the presence of illness and living in a country with divided ideologies I will always take the high road. Let grace show me the way and dignity speak for me.

Hopefully my body will release me from some of the challenges I bear once I follow my new path. I look to examples of many courageous people like Helen Keller, Oliver Sacks, Muhammed Ali, Michael J. Fox, Chance Smith, Lizzie Valesquez, Randy Pausch and so many others. Despite adversity they chose to live out loud.

I need to take that first step back, to create enough space between me and the madness of those dark clouds. When I do I pray my body will respond by helping me rediscover the life I miss so dearly.

Wouldn't that be lovely? I hope you'll join me in choosing a new path for yourself. Let this be the year that kindness outweighs animosity and goodness will always prevail.