When we think we've got it tough.

[FROSTY:Me]

I've been feeling pretty low lately.Financial and health problems have really put a big dent in my plans. Feelling pretty sorry for myself to be honest
Then On TV last night I saw a program about a guy my age. He's had cerebral palsy his entire life.Clearly he is an inteligent human being but one unable to carry out the most basic of motor functions.
He and His 65 year old father (yes 65) compete in marathons all over the united states. His dad literally pushes or pulls him every step or stroke of the way.
What greater reminder,What greater inspiration could we ask for??
Puts all our niggly little problems in prospective doesn't it??

[Riff Raff]

Puts all our niggly little problems in prospective doesn't it??

It sure does - there's always someone worse off than us with a much more positive attitude. Happiness is much more attainable than we let ourselves think.

[Beemer]

I'm with you on this one, I've been moaning lately about being sick (flu and a few infections) and how I'm owed over a thousand dollars for work I've done and the bills are all due this week - but then I look around and think how lucky I am. We have a house of our own, a nice house too, with two garages full of cars and bikes. Because I shop in bulk every month or so, we have plenty of food in the cupboards and freezer and we're not beind with the power or phone so they're not going to be cut off. I can still walk, talk, ride, see, hear, etc., and I'm not terminally ill, just a bit off colour. There are millions of people who don't have even a tenth of what we have, and after seeing some of them on tv, getting on with their lives without moaning and whinging, I count myself lucky.

My mother could have taken thalidomide - then I'd really have something to complain about.

[T.I.E]

that is so true. but sometimes when ya feeling down, its nice to have someone giving you push.
sometimes when ya feel like the weight of the world is on ya shoulders, it's nice to be able to pass it on to lighten the load. even talking if it means talking.
but people like that do put things into perspective.

if ya want it get it. don't expect it now. but it will come.
and there are no problems out there mearly challenges to overcome.

[Antallica]

For me, happiness is a choice. But it's hard to make that choice somedays. You only have to think about the people who don't live in a society like ours, people who don't have dairy's down the road they can pick up the bread from etc. I disgust myself somedays when I'm bitching about wanting the latest this and that (insert technology here). Some poor family somewhere else is wondering how their gonna get their next meal.

I feel lucky to be in NZ with such opportunity.

[Badcat]

For me, happiness is a choice. But it's hard to make that choice somedays. You only have to think about the people who don't live in a society like ours, people who don't have dairy's down the road they can pick up the bread from etc. I disgust myself somedays when I'm bitching about wanting the latest this and that (insert technology here). Some poor family somewhere else is wondering how their gonna get their next meal.

I feel lucky to be in NZ with such opportunity.

dude - you've hit the nail on the head.
it's a choice.

k

[MSTRS:Me]

It is interesting to note that often 2 people with different disabilities will look at each other & both think they are lucky to not be as 'badly off as the other one'.
Besides, sometimes I think that the worst disability is the 6inches between our ears

[Biff]

You're onto a winner there Frosty, recognising that on the grand stage that is life - there are always others that make you feel good about yourself.

I find watching Jerry Springer on the weekend sets me up for the week.

[ManDownUnder]

We did a sign language course (AGES AGO) and the guy tutoring it was deaf and had cerebral paulsy (sp?).

Anyway, he had a sense of humour that would not quit and was representing NZ in the Special Olympics in weight lifting

Good GOD what a legend.

Frosty, wish I could help you more mate. You're a bit of a legend in these pages, and in real life. Give it time and ask for (or be willing to) recieve help as needed. Good things happen to good people and I suspect you've got a bit coming to you in time.

MDU
edit - I meant to say... the sign lanugauge guy finished the course and asked - "anything else you want to learn"? After he finished laughing he helped me learn "poof", "fuck", "shut up" and "fart"

Very useful!

[Riff Raff]

edit - I meant to say... the sign lanugauge guy finished the course and asked - "anything else you want to learn"? After he finished laughing he helped me learn "poof", "fuck", "shut up" and "fart"

Very useful!

Ooh can you teach us? Would come in useful sometimes when out on the bike!

[ManDownUnder]

Ooh can you teach us? Would come in useful sometimes when out on the bike!

Alas no - they're not too useful... as with many good things in life they require two hands to get it just right

Really useful in the pub though.You can order drinks, food etc without leaving your seat - ambient noiise doesn't matter at all!

[TonyB]

Good post Frosty. You hear some amazing stories of people battling sickness or disability with a postive attitude and it really does give you a wake up call.

[vifferman]

My mother could have taken thalidomide - then I'd really have something to complain about.

Or not.
I have a friend whose mother took thalidomide, and he is one of the most bubbly, friendly, outgoing people you could meet. At uni (where I met him) he was very popular with everyone. Despite having both arms deformed (one is very short, the other is malformed, thin, and with fewer fingers than normal), he lives a pretey much normal life (well... super-normal). He plays the piano, drives, is better at squash and table tennis than average, and if anything his 'disability' has made him an over-achiever, rather than handicapped in any way.

[zadok]

Great comments guys. Overall we enjoy a better standard of healthcare and living standards than much of the world's population.

[onearmedbandit]

Sorry to bring my injury up, but even with 24hr a day excruiating pain and a paralysed arm I've not once felt sorry for myself. This is my set of circumstances and I must deal with it. I don't have to remind myself ever that there are people in far worse situations than myself, heck I consider myself to be one of the lucky ones.