Don’t let multiple sclerosis hold you back
I started a new home improvement project. My garage door needs new weatherstripping across the top and sides of the door. I researched the products I need and decided the cost is actually fairly low if I do it myself so I bought all the wood and screws needed.
Yesterday I started the first step in replacing the old weatherstripping. I bought four 1×3 boards that needed to be cut down to 1×2’s. I discovered in order to have a board exactly 1×2 I would have to cut them down myself. I laid the boards out in my backyard so I could use my circular saw to cut them down. I don’t have a fancy setup to hold the boards steady while I cut.
The bad thing is that my legs have problems maintaining my balance even while sitting. I set up a folding chair for me to sit in while I cut the boards, but I had trouble keeping the cut straight while I was working to balance myself. While I used the saw my legs kept slipping and I came close multiple times to falling over. My leg muscles are just very, very weak.
It was such a struggle. I was able to cut the 8 foot long boards about 12 inches at a time. I had to keep shifting the board down to keep on cutting the full length of the board. It took me so much longer than planned. After a pile of sawdust formed I had finished cutting them down. I felt so proud of myself. Next week I’m going to paint them white and a friend is going to come over to help me hang them around the garage door.
So far I feel so accomplished. I know there’s still a lot to do, but for me cutting the boards was the hardest part. I still have to pull the old boards off and sand the old wood before I can attached the new wood in the opening.
I think I make things hard for myself but I feel so good knowing that I am able to accomplish something myself. That’s the stubborn part of me. I have saved over $300 that I don’t have because I’m doing it myself. Multiple sclerosis has made it difficult, but not impossible. It’s almost like I have a challenge set before me and I have to prove to myself that I’m still capable. If I can’t do it, I will throw my hands up and surrender but I want to at least try before I give up.
Giving up like that does happen but so far I have been able to push through many challenges that MS has brought along. Falling over is not something I want to happen. It seems like such a small thing but it’s actually quite big. The time it takes for me to complete the project will take longer than it would have if I was stronger, but even the time delay is not going to hold me back.
Some of the most difficult things for me is doing anything that requires a steady hand. I can guarantee you that in your trying you are going to feel like a failure at some point…maybe even more than once or twice. But choose to be like Thomas Edison at those times. During his work on the lightbulb, he said “I have not failed 10,000 times. I have not failed once. I have succeeded in proving that those 10,000 ways will not work. When I have eliminated the ways that will not work, I will find the way that will work.”
You will find a way that works too! Whether you find a better way to improve your life or a new way to do something that others tell you (or even you tell yourself) can’t be done, keep trying. Don’t give up on living. Don’t give up trying. Don’t give up no matter how impossible or difficult things may get. Just don’t give up. You will find a way that works for you.
1. Simplify your life.
Congratulations Penelope 🙂
I know it’s the small things to others but in OUR world it’s a huge accomplishment to finish a task we set our minds to do!!! Such simple things like bringing a drink to someone with out spilling is huge for us but so simple to others!!! Bravo to you, cutting the wood to me is too huge but our fearless WARRIOR did it 🙂 🙂 I’m so proud of you 🙂 You truly put good thoughts in my head to pushing me to accomplish a Big project myself, well not big to others but for me it is, so thank you 🙂 🙂 🙂
Glad you are going to move forward with a project yourself. I know you can do it… and I believe it will work out better than you thought. Hugs… xoxo
Congratulations!! That sounds like an overwhelming task I’m so glad you got it done without injury. I have pretty serious MS balance struggles too. And also some difficulty getting my hands to do what I want them to….
Your tale gave me great images in my mind – hilarious & scary both! Never again will I pick up a saw with spinning bladesThe blender and an onion knife are brave enough for me…
Best wishes for the rest of the project. And please do be careful!
Balance is so important for everything we do and most people don’t get it. It was scary. a few times I had to pause just to get my hands to co-operate. Thanks for the best wishes. xoxo
Congratulations on your achievement of what was clearly a very difficult task due your MS symptoms ?
I am sure that like myself many people will have images of the Circular Saw spinning away and the danger etc however you got there you are an inspiration to so many people in what you achieve etc.
We all need to remember that everything we do and achieve is a victory over Multiple Sclerosis. Know matter how small it might be.
So very proud of you !! The little Engine that could!!
Congratulations to you! WOWED
I know that I wouldn’t even consider that.
I have decided long ago before MS issues that it’s better to bite the bullet and pay someone else to do it.
But I do like that sense of accomplishment
Thank you so so much!