The Kindnesses We Can Do for Ourselves

We’ve just finished the “it’s better to give than receive” season. Many of us have made New Year’s resolutions that have us living some part of life with long teeth. And we’re only weeks away from the liturgical season — Lent — where many will give up something dear to them for six weeks of penance and self-denial. So I’m going to turn the tables and talk about giving something to ourselves. I’ve said before that MS is a thief.  It takes more from me than I am willing to give, but it usually doesn’t matter whether I’m willing or not.  For that reason, I’ve decided (well, Caryn and I have decided) that we need to be a little bit kinder to ourselves. After three weeks of holidays and illnesses, our housekeeper is back and I am joyfully writing with the sound of the Hoover whirring and the dogs running from room to room to avoid the same. It’s an expense we have budgeted and for which we have made sacrifices. We live a pretty frugal life here in Ireland.  I say we live simply here so that we can simply live here.  This little kindness to ourselves allows us to spend more quality time together. The same goes for my love of gardening.  Hands in the soil is a wonderful way for me to spend several hours even if I’m not feeling all that well.  And – let’s face it – I haven’t as far to fall if I’m on my hands and knees.  All the pretty annuals can seem a waste of money as they are a one-and-done splash of color. Rather, I ...
Source: Life with MS - Category: Other Conditions Authors: Tags: MS multiple sclerosis life with MS Living with MS MS and family Source Type: blogs