Don’t look down

Don’t look down …27.07.2019

Don’t look down
They’re making sorta crazy sounds
Don’t look down no
Don’t know who else came to kneel
On this empty battlefield
But when I hear that crazy sound
I don’t look down

(David Bowie – 1984)

Crazy times, politically speaking we are in the era of the “un-united’s” both of the US and the UK. I guess time will tell where it all ends up – All I can say is the “Breaking News” seems to have lost its punch in the light of daily occurrences and events. News-worthy events are rated in terms of popularity not factual merit – strange times indeed.

This week has seen records tumble and from my perspective not good ones. Here in the NL we had a record high temperature, promptly broken on Thursday. Around Europe our sister countries all experienced new highs. For me …not so great (considering I spent most of winter at 11-13 degrees and loved it this 36-39 degree malarkey is for the birds)

Practically speaking the higher temperature (it’s been 25 degrees indoors on a bad day) breaks down the myelin sheath on the nerve jacket/linings more than normal causing foot drag and non-responsive hands. When that happens its usually too late to do anything other than tough it out – cold showers, spray bottle and fan. The dogs both think it’s hilarious and try their best to trip me up so I can join them on the floor. Today has been somewhat of a blessing- 5am was cool and refreshing (despite a squadron of mosquitos that took the open window last night as an invitation to step inside for a quick breakfast)

My ongoing attempts to fix the damage (from the previous medications) continues and I have discovered that even on zero food for two days I am able to suffer pain and cramps from just water! I will persevere- there is Plan B thru Z still to test. Reality again is that you need at least a few months to get a “scientific” result. I feel like the TDF riders (sans the balance and physique !). Speaking of which another Epic tour has been completed, not without drama and even some bicycle rage thrown in. August is looking very lean on the sporting front !

Getting back to the programme – I fortunately have contact with quite some other MS’ers and the general feedback is “MS sucks” , tried this tried that …nope didn’t work. It can get frustrating but there is always an option. I guess what I am trying to rationalise is the uncertainty ( I may have written about that quite a few times already 😊). Interesting search in my on board library yielded this anecdote.

How to cope with uncertainty in life

• Acceptance. Part of dealing with uncertainty involves learning to accept that,…
• Stop looking outwards for security. We often try to find security by seeking reassurance…
• Be more willing to hang out with uncertainty.
• Look for the lesson. Being philosophical about life is a good way to learn, become wiser,…

The longer explanation follows (found it somewhere in my philosophical black book !

Acceptance

Part of dealing with uncertainty involves learning to accept that, no matter how much we fight against it, life will always be uncertain in many ways. Learning to accept this and work with it will leave you more at peace and will help you to work with it than against it.

Stop looking outwards for security

We often try to find security by seeking reassurance or by looking for validation and approval from others. This is fine but it is only a temporary fix. Learn to start believing in yourself more, give yourself the reassurance and trust yourself more. The more you cultivate inner strength and resilience, the ‘safer’ you will feel.

Be more willing to hang out with uncertainty

Embrace uncertainty – make a habit of going to new places and speaking to strangers. The more you place yourself in situations that are strange and/or new, the better you become at coping with diversity and new experiences. This adds to self-confidence and assists in feeling that you can cope with the challenge’s life throws at you.

Look for the lesson

Being philosophical about life is a good way to learn, become wiser, adapt and learn for past mistakes. When life is tough, ask yourself if there is a lesson in the experience? Post traumatic growth is personal growth that comes from the hard lessons life sends us. So even in the darkest times, there will be some level of personal shifting going on and a wiser understanding of the world will come from it. It will also teach you that you are stronger than you thought you were.)

Stop judging and evaluating

Sometimes it helps to just see the experiences you go through as part of life’s process rather than as good or bad. Seeing the life lesson by looking at each experience as part of gaining your ‘life credits’ may help you to feel less angry, bitter or unhappy. We all have tough times as we can support each other to get through this thing called “life”.

Trust your instincts, trust the feelings within you rather than always seeking out certainty. Trying to feel certainty will exhaust you so get into the habit of seeing life as one big mad adventure. Don’t take your thoughts too seriously, keep a sense of humour and learn to like uncertainty. This may sound mad but if you have positive beliefs around uncertainty, it won’t frighten you half as much!

I think I may be there already …just need a name for it.

Don’t stop what you’re doing

Understand there is no guaranteed solution

Don’t let frustration beat you

Everyone has the answer (just listen !)

I think I will call it DUDE !

As always tunes for the week are part of the reflection – this week no exception with some retro and new (at least for me) sounds, although my first love is all things New Wave and Alternate 80’s I like the variety coming into my music diet !

Hope the week ahead brings cooler temperatures and less unpredictability !

Stay safe and GO MAX !!!!

“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett, (The Light in the Heart)