The ten statements above have been lifesavers for me. I live by them.
When I was writing/designing the graphic above, it really hit me: these ideas are not that complicated—so why do we allow things in our lives that sap our energy? Really, think about it.
Having MS means that energy is no longer something I can take for granted. That pep in my step I’ve had for much of my life is no longer available like an open spigot, and when I feel it, I need to use it wisely. Rest is no longer optional. When I don’t get enough rest, my life becomes much more difficult.
And, that goes for the other things on my list, too. When something gets skipped, my life becomes no fun at all. No more wiggle room for me.
Maybe I see things through a lens that has become distorted, but it’s also helped me to appreciate things more deeply. I’m thankful for so many things in my life. There’s something about knowing a real probability exists that I could continue to loose function, so every day that I can design something new, smile at a stranger, tell a friend a joke, or walk across the street to give my neighbor a hug is the best day of my life.
As the holidays approach, I’m giving thanks for my life every day, moment by moment.
I give thanks for you. I’ve had this special spot of the internet landscape for a considerably long time, I appreciate you for taking time to read what I have to say. You make my experience here much more rich and I hope I’ve added to your days in a special way, too.
Enjoy your life, there’s no better time than this very moment. This human experience is a precious gift to be celebrated. Close your eyes and think of something right now for which you are thankful, take a deep breath, feel it though all your senses: smile.
Much Love, Namasté,
Lori ~xo
Further Reading:
∞ Inspirational Design: Never Give Up
∞ Graphic Poetry, Haiga: Savor
∞ Graphic Poetry, Shape Poem: Your Shelter
[Fine Print: I offer to you free use of the designs at my site. Please use as you see fit. Link back to my site if you feel so moved or let me know you enjoyed my work (lori[@]janebenimble[dot]com). However, my policy is to create for all with no expectation. All images are either solely created by me or used within terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License when noted. I authored the text and designed the graphic in Adobe Illustrator®.]
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Hi Lori – I always love your thoughts – they make us think and beyond those edges we need to stretch to improve ourselves.
I sincerely hope you can have a peaceful day with family and friends ..and I certainly give thanks for meeting you .. and like-minded blogging friends – apart from my own family and friends .. thinking of you and so glad you posted ..
We have so much to be grateful for .. thank you – Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..If__ …. and Thanksgiving … and Nano ….
Greetings, Hilary!
Always a bright spot in my day to see you, I hope all is well in your world.
Thank you for your kind comment. I continue to forge ahead, to continue to write. I might have slowed down, but I do believe writing is a healthy activity, so I’m here when I can be.
I’m please to read you feeling grateful, namaste, my friend.
Warmly,
Lori ~xo!
You inspire me Lori, as always
Namaste
Thank you, Tony. You are all that is good in this world. ((hugs!))
Warmth and light to your days.
~xo!
Lori, I am so grateful for you and the wonderful reminders and examples that you give us about how important it is to make love the center of your life. Whenever I think of you, I think of someone who knows what the purpose and meaning of life is—–LOVE! And, for you, creativity in all forms is never far behind!
I am so glad that you posted and that you shared your beautiful list with us.
Much love to you, Lori!
Hi Jean,
It means a lot to me that you see me as being loving as well as creative. I do my best!
Life is so short, I strive to be loving and to offer my best to the world.
I can see that in you, too, Jean. You are incredibly supportive and it means a lot to me. Thank you!
I hope your Thanksgiving holiday has provided you respite and a chance to pause and appreciate your life. Namasté, my friend.
~xo!
Lori,
This post really touched me. I can’t say why bad things happen in our lives, but I think sometimes they challenge us to see beyond “the edges” as you say.
MS fights so unfairly. It’s a body bully and tries to provoke you, by poking at you constantly. It screams in your ears and makes difficult demands. It’s abusive. But the words you write at your site tell me a different story.
Even as MS tries to steal your truths; to make you bitter and angry, it constantly fails with you, Lori. Instead of weakening you, MS has strengthened you, mentally and spiritually. It’s made you wise.
I am thankful you share this wisdom with us. You teach us about the importance of living our lives, moment by moment. I can’t say I always do this, but I always appreciate your gentle reminders:~)
p.s. I love the design. The words, layout and the font are beautiful! Thanks for sharing it.
