There’s a hole in my bucket
The world is good at pointing out what’s wrong with our lives. If you’re anything like me, you have buckets full of mistakes that can be pulled out at any time to show how imperfect you really are. The only problem is, my bucket is imperfect too…it leaks.
It is impossible to go through life without making mistakes. You can’t do it and neither can I. One thing I know that I can count on is that I will mess up. I will make wrong choices. I will disappoint people and even disappoint myself. Failure is normal, whatever normal actually is. I don’t know why we try to cover it up and hide away our flaws and mistakes. Being less than perfect is just a part of being human.
To the world, our MS body is a failure. The nerves in our brain and spine have chosen to fail us causing difficulties we would rather not have, but the mistake our body makes in destroying myelin is not our mistake. Don’t, even for a moment, think you have done something to deserve MS or that you have caused it yourself, because you haven’t.
No matter what happens today, don’t believe that voice trying to tell you that you are a failure. You are not your body’s weakness. You are not your MS. That is just part of the packaging you have to work with, as flawed as that may be.
Count each day you get through as a victory. You have had victory after victory already. Today will be another one. You may finish exhausted, worn out and weary as the sun goes down, but you are going to make it.
Instead of focusing today on the things you can’t do, look at what you can. Take a break from the pressure the world puts on you to be perfect and simply be you…and never give up.
I have problems trying to mathematically figure out if my bucket is half empty or half full…..
I have read your inspirational words Penelope for years now and they lift my mood every time I read them. I want to thank you so much for being the person you are and how you give so much of yourself to us all out here in MS world. Have managed to accept this minefield we live in because of your generosity of heart.
Thank you Jana. What an encouragement you are to me. I needed to hear that tonight. Hugs to you! xoxo
You deserve every word of my comment and more. We are all humans who need a hug from time to time. Hugs galore for you anytime as your words have hugged me plenty of times when I needed it!! xoxo
True David O’Dea. After being a healthy vital, nonstop working, giving doing person I feel a total burden on everyone and life,in general. I often wonder what did this happen to me Karma? Rational nurses brain knows better, emotionally exhausted brain still wonders xx
Thank you as always. Be well. Here is to a better 2018.
Back at you… xoxo
Thanks Penelope I hope you had a good Christmas and the New Year will treat you better. I have never given up as the MS doesn’t. I hope to keep reading from you in the new year and keep up the good news to be an inspiration to us all.
Thanks Rodger. I did have a great Christmas. I hope the coming year will be better for you as well.
Well, one thing’s for sure…: YOU are an absolutely amazing, perfect star, dearest Penelope!!! 😙
Thanks Meeya xoxo
Hi Penelope
I have just discovered your blog, following my diagnosis of MS. Already, you have made me smile and look at this condition in a more positive light. Thank you! I am feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment and my family are in full protective mode.
You are so welcome Emma. I’m glad you found me as well. We MSers gotta stick together. Believing for better days ahead for you. Hang in there. xoxo
Another great blog. Your one about the holidays was SPOT ON! Thank you for what you do!
😀 xoxo
Thank u, two days in of meeting with family is exhausting and barely made it through. Even though i hardly are to do anything
Hugs and kisses your way Penelope 😘 Your so right on everytime!!! I need to thank you because of you and your post I was able to finally let my family know about me and my MS. I was never able to tell them ( my five children 14-23yrs and my husband of 25 yrs) what I was going thru daily and how bad I was getting. Now they understand and it has changed my life for the better 😊 THANK YOU 😘 Please keep going because you may never know how much you can help others
That is wonderful to hear Tiffany. Your family sound like tremendous blessings in your life. You will be a continued inspiration to them as you keep pressing through. xoxo
This is so great.
I love this!
Thank you so much for all the work you put into this. We do need to be reminded it’s not our own fault
Keep on keeping on
Thanks Bern!
You are an inspiration to us all live and virtual hugs always
Thanks Aileen! xoxo