Some musings for you whilst I'm waiting for my left hand to decide whether or not it really wants to be nailed to a board all day or will sort itself out to let me do some work, so in the meantime some thoughts from Cornwall.

Husband works with 16+ kids with learning difficulties and went on a course last week about autism. He was telling me all about it, we have several friends with kids on the autistic spectrum so we try to learn as much as we can so we can be supportive. One thing common to these friends is that they 'blame' themselves in all sorts of ways for the way their children are because there are theories about genetic links. Apparently the latest research has clearly identified a genetic mutation which, in theory, could be tested for in the womb. This begs the question if Einstein's mother had known, what would she have done?

So we are all dealt a hand in life, genes and all, and have to get on with it whatever that hand is and make the best of it. There are so many incredible things people with autism are capable of, whether it be computer programming or memorising train numbers! So I say to husband, there's always a bright side to everything, nothing good about having RA he says.

So it got me thinking, yes there must be. Oh yes, plenty of down sides but here we go, 1, 2, 3...........

1. This diagnosis has forced me to completely re-evaluate my life, slow down and appreciate the times that I feel good rather than take it for granted. I now value time with friends and little things more than I used to. I don't need to be an achiever any more. I don't measure my life by how many hours I work, how much money I can make or how many orders I can deliver. I celebrate getting out of bed, getting moving, staying up after 9.00 pm, going to a dance class, the basic things in life which give me pleasure.

2. I don't feel guilty about not doing housework and I don't worry about the house being a health hazard on the basis that I couldn't catch anything worse than I've already got!

3. I probably wouldn't have given up smoking yet without this diagnosis!

So hand still nailed to a board but I've done something useful in the meantime, this disease makes you very inventive as well doesn't it? I've got these thoughts out, hopefully RA friends can relate to it and it makes you smile.

Take care all
Polyanna Today
Sara Tomorrow
x

Sara, that it a really lovely post, the sort of one you could put on the fridge

Thank you, Julia xx

A lovely post Sara, it made me smile!


Doreen xx

Hi Sara

Lovely thoughtful post. Sometimes it is good to just stop and consider the positives in life. Although we all have this dratted, unpredictable disease we can all still enjoy the world around us and experience so many good things in life. So easy to forget sometimes.

Thank you for posting, cheered me up

Lyn

Sarah

Your post gave me a warm glow. My philosophy is to keep positive. It is the only way I know how to get through this. RA has me and I have RA. Sometimes we argue as we go along life's path but I have accepted RA into my life to make the path a little easier to tread. Like you my life has changed out of all recognition, but I think I prefer this new life of not worrying about the unimportant things and concentrating on what makes me, my family and RA happy.

Take care

Jackie
xx