It will, Lanette. And I actually think you are a “glass half full” type, even if you don’t see it yet. Love your beautiful blog page— I’m waiting for your “change of season” when winter comes!

Jen

Thanks for those excellent reminders. I am a glass half empty person and I fight everyday to look at the positive side of things, it does not come naturally for me. Hopefully, that will change in the future.

Great post!

I’m really not amazing. I’ve just had a bunch of years to live with this disease and come to some sort of terms with it. You will too. And trust me, I do have meltdowns just like everyone else. I will be sure to have one in the spring again, and then you can use all your new-found knowledge to pick me up— I’ll be waiting! Ha ha.

Jen

I’m so grateful for my modest way of life. MS has shaped my views and made me the optimist that I am. I’m like a cat: I have nine lives and I keep coming back. I don’t know why, but it’s not my place to ask. I just treasure the new position I’m in, after five years of struggling and fighting for disability/back pay. It’s like I made it out of a dark tunnel. Things aren’t perfect, but they are pretty good.

I know my passion is writing. It’s always been. I’ve always wanted to be a published writer and now is the chance to work towards my goals. There are many people with MS who have no choice as to how they make a living, whereas I now have the opportunity to write and see where it leads. What seemed like a complete curse when I stopped working (again) a few months ago has now become a blessing and a guide, pointing out the way to go. So I’m following my path, thanks to MS.

And you are following your own path. You’re guiding students and bloggers and blazing a trail with your own blog and research. That’s your MS path. I feel like everyone has a place in the MS community. Some might not know theirs yet, but in time they will.

Now if I could only stop spelling words incorrectly..!

‘Bye!

Jen

Darn It!! You cracked my veneer, especially with your gratitude list. You shouldn’t do that as tears burn.

I know that I’m an excellent teacher, but sometimes wonder if I’m truly making a difference in some kids. There are days that I really just wish that I didn’t have to teach cause specific kids drain all my energy. But when a student gets it, really gets it, that’s a wonderful reward for all my effort and encouragement.

On another front, I’m not a natural writer. It doesn’t come easy. But I am doing a little freelancing (HealthCentral) and hope that the Carnival of MS Bloggers makes a difference for MSers online.

Sometimes I need a gallon, not just a glass, to quench my thirst. A bottomless well would be even better. Kudos to providing this for those who stop by here.

lisa

I’m so glad we genuinely became friends. Thank you for your chat room– it lifts my spirits.
I think it makes all the other participants happy, too!

You have a gift for making others feel welcome and special, demonstrated at your website/chatroom. And of course your gift for writing, you mad blogger!

Peace out–

Jen

I really like “don’t confuse optimism with fantasy thinking.” Many people seem to believe that you can wish your life into perfection and expect me to do the same thing. Thank you for putting a practical spin on that.

I am also grateful for your writing abilities!!!