Mostly these days I'm trying not to focus on the negative, like for instance, all of the things I can't get done because of SJS, but then I thought it would be interesting to find out what others would do if they didn't have SJS and had more energy and felt better.
I would definitely be more active again like I was before SJS, but I would also do more calming exercises like yoga and, tai chi and meditation. I would decorate my home and spend lots more time with family and friends and would probably do more landscaping and yard work and home organization. I would also LOVE to do more baking and cooking. I would probably go back to school, and I would also spend more time giving back to the community - I would love to take my son to work at a soup kitchen a couple of times a month to help him (and me, too!) appreciate how good we've got it.
Hi :)
Nice topic.
I might do pottery classes again. I used to be a potter but it would hurt my hands too much now to centre clay on a wheel. (Or to knead it come to that)
I would definitely spend more time outside than I do and would have more of a social life. I used to go to a trivia quiz with friends on a Wednesday evening but after a days work and hosting Wed chat, I'm too tired for the rest of the week if I do that now. I still go along on half terms and holidays.
I'd probably take up an evening class somwhere along the line because I'm easily bored. I would also take time to go and visit my kids when I'm on vacation. I used to but I can't drive that far now without it getting dangerous and my husband doesn't feel the same way about visiting.
In a way that sounds negative rather than positive. I concentrate on what I CAN do rather than what I can't. I got a new lease of life when I got a partial knee replacement. I went from being really disabled to way more abled again and it's great to be able to get around with so much less pain.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Scottie!
Pottery class - how amazing! See even if I didn't have SJS that would be amazing to me because I have no skills what-so-ever! How fantastic for you that you were able to take part in something so artistic. Good for you! And I am right there with you - I used to LOVE trivia nights and trivia games and now anymore not only am I just too worn out to go, the brainfog renders me useless. Now I just go fetch everyone more beer and food! Which can still be pretty fun! LOL!!!
And yes, definitely more social stuff. I would love to have more parties and get togethers, but that is just too much for me. The cleaning, the cooking, etc. But I am getting better about just having people over and foregoing the cleaning and cooking - I tell them to ignore the dust bunnies and hope they don't mind it is carry out!
Oh, and I don't think this is negative thinking - that is not how I meant it. I guess it is like asking non-SJS what they would do if they had super powers or if they were granted three wishes. It is all in fun!
Take care!!!
SJS and other AI diseases always remind me what I can not do. I just do what I can until that changes. Inch by inch it is amazing what we can accomplish.
Hi jordonzmom,
This is an interesting question. I'm not sure how to answer; I know you mean it as a positive thing but it seems like for me, personally I've already spent a lot of time thinking of what I "could" do or "back when I was more able". Honestly, it kinda bums me out to think in that direction.
I don't mean to sound negative at all, I just have to look forward. And for me, that means dealing with my limitations and adapting the best I can. I am improving on that. A better question is what has SJS taught me?
1) How to slow down and enjoy the small things. A fine cup of coffee on my porch, watching cats play in the yard.
2) How to have patience with myself!
3) That life does not usually go the way we plan. Only "the Big guy" upstairs knows that one.
4) That I can learn new things and ways to feel productive and happy with the new person I've become. Ok, enough of my little list. And I've worked on decorating my home a bit. It just takes me a really long time for one project but that's ok!
I'm glad you're able to invite friends over and enjoy. Good for you! That's a really great attitude. Getting together is important, and like you say, we don't have to cook and clean all day to do it. Hopefully they've come to see US, not the house. ;)
Take care,
Melinda
Wow..I would actually use my stagnant YMCA membership! I would take several classes a week, do FUN stuff with my kids, go running/walking...I AM going to start walking, Yoga, etc, soon...but it's so hard...just so tired right now.
Go back out into the world I used to know and pine for each day,
Dolly
Jordozmom,
If I didn't have Sjogrens, I would relish sunny days, sleep all night :), toss my pill boxes and eyedrops, flash a healthy toothy smile, eat foods I like without consequences, enjoy holidays and family time with vigor, and move painlessly.
On the other hand, I would miss out on being part of this support group! I would probably have less understanding and compassion for people dealing with chronic illness. I might take good days for granted. I have learned a lot about life and faith because of this disorder. It's part of what makes me who I am.
Like you, I choose contentment and hope in whatever circumstances. Don't agonize over what you can't change; just work around it and plan to have a good day!
Cheryl
I'd eat peanuts and wear mascara!
What would I do??? First of all I don't know if losing sjogrens would improve my life as much as I would want as I would still have the myasthenia gravis, low t-cells, hashimotos, etc.
However, if I could get ridof all of it I would travel around the US. I would head outside and work by you know what off and enjoy every minute of it. I would trim all the trees in my big yard standing on a ladder in a trailer. I would plant a lot of fruit trees and raspberries.
I would sing in church choir and sing-sing-sing.
And yes, I would wear makeup and mascara again and oh yeah, I would start walking a couple miles several times a week. Oh, the freedom to be able to do those things. And last, but not least, I would get a job in nursing working part time. Yeah, I', stupid, but I liked working and miss the socialization and the challenge. irish
P.S. Maybe I would clean my house also. ;D ;D ;D
Dance!