Yesterday was such a peculiar day for weather, starting out dark, dreary, and rainy before turning the mid-afternoon over to a glorious sun-filled sky which, an hour later, retreated back to the darker skies with thunderstorms.

Today is overcast and a bit pleasant despite the humidity which is at 89% at the moment.

Late last night, I decided to hang my shirts on the clothes line to get a head start on fresh air drying. Around 3:00 AM I was awakened by the sound of heavy rain and at 8:00 AM they were still soggy.

I accomplished much, in, around, and after lessons, preparing for the trip and just getting the house in semi-basic order. Living alone doesn’t mean the house stays tidy. Sometimes, I can be my own worst roommate needing to pick up after myself.

Surprisingly, my body feels fine, at the moment. That can easily change, and even with the strongest mental force, I often find myself surrendering to the body’s power.

I decided, early on in the RRMS (Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis) adventure that I was not going to bury myself in research, memorizing all the symptoms, and falling into a well that blocked life from my view and participation. Some scowl that I should be prepared. Perhaps. However, I need to make this journey on my own terms.

From the waist up, I am fine. From the waist down, I am often in mild discomfort. Sometimes, the mild discomfort, especially at night when trying to sleep, it’s maddening. This is when my arms and hands tend to mimic pin cushions.

I’ve learned to stand between lessons to alleviate some of the stiffness in my legs. There are other little things I’ve learned to do to escape to more comfortable conditions, much of which involves watching documentaries, listening to audio books (mostly involving biographies and US History), or watching television or You Tube comedies.

Laughter is a powerful medicine.

Sometimes, I cannot fulfill time arranged with friends; my body does not always wish to go along with my planning. Fortunately, friends are warmly understanding.

One friend, while taking me to get my Covid-19 vaccine, asked, “How can I help you? I don’t know what to do.”

I am still learning myself on this great adventure and still learning all the particulars. It’s fascinating to learn so much about the body and the mind even in not so favorable conditions. I’ve always paid attention to them, but now it’s become a daily game, noting the subtle hints of what might be a few steps ahead. As I discover more along the journey, I am able to communicate when I might be in need of assistance, but in the meantime, I am actually capable of doing things on my own, albeit, a bit slower.

Laughter.

I joined several RRMS social media groups but they were not really for me. There are so many who suffer greatly and I still believe I am greatly blessed despite the discomforts. I would try to read through the posts; they’re depressing and I am always fearful of that damned well. So, feeling the need to be of service, I provide the laughter with little posts or memes to cheer others on; yet, I am firm in keeping my distance as not to get sucked into that well.

In a non-RRMS world, there’s always potential falls into our personal wells. I think it’s important to be aware of when we are close to one of our wells so that we do not trip and fall into them. We must note the triggers or hints of what drags us to those wells. Life can easily drag us down into a well but I also believe, as long as strength remains with us, it can also be a choice to take a different path that bypasses our wells.

Take the bypasses, laugh a lot, and make it a great day!