Sara´s last [type] ..Being Thankful
Hi Sara Songbird,
It’s always a lovely surprise to see you here. Thank you for taking the time to read my words and reflect your wisdom. You are lovely!
Thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate that you can understand a slice of what I face day-to-day. It means a lot. Honestly, I do become quite angry more than I’m willing to admit, but it never helps things so I try not to go down that road if I can help it.
I’m thankful for you, too, Sara. Thank you for being yourself, for offering your wisdom, for reflecting yourself back to me, for seeing in me what is also in you. You are wise, compassionate, and loving. I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know.
Much love!
~xo
Thank you so much for these wonderful reminders today. It was exactly what I needed.
Robin´s last [type] ..The spirit is willing
It’s my pleasure to have offered to you something you needed. Namasté, my friend.
~xo
Hi Lori! So glad you were nominated at Steven’s site and I followed the link here!
I absolutely love your 10 statements. What a wonderful way to live life, to begin your day, to go through your day, to be able to look back at a day and know it was used that way!
The one I likely need most and do least is REST! I’m sick with a cold right now, likely the result of too little sleep. Sometimes (eventually, always!) our bodies just have a fun way of letting us know to slow down, take a break and get some rest.
Thanks for the reminder!
KenWert@MeanttobeHappy´s last [type] ..5 Beliefs that will Radically Change Your Life Forever
Greetings, Ken,
A warm thank you for coming here to say hello. I was surprised to see I was nominated, I’m honored. I have no idea who nominated me, but I don’t take it lightly. Thank you for your trust to come here to take a moment and introduce yourself.
You really hit the nail on the head. One of my biggest lessons from my MS advancing is to listen to my body, really pay attention, and follow the signals I’m receiving. Skipping rest can mean the difference to being functional one day to the next. It pleases me to know you see the value of rest as well. Don’t stop listening.
Enjoy your day, Ken, enjoy your life.
~Namasté
Hi Lori,
My Uncle was recently diagnosed with MS and he did try accupuncture and other holistic approaches but I don’t think he has been sticking with them.
I love your 10 statements because they are so true for living a prolific life.
Take Care…
Justin | Personal Growth´s last [type] ..Why You Chose to be on Earth at This Time
Hi Justin,
Greetings and I appreciate you taking the time to say hello.
Thanks for your kind comment about my design/list. It’s come from a close, personal experience with the fluid nature of health. I’m slowing learning my lessons.
Please give your uncle my best, I’ll add him to my healing meditations as well. I’ve known about my MS for 16 years, but only recently have progressed and become unable to “hide it” if that makes sense. I’d encourage him to go to the National MS Society website (http://www.nationalmssociety.org/) for questions where he’ll find very helpful answers and info.
I truly believe the keys to living well with MS include exercise, rest, REST, and fueling the body well. No shortcuts!
If you or he have further questions, I’d be happy to help or to provide more information.
Feel free to contact me.
I hope this message finds you with peaceful thoughts and a balanced heart. Be well. _/\_
Lori:
What can I say…you’ve done it again! Beautiful graphics, but more importantly…great ideas. Every day, each of us gets bombarded with messages…mostly in commercials or advertising…telling us to buy or that we’re not good enough or that we need a certain product. Well, I love how your graphic is an antidote to all of that. Can I buy a mini poster of this?
Thank you for also sharing your perspective…which in turn gives us, your readers, better perspective. Yes, life is very very challenging at times. Your post reminds me to just chill and smile and enjoy what I have while I’m here.
Tim´s last [type] ..Count to Ten
Hi Tim,
Oh my lordie, I’m so sorry for my delay. Life: ugh!
Thank you as always for your support, you’re super awesome, Mr. Tim.
I’m pleased you liked my design. And you bet, I’ll send you a mini poster if you want one, my treat!
I’m reminded every single day of the bounty of things for which we can be grateful. I suppose the challenge is to remember this and not to be overcome with difficulty. Maybe it’s another reminder of mindfulness, if we stop for a few minutes every morning and take stock of all the things that are “right” with our world. I know you practice this approach and think it is truly the key to enjoying life. There’s no “try” — just be.
Warmly,
Lori