Why Thriving is not Always Simple, but SO Worthwhile

Having cerebral palsy and doing my best to thrive with it can be difficult. Thriving with my condition is a worthwhile endeavor though. One I know how blessed I am to have the opportunity to. Thriving is what I am supposed to be doing. What do I mean by that? I would not be here and be able to do any of what I can and am learning to do if I were not, I believe. What happens when thriving seems daunting and nearly impossible is what I want to talk about here. There are those who believe I make thriving with my condition seem effortless. Such a pronouncement makes me smile and laugh to myself. If they only knew, I think. Now, I have a platform to explain what happens when thriving is anything but effortless and, in a way, I am comfortable with. I am going to use my platform and opportunity today and going forward as well.

Thriving the last few days has been a struggle honestly. Why it has been I will keep to myself, for now at least; until I have the words to explain in a way, I feel comfortable with. What I want to explain is how thriving becomes less daunting and possible. Now, I know when my condition is overwhelming to pick up my phone. In there are the people who make thriving possible for and with me. We, which becomes another word: together. Through all the overwhelm and changes my condition brings together is stronger and our track record is one hundred percent. Prayer helps our track record be what it is as well. We pray together and separately.

Music helps soothe the symptoms and side effects of my condition. It is the way I was raised and, in my DNA, too. I was taught by my granny, mama, and aunts to use music and singing as a coping mechanism. How I am feeling dictates what my soundtrack includes on any given day or hour (more about that later). Exercise also helps soothe my condition symptoms and side effects. As does what I eat. If I am feeling particularly rough: eating enough protein is paramount. Sometimes, it can be tricky because I do not feel like eating protein, but I must, so finding protein I can tolerate (depending on the day) is essential. Getting enough fluid is paramount too. Sleep and rest are nonnegotiable as well. Laughter is an excellent medicine as is fun. Those last remedies are going to be used more this year. These are two of my goals for the year. Thriving with my condition is always an adventure, and sometimes, so not fun, but I am determined to thrive daily to the best of my ability.