24 Conclusion

ALS is truly frightening and heartbreaking for those of us with this terrible disease and our loved ones, but that doesn’t mean it has to take away our spirit. My focus has been on hope and possibilities, instead of fear and despair.

 

I concentrate on what I can do, instead of what I can no longer do. Many struggles lie ahead, but also the opportunity for joy and wonder. Life is our most precious gift. When we love life, anything feels possible. Of course, there will be many days when we are just trying to keep it together, although remember there will be others with greater possibility.

 

Given how precious life is, I could not help but make a full effort. Just waiting for an ALS medical breakthrough was never an option for me. I have been fortunate to have lived longer than most, although my approach would have been the same regardless of my disease progression. There is no right or wrong way to deal with ALS, and each of us must deal with our personal circumstances and mortality the best way we can.

 

Since my diagnosis, I have approached ALS as a journey and healing process, rather than a battle with a fatal untreatable disease. My situation is what it is and I am very grateful for what I am still able to do. I try to approach each day as an adventure with the possibility of joyful moments and to bring positive energy to the space that I occupy.

 

I quickly realized that I would be doing a lot of resting, so I needed to find new interests instead of just thinking about my advancing physical limitations. My life was about to become much less physical and more mental and reflective. I began spending more time finding things that inspired me and expanded my consciousness. I thought more about what brought me meaning and how I could best use my time and energy.

 

For years, I have been interested in alternative and complementary medicine, and I am a strong proponent of holistic healthcare. It makes sense to me to focus on creating wellness instead of just treating illness. I am fascinated with trying to find a balance between current scientific knowledge, traditional wisdom and the healing arts, so I decided to concentrate on wellness and healing.

 

​I have been learning about diet, breathing, movement and the connection between mind, body, emotions, heart and spirit. These practices make sense to me and feel right as I have integrated them into my daily routine. I am learning to be less rigid and more open to different perspectives and practices. Because of this, I am experiencing less anxiety and panic and more resilience, balance and mindfulness. I have always been attracted to the beauty and magic of nature; however, now I am beginning to appreciate its immense healing power.

 

There is nothing I can do about my ALS, but I can work on self-awareness and self-transformation, so that is what I have been doing. This has improved my quality of life, and I believe it has helped slow the progression of my ALS. If nothing else, I am calmer, more aware, more grounded and more present in the moment.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​