Reflections cast out, bouncing back
Multiple Sclerosis has been an inciduous thief gradually stealing my energy, flexiblity, strength, coordination, sensation, balance and perception of where my body is in space. As a result I am no longer able to do many things the way I used to. I have had to leave a job I loved rather abruptly and make many modifications to my life. My career was such a focus in my life, when I lost it I lost much of my self definition.
In 2008 I was humbled yet again by this disase and bought a mobility scooter. I worried what other people would think when they saw me. This big machine made me so visible, yet I felt that society would classify me as invisble/expendable. What I found was that a blessing lurked not far beneath this hardship. I was able to move about freely and gracefully with out worry of falling. I could once again "browse" while shopping and I had energy to do more and BE more in this world.
I decided that 2008 would be the year to dispense of my ego and just "do what works".
To my suprise I did not cease to exist. People were not mean or critical, dismissive or judging. In fact they often looked me right in the eye and met my smile with one in return. The "world" reflected back to me what I put out there. This world once again showed me that there was indeed a place for me.
My giving in the last year has allowed me to see that people will respond to me in just the way that they would have before despite my disability. They will see kindness as kindness, generosity as generosity. Although the way I interact with the world in a physical sense may have changed, the world remains as it always was. Opportunities are plentyful and reasons for hope, abundant.
So my goal for 2009 will be to continue doing what "works" and to find a new place to focus my energies, and talents. A place where I can begin to grow again. I am not sure where that place will be just yet but I now have renewed faith that there is indeed a spot waiting for me.
In 2008 I was humbled yet again by this disase and bought a mobility scooter. I worried what other people would think when they saw me. This big machine made me so visible, yet I felt that society would classify me as invisble/expendable. What I found was that a blessing lurked not far beneath this hardship. I was able to move about freely and gracefully with out worry of falling. I could once again "browse" while shopping and I had energy to do more and BE more in this world.
I decided that 2008 would be the year to dispense of my ego and just "do what works".
To my suprise I did not cease to exist. People were not mean or critical, dismissive or judging. In fact they often looked me right in the eye and met my smile with one in return. The "world" reflected back to me what I put out there. This world once again showed me that there was indeed a place for me.
My giving in the last year has allowed me to see that people will respond to me in just the way that they would have before despite my disability. They will see kindness as kindness, generosity as generosity. Although the way I interact with the world in a physical sense may have changed, the world remains as it always was. Opportunities are plentyful and reasons for hope, abundant.
So my goal for 2009 will be to continue doing what "works" and to find a new place to focus my energies, and talents. A place where I can begin to grow again. I am not sure where that place will be just yet but I now have renewed faith that there is indeed a spot waiting for me.
Comment
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Comment by Kim Latour on June 2, 2009 at 7:25pm -
Thanks so much Cami! You are an inspiration to so many!
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Comment by Cami Walker -- 29Gifts Founder on June 2, 2009 at 4:15pm -
Kim--You are awesome. Congrats on acknowledging yourself as a worthy person who deserves to be out there interacting with the world. I love you!
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Comment by Stacey S. on January 5, 2009 at 9:41am -
how inspiring you are to all of us. i like the idea of doing what works. I think we can all take something froom this.
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Comment by Shawn on January 5, 2009 at 9:16am -
What a beautiful, hopeful, inspiring and amazing post!! I had to read this several times. Bless you Kim, you are such a bright light!
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Comment by Kim Latour on January 1, 2009 at 7:57pm
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Thanks Pat!
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Comment by Pat Halverson on January 1, 2009 at 6:04pm -
You are an inspiration! Thanks for the reminder of just what sending out positive energy can do!
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Comment by Kim Latour on January 1, 2009 at 9:11am
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That is a very powerful message Erin!
Thanks
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Comment by Stephanie Kytola on January 1, 2009 at 8:57am -
What a positive start to the New Year. Thanks for the positive post!
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Comment by Elly Rose on January 1, 2009 at 7:07am -
Kim
I love your post today, thanks for sharing with us. I have found that what we put out there usually bounces back. You are putting out positive energy. Here is to a year that allows growing and faith to abound.
Love and Light
Elly Rose
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Comment by Gerry on January 1, 2009 at 6:49am -
You are amazing , standing proud in your wisdom.
There is a quote which your story proves (it isn't verbatim, I'm afraid):
" We are not physical beings having a spiritual experience, we are spiritual beings having a physical experience" whatever the physical experience you are you and that sounds pretty terrific to me.
I know I'm an annoying fixer but have you looked into the bee venom story? I saw a documentary where a woman with MS used this to great effect. People probably tell you all sorts of way out stuff....sorry.
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