With gratitude,
optimism is sustainable.
Michael J Fox
Not too long ago I read one Michael’s books, No Time Like The Future. It was insightful and inspiring. In the book Michael talks about his challenges and struggles living with Parkinson disease. He is upbeat but honest about what it is like personally and professionally. He writes of his family and their ways of, not just coping with this disease, but finding strength and humor and being open and honest with their feelings and thoughts.
I don’t know that if I ever have to face a life changing health challenge that I would be like Michael. I don’t know that I would be as optimistic and happy as he is as he looks to the future. He doesn’t downplay the difficulties but accepts that life is different, he makes adjustments as needed and lives a full life. I don’t know if I am that strong. I do hope I would find new ways to live and be happy and not just stay home feeling sorry for myself.
I think gratitude is always important but even more so when faced with the hard passages of life. And I think optimism is a gift that sometimes takes a bit of work to maintain. But then, most of the good in life requires work and the rewards of that work are more gifts than we can ever imagine.
Patricia's Place 
I read his first book, Lucky Man, when he tells you how it started, and his honesty moved me very much, so I see why his latest one did that to you.
I have hearing loss and that’s challenging in itself, but when I think of him, I’m humbled because, I can still walk and run without any barriers, and see well enough to read a book a week. He’s a hero who reminds me to count my blessings over and over again. Sometimes I think that’s why something like that happens. God chooses you to be the example, the warrior, the one who leads. Thanks. This stirred me, greatly.
Reading his latest book is moving and it made me look at my life. Most of us have something that we don’t want to have to deal with especially the things that impact our health and wellness. When we see someone with a major challenge or read about their life it does open our eyes to our blessings.
Yes it does.
It is difficult to remain optimistic if it’s our own health that is suffering. But remaining positive has its own blessings.
The ability to be positive is indeed a blessing, one that I think most of us tend to take for granted.
Absolutely right!
Some folks are just thankful they are here and make the best of it. Some folks are healthy and miserable. I like Michael’s style the best.
Have a fabulous day and week, Patricia. ♥
Being thankful for life itself makes the the good better and the bad bearable. It’s not always easy but it has it’s rewards.