Friday, September 18, 2015

Focus on Progress not Perfection

Slow and Steady wins the race..

I am definitely not on the road I had planned out originally but I have learned that we need to lessen our loads that society makes us feel we should live up to.  Looking back I have learned to be more flexible on how I get things done and the time it takes me. Not to put so much emphasis on the small details of things as it only causes disappointments.


Being diagnosed with a chronic illness with no cure like MS, makes you realize you have absolutely no control over some of the things that happen in our lives.  However, we can choose how we are going to deal with it. Having this kind of diagnosis at a time in my life where I was crossing the finishing line of better health and wellness, showed me how we can get blindsided, turning our lives into turmoil.


I have never gave up on my journey.  I found the journey just showed me that perfection of what I looked like, wasn't a priority anymore.  Even though I sometimes have to modify workouts and laid out my days out accordingly to how I feel. It has taught me that maybe I was just competing with myself to start with!


Learning that fitness is a big influence on controlling many health issues. I have had to except  my fitness  levels and activities as they differ each year or season.  Using that as a measurement of where I stand, seems to put less emphasis on its' disappointments and more on what I actually achieve. I see that my new approach to making the most out of life has less affects on debilitating me in my tracks. I admit, it's not always easy to pick out the positives affects that has guided many of us through such devastating times.


We become unhappy and feel as though we are dying due to lack of moving forward. Not spending time dwelling on the negative repercussions, it allows you to live in the moment and look forward to tomorrow. If you focus more on the good things that are happening, more good things seem to show up. 



Training ourselves to thing positive is like a muscle, the more you work it the easier it becomes.


Opening yourself up to this positive way of thinking allows you to not only progress but, enjoy what you have achieved.  It really does back up the belief; "Everything happens for a reason in its own time."  I am amazed at the new doors that have opened for me to help others see a new look on their own lives just by me sharing the things I have learned. 


So.... Yes, I do see what I have lost down this long dark road with with a chronic illness with mountains I thought I would never get over. However, the most important thing is what I have learned and I wouldn't be who I am today, if this road wasn't taken. It really is about what progress I am making and not so much on trying to make things perfect.



"So, Strive for Progress, Not Perfection!"



Do you focus on perfecting everything you do or do look forward in the progress you gain?  I would love to hear how you focus on progress in the comments below.

Leaving you today with positive approach....

MS and Living Life.... with Sherry

#MS #fitness #positive #MSLife



Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Me a Blogger? MS Blogger? Writer?



Wow! Who would have thought, me a writer? Blogger? Never!
I have become big on self development and self teaching.  So yes, at this point and time that I am at the beginning stages of *blogging*.   I like many had no idea where to start! 


I use to have my own internet web design company in which I taught others how to make the most of their computers in the home or office. Also the giving them an understanding with basics of the Internet and safety.

"Education is one thing no one can take from you in life."


It was a very busy and successful business in a the time the Internet was becoming available locally to the private sector in rural areas. I started it after attending college after I had my family. My teaching method was all hands on. I not only had my own classroom of eight computers but I also went into local businesses. Taught their staff how to switch from type writers to make the most out of their new, (office tool) computer! I was the village go to girl, Guru,  on how to do things on the computer. 

I always have been terrible at grammar and spelling, still am now. *Sigh* I always depended on the computers programmes to correct what it could. It really didn't serve me as well as I had hoped. A wonderful retired school teacher offered me tutoring which helped extremely.  

In time, I hired a wonderful lady, younger then I, in which  editing my writings was a small part of her duties. Just as she taught me so much about English and writing content, I think she too, enjoyed learning about web design and programming. 

I decided to chose to closed the business after the government started offering my main services I provided for free in our local library's. Although it wasn't as detailed, I decided to spend more time to focus in our family business. 

Sadly, my major MS Relapse in 2010, my memory was vastly affected and I had lost  all of what I had known about office work, web design and the computer.  I have to ask my daughter how to do things on them now. More then I would like to for the simplest things. 


So lately I have been dabbling with blogging. Thinking it would be a a great way to record my health. Not only by the seasons but the years.  Having a record of my MS journey, gives me great insight on what affects my mental and physical health. It has it been good therapy and a wonderful learning curve. 

I admit, Its been a process to try and do this type of technology thing again. Often I get emotionally  frustrated with how much MS has taken from me. On the other hand, slowly I am relearning. Which is a positive thing! My husband and I, now see what I use to do and appreciate all that I am able to do each and everyday. 

I know my spelling, grammar and English isn't what it should be to be a "professional" writer but it being a Blog, that's ok. I know I will improve! I am a self learner, determined. In this case I believe, they are all good qualities.

"We are never too old to learn."

Today I am taking a step deeper into this Blogging thing, as I bought a book.  "The Golden Rules of Blogging" by Robin Houghton. Thinking that maybe, just maybe, having a book in my hand might help me remember better, what I am now learning. I also listen to this new in thing called, Pod-casts about blogging as well. 

I am learning new things each day.  I am so excited about this new adventure and wanted to share this with you. What new things are you learning or teaching yourself? 

Wishing you the best in health.....


MS and Living Life.. with Sherry








Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Seeing progress with MS keeps the fight going

Thinking back, being so busy living life, years ago, I barley glanced at that person in the morning mirror. Often ignoring that reflection looking back at me. She was screaming at me, that I needed to enjoy amazing gifts around me that I had been given. Thinking now that she was trying to tell me to slow down and enjoy the pleasures of our growing family and my good health. I, like many of you,was more worried about helping my husband to provide our family of the things we needed and wanted in our lives, to live the lifestyle we had longed for.

Yes, I was suddenly blindsided with the illness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  Hitting me like a furious raging storm, leaving within every inch of my body untouched. Its' aftermath left degree that affected every one in the family. Leaving a silent monster living within myself trying to destroy my body and life.....that I would forever have to silently fight each day forward.

I began to seek out others and learn what they have done to gain control of their MS. I didn't stop! I will never stop learning! It isn't about how I look when I look in the mirror now.  Its about who I have become and where I am going. 

I too have learned what triggers this monster within me now and how to gain control over it.  I now have learned so much of what helps me and what doesn't.  Now I try my best to eat healthy and exercise daily. When I feel like things are getting tough, I look back and see myself at my worst and compare myself now. It isn't about being perfect but how much progress I have made!


Create new story, create a new life!


It's a choice, I have made to never stop trying to fight for the life I now have and want.  I have a new life, with new hopes and dreams. My road that I travel now maybe harder to travel but my destination has not changed.  

I may not jog 4 miles a day any more but I enjoy the beauty in each day.  I no longer take special people in my life for granted.  I take time to reach out to those who need a ear to listen and kind words of encouragement. 


"We are not remembered by what we do for people, but how we make them feel."


You too can do this.  Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something!  I believe we set our own limits. We believe what our minds tell us.  You too have the strength and dedication to take charge of your own life no matter what it throws at  you.  

How do you fight through your struggle? 

Its' never to late.....
Wishing you good health...
MS and Living Life Blog with Sherry