Positive attitude, believe in holistic approach to pain management including chiropractic, meditation, reiki, exercise, nutrition. Know when to stay by myself and not interact with others but enjoy my various relationships as often as possible.

I am sitting here feeling blessed about recent experiences with family and friends. I am learning more about how my 64 year old body responds to various situations and how I can alter that if I choose. I have learned to use a cane, a walker, an electric scooter without embarrassment or apology and without resentment. Rather I am thankful that I can use these things and continue to enjoy doing things that I enjoy doing.

One of my greatest pleasures is driving and I am very fortunate to be able to drive long distances to go see my kids and their families or to go on trips. I just did the driving for a trip to Florida and back from Southern Ontario and not only enjoyed it but felt proud that I could make that contribution to a family vacation.

I think that one's attitude has a lot to do with how one feels. However it is important to get medical diagnoses and appropriate medical treatment. Before I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression in the 80's some of my behaviour was out of control. When I think back now I am so grateful that a doctor saw and understood what was going on and found a way to help me. I now take my medication daily as I do not want to go back to being that person - ever.

It is also important to have a caring support group of friends and family. That is not always easy but it is necessary to feel cared about and often cared for. If someone does not have that I think they should investigate opportunities that fit their life style and physical needs where they can interact with others face to face in a comfortable, nonthreatening environment.

I also think that spiritual growth is important - whatever your faith or non-faith is. Spiritual growth helps you see that you are not alone -there are other like minded people out there who can teach you more about your life's journey and who can confirm your importance in this world. I know I have support from people like that and from "the other side".  It has been a discovery and a learning process that has enhanced my life tremendously and gives me tools to get through the roughest of times. It also provides me with the ability to think positively and feel safe when life dishes out what it does.

A very important thing to do for yourself is to get rid of toxic people or situations in your life. To refuse to be around negativity or to shield yourself from its effects. It is not healthy to to constantly be looking at the down side of life, bemoaning what life has given you, or tolerating behaviour and attitudes from others that make you feel diminished. It is important to say, " This is my life and I will do whatever I can to make it a good life. I have choices. I can determine what I can do about certain situations or people in my life. I can look at myself and see what would make me happy then I can set that as a goal to work toward. It is my right to be a happy person and it is my responsibility alone to see that this happens."

We cannot control what happens to us in this life but we can control how we respond to it.

I hope anyone who might read this might also be helped in some way by it and I appreciate the opportunity to express these thoughts and feelings here.