On Purpose

Last night I went to bed determined to start anew today. I have fallen into a rut lately. A rut of watching TV and really not being productive with my day. My first goal was to watch my Joel Osteen recording. A new one is reported on my DVR every Sunday. I usually get to it later in the week if at all. First goal accomplished. My second goal is to give a brief synopsis here. The message today was about being happy. That's an easy statement to make, but at times a difficult task to walk out. Abraham Lincoln once said, "most people are as happy as they decided to be". Easily put, being happy is a choice you have to make every day. Life may be hard for you right now. Maybe you lost your job, perhaps your family has fallen apart, or your health is failing? No matter what. it's your choice. Having or getting the right perspective on your life situations will help you to be happy. I like to think of myself as an overall happy person, but I have those dark moments. When I get there it helps to be thankful for the little things. A quote I heard years ago said, "it's not the outlook that matters, but the uplook". I agree partially with that statement. Yes, keeping your eyes on God is number one, but having a positive outlook is good too. I know just thinking about a positive future has helped get me through. So lets be happy on purpose today.

Bowling, Twitter, and a Van

Man it's been a bit busier for me again. It seems like things just went to a screeching halt after all the wedding preparations. Last weekend I went bowling for the first time in the wheelchair. It was a work thing for Emily. We bowled three games. Though it was fun Emily and I realized we are not good bowlers. We do pretty good on Wii bowling though. Now on to Twitter. I've decided that I'm done with attempting to be a tweeter. It's just too much. A van is now on the horizon for us. We decided to take the leap into a wheelchair accessible ride. This will help in getting me out of the house more often. We are buying a van from my cousins dealership in chicago and then getting it modified through Mobility Works. Once they get the van it'll take 4-6 weeks. So that's what's been going on lately.

Game on

Thursdays appointment with my neurologist went well. It was the usual check-up. How's everything going? Anything new to report? Check my strength and my vision. Those two areas seemed to be about the same as last summer. Being as I've been on Rebif for 5 months now she wants to see me a little more frequently. Just keep an eye on things. The possibility of getting an MRI this summer seems high. I asked a year plus ago to be put on an anti-depressant. It definitely goes hand in hand when getting on a medication such as Rebif. I've had many dark thoughts over the years. I was telling Dr. D a recent realization I had. Being on Lexapro has been a great thing. I really haven't had those dark thoughts often at all. She said she wanted to record that and let other patients hear that sentiment. I'm not a fan of taking medications, but when it helps my quality life then game on.

5 Months

Tomorrow I have an appointment with my neurologist. I just see her twice a year as follow-ups now. Actually its been that way for a couple of years. In preparation I've been analyzing where I am physically compared to where I was last time I saw her. Part of me thinks I'm about the same, perhaps a little worse. Maybr I think a little worse because I'm so hard on myself. I did look back and realized I've been on Rebif (an MS medication) for 5 months now. I do feel since starting the medication I've allowed myself a chance to get better. The medications' goal is to slow the progression of the disease. Perhaps I can even get a little better over time. I'll see what my doc sees tomorrow.

Sight vs. Vision

I try and watch my cheerleader pastor every week. That's how I refer to Joel Osteen. After listening to one of his sermons you feel empowered. You can overcome any obstacle, be a better person, grow closer in a relationship with the Lord. A quote he used last night was this: Sight is what you can see, Vision is what you can be. That hit's where I am and more clearly got the point across. Looking at your surroundings and circumstances will only let you get so far. Vision is what helps you to go farther in life. When your sight sucks like mine vision is all I really rely on. That's the bright side of a tough situation. Making lemonade is the way to go. Wherever you are and whatever your circumstance always remember your vision in life and don't dwell on what you're seeing

Ever wonder

How did I get here? This is not where I thought I'd be. As a kid there were dreams of grandeur. President of the United States of America was mine. Having the milk lady at lunch call me Mr. President. Later on in junior highschool it was being a professional athlete. Man, dreams were lofty back then. In high school my dream shifted to becoming a pastor. Needless to say I never imagined I'd be here right now. A disabled guy at home with just his thoughts everyday. The reason I get up and keep pushing is because of dreams. Yes, I have a new dream for my life. The old adage says, 'when life gives you lemons make lemonade'. No matter what keep dreaming. When your dreams come true, nkeep on dreaming. My beautiful wife is the most recent one!

Next part

I'm reading over my past posts to see what I had to say back when. It's crazy reading of where I was and where I am now. Times when I was depressed, happy, thankful, in love (even more so now). Man, it's crazy & cool to see where I've been. I don't know where I'm going, but I'll be blogging on my way there. Just had to say looking back was cool and I'm looking forward to the next part of my journey.