When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, I was emotionally devastated. I soon experienced some of the negative aspects of the disease.

Ending my twenty-year career in public education.

Living on an income that was half of what I was familiar with.

Losing my bladder function when I least expected it.

We can share our concern in a gentle manner. Then, we need to let our opinion rest.

To not be yelling your opinion, you learn to dialogue with many perspectives.

The point of remembering our mistakes is not to emotionally beat ourselves up. Instead, acknowledging that we did the best we could with the skills we had available at the time.

I learned to choose my words carefully. It is always amusing to throw people’s negativity aside and assume the best in another person. It changes the entire interaction.

It comes from the practice of forbearance. It is a practice of forgiving a person prior to them offending or hurting you. It means refraining from the enforcement of something (as a debt, right, or obligation) that is due.

It is important for you to be able to talk, think and write about the negative aspects of a situation. By acknowledging the negative aspects, it gives meaning to the feelings you might be holding and carrying in your body. 

What does “Living the Encouraged Life” even mean? Over the next few weeks I will dive into the main six components that allow me to live and reflect an encouraged life.