I noticed early this morning just
before sunrise, when I often have the deepest and darkest thoughts, that my
priorities of day-to-day living have changed. Eight years ago, just after ALS
entered my life, I focused on doing as much as possible…work, play, family. I
was in a fight against the slow but steady loss of my physical abilities.
Staying physically active was a priority. That battle lasted less than two
years. When my legs and my arms no longer responded to the commands of my brain,
I was forced to adjust my priorities. I retreated to my imagination. I still
strove to be active, but my paralyzed body gave me just one outlet…my voice.
This wonderful tool allowed me to stay active and productive. Writing stories became
my daily priority. For nearly six years, putting my thoughts onto the page
overwhelmed everything. I was blissfully ambivalent of my body's frozen
condition. I gladly allowed my voice, my imagination, and the words take me.
Late last year, I lost that magical ability…I am forced to reprioritize. I now
focus on daily comfort, fighting to stay clear of congestion, and keeping
depression at bay. My priority is to breathe, to love my family and friends, to
seek spiritual balance and to stay mentally active. Strange, the manifestation
of my daily priorities look different, but maybe they are still the same.
What are your daily priorities?
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