Christopher Dior Simon's Blog, page 5

I like me some me

Like an NFL player said, I have evolved into an interesting personality that I like. I remember growing up and feeling insecure with my large ears and nose. Oh yeah, I was a pimple popper. I was looking for a better me. As an adolescent, I didn’t understand that my attractiveness came from within me. Finally, at some point in my adult experience, I got it.

It is a freeing exuberance to stop caring about what other people think about me. This has served me well as ALS has caused my feet to curl up and other disfiguring. I’m having way too much fun. So my new answer to the glass being half empty or half full… It must be the glass of someone else. My glass stays full. Chris Simon.

A person’s life doesn’t consist of what he or she possesses. It is not even in the physics or affluence. What makes you your unique self and style comes from between your two ears. It reaches down to your heart.

What we really are matters more than what other people think of us. Jawaharlal Jehru. May you live all the days of your life. Jonathan Swift. Simplysaidbysimon, life is to be lived and not wasted away. ALS – A Little Selfish. Thanks, Arlene.

Slowing Down – Life Crossings Ahead

Some of the times that I didn’t hit the brakes fast enough involved taking lives. It’s a sickening experience, whether man or beast, and it knocks the air out of you. Gut-wrenching were each of the occasions that I took the life of an animal. Vividly, I remember driving down my street and seeing some animal – a dog- darting across the street. He was too fast, and I was too slow.

Knock, knock, knock. The door opened, and I sorrowfully exclaimed, “Mam, I am sorry, but I believe I hit your dog.” She forgivingly let me know he was always getting out, and it was bound to happen. I was still sick about it all day. I kept having flashbacks to my childhood and early adult years when I had lost my pet and furry family members. Painful.

What does the loss of a dog have to do with the pains we are going through with disease? I don’t know; I feel that we are going through the dog years of life somehow. I’m cautioning you to slow down because there are life crossings ahead for some, and we’re in the middle of the road for others. I remember the helpless feeling of being unable to slow down or speed up fast enough to avoid a collision course.

So, a song comes to me with no religious persuasion intended, “Lord help me Jesus.” Kris sang, “Why me, Lord?” Some of us may have different sentiments with the same words, “What have I ever done to deserve…?”

It’s a crossing of life, slow down, stop, look, and listen Simplysaidbysimon. ALS – Atrocious Life Slowing.

Thirty minutes

Today has been a good start. It is a phenomenal beginning to my goal of one hour by September. I was diagnosed with ALS in August 2009. It’s been a slow progression so far, with a couple of plateau phases. Between the rate of progression, I think I will live much longer with my determination and faith. I think I can, I believe I can, I know I can.

I’ll continue to set goals that challenge me and that keep me focused on living and achieving. There is so much more of life to live and love to give. I’m sure that there are loads of friendships to grow and experience. Life is good.

I’m really enjoying the fried green tomatoes and banana nut muffins from home. It’s the little things that count, so I have a lot of little things that make my day. Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world. George Bernard Shaw. Either you run the day, or the day runs you. Jim Rohn. Simply Said By Simon, just a mini chocolate bar helps the medicine go down. ALS—All Lifestyles Simultaneously. Thanks, Jilliane.

New Discoveries

Unlimited treasures are waiting to be discovered and experienced. There is an expansive “out there.” I am exhilarated by what’s new just around the next corner. I have been phenomenally blessed by my Miracle Man. He finished up making the plants fit into the holes my wife set them in. It’s looking good outside my window.

My latest revelation is that our DON is exceptionally smart and tenacious. I saw yesterday how relentless she is when tackling a problem that others didn’t solve. She was formidable in uncovering the problem with setting up my phone, and after she finished, I just needed the technical support person to connect my phone and tablet. Tah-dah. Presto-chango and abracadabra, I am up and with everything working on my phone.

Next, I will see if she can connect my blinds