Welcome to the Carnival of MS Bloggers, a bi-weekly compendium of thoughts and experiences shared by those living with multiple sclerosis.
Inspiration and Attitude
by Kaleidoscope Muff
Not so much as Carly Simon sang it (I’m really dating myself, aren’t I? Actually it was one of my lullabies. Now watch nose grow…) Anyway I know I am vain, but I have no reason to be. I’m certainly nothing special to look at, but then again, I don’t spook the horses in the street! I’m intelligent, but not so much that I’m in any unique intellectual category. I’m talented in different areas (or was,) but so are many others, and they even more so. So why does conceit find an established dwelling place within me? Maybe it’s a defense mechanism – I feel so un-everything because of what this nasty MS has done to me that I try to build myself up? Who knows? I’m just aware of the fact that when people compliment me, I beam. It used to be that if someone admired anything about me, I’d go about with the whole humble act. “That’s a beautiful outfit,”
“What, this old thing?”
“You look great.”
“Oh, I do not. You’re just saying that.”
“You do such nice [drawing, painting, stitching..”]
“Oh, go on. I’m not that good.”
Okay, maybe that’s exaggerated, but I never accepted compliments well. Now, they fill a need in me that I never knew existed. I’ve been watching myself lately, and I’m embarrassed of ME for being like this. This past week, someone admired something I was wearing, and I actually just said “Thank you” and meant it! The same went when a worker at my mother’s nursing home, said to an assembled group of people that I was so intelligent, and I knew so many things. (That was brought on because I had helped her get through several activities when she was unsure of herself. And that day (a cooking demonstration) I had explained to her what ‘crêpes’ were. Then I conversed with the chef a little in French.) So, I felt very accomplished when she said this. Yesterday, my hair stylist told me I was walking better, and using my hand so well. (She has watched me decline over the years.) I thanked her, and then I actually began to believe her! For the rest of the day, I actually did feel as if I were somewhat better! I know it’s all in my head (literally AND figuratively) but what a difference it made in my attitude.
Now I’m thinking that if I can keep being vain and accepting compliments, maybe I’ll just keep being better. Or is it really acting? Could there be some underlying significance to this?
Peace,
Muff
by Dan Digmann
We wanted to share with everyone the link to an incredible multimedia package about us that is in the April 25 Morning Sun’s print and online editions.
The project started when Morning Sun photographer Ryan Evon approached us about following us around to develop a photo essay for the area daily newspaper. This package represents more than a year’s worth of his work, and we couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our story and increase MS awareness.
Click here to see the story, photos and videos that tell our story and how we try to help others to move forward. Please check it out and share it with others! Thanks for checking this out and for visiting us on our blog!
This concludes the 64th edition of the Carnival.
The next Carnival of MS Bloggers will be hosted here on June 17, 2010. Please remember to submit a post (via email) from your blog of which you are particularly proud, or which you simply want to share, by noon on Tuesday, June 13, 2010.
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