10 Years Ago . . .

10 Years Ago.....

10 years ago I was 30 years old.

10 years ago our son turned one.

10 years ago I started to learn to play the hand I have been dealt.

10 years ago I learned to listen to my body.

10 years ago I started saying yes more.

10 years ago I started saying no more.

10 years ago the ordinary became the extraordinary.

10 years ago I really started living on and with purpose.

10 years ago I started celebrating the good days.

10 years ago I started gritting through the bad days.

10 years ago my gratitude became intentional and daily.

10 years ago the little stuff became the big stuff.

10 years ago moments started mattering more.

10 years ago I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

10 years ago I learned to loosen the reigns.

10 years ago I learned that being a mom or dad doesn't end when your children are all grown up.

10 years ago the concept of time became more pronounced.

10 years ago I learned to do some things differently.

10 years ago I learned my tears of frustration should be followed by acceptance and optimism.

10 years ago I learned that doing less does not mean I am giving up.

10 years ago I started finding my new normal.

10 years ago I was given a challenge.

10 years ago I was diagnosed with MS.

And although I am not sure that "celebrate" is the right word for this particular type of anniversary, it is something that I do want to recognize.  It matters.  Multiple Sclerosis is part of my life story.  It is part of me.  It is not, and never will be, ALL of me.  This is my reality and in the last 10 years I have worked hard, cried lots, and given myself grace to manage and truly LIVE with MS.  And may Luke someday know my journey so that he knows that he too can do hard things.