Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group I am delusional!

I'd argue its difference of philosophy, and I can't say one way is correct over the other.

My mother is more like your therapist, trying to convince me that I must "accept" my lot in life!

I say, "NEVER!"

But my philosophy is much more like steve's "deny deny deny"!

I will keep fighting, I will keep over-reaching. I've always been an "over achiever" meaning that I try to achieve more than I know I am capable of because my opinion is what is the harm in that.

So long as one is not disappointed in "failing". I'd rather try and come up short then never try at all.

and I personally think the more we try, the more we can achieve.

granted, that's not always the case, but I don't call it delusional thinking, I call it optimistic thinking. doesn't that have a better ring to it?

or, we may know we'll never be perfect, but why not try to be the best we can be?

i really don't understand the logic in just accepting.

i do agree with possi and the others that there is a time sometimes to accept things and not try so hard, but i also think there is a time to try as hard as we can, if we have it in us, if we want to.

someone said, "I call it hope." I do as well.

besides, all that swimming really did make you feel a lot better. I remember you telling the story of how bad off you were before the swimming and how much better you became because of it.

So don't let the therapist rain on your parade. In my humble opinion.

I've had doctors who think like your therapist. But now I have a chiro, rheumatologist, gastroenterologist, interventionalist, and GP who all champion all that I do; who seem proud and seem to admire how hard I work at this. I want people helping me who want to keep trying, who always have new ideas to try, who are optimistic that we can do more, do better. These people in my life now fit that bill. Some of my doctors in the past weren't always like this. one suggested therapist to come to terms with my neck problems; i told her no thank you, i preferred to talk to someone who could help me feel better, not someone who could help me accept being in pain.

yes, i'm realistic that even with all that i do, i will still have issues.

but i also know how bad i'd be if i didn't take care of my self the best that i can.

related, i remember reading how christopher reeves would never give up hope that research would make it so he could walk again. but teddy pendergrass thought that kind of thinking was harmful and it was important for people to accept it and live their lives within their limitations. two philosophies. who's to say which one is more correct?

Well, that's my philosophy on the issue.

I for one cheer you on for trying so hard and being so optimistic.

its all in how you look at it and how you spin it.

sue

I have to agree with you, at first I tried just to accept it and all I did was get depressed,now I am trying to fight this WITH my limitations. it also gives my mind something to do...trying to find the logic in the improvements I am making. Yes I fall short and then I know my limitations and try to improve from there. I try to look at where I'd be without trying to improve. I would rather try to inspire others than for people to pity me. I think it says it all in my signature line.

I think we all feel the same way and just use different words.
I do all I can to keep from having people's pity and I do want to be able to inspire at least a little. It was just a relief to me to do all I can do and quit "trying" so hard. Some times "trying" uses up more energy than doing. I am not being able to express my thoughts very well. Just know I agree with all of you. We all want to be all we can be.

I also think we pretty much all feel the same way.

For me, right now, what feels right and empowering, is to fight it with all I have.

Some day, the right thing might be to become more accepting, like you describe; that might give me more peace at that point. Sounds like that's where you are right now.

I think we all need to find what works for each of us and do that vs someone (like a family member or doctor) suggesting how we should feel / act / be.

Thank you Possi, I was just thinking I loved what YOU wrote!

Orch is right, as long as you believe you can beat it, you have hope, and some days hope is all we have.

Oh, I am sooooooo glad we're all delusional here!

Since you've all totally supported me in my delusion, I wanted to let you know that today I walked to my sister's house, swam at the U, got a sunburn - OOPS, and ate a big bowl of beans & ham filled with salicylates. Now? Yep. In bed in PAIN watching TV. But, know what? It was TOTALLY worth it!

Much love and many hugs my friends! You all rock!

Hey, check out this funny guy. I love all of his different characters. He just makes me laugh.



After years of goofing off on YouTube he got invited to TED!

I am so gLad you had a good day. I hope today is also. If not enjoying basking in the thoughts of yesterday and add the thoughts that tomorrow will be better. Hugs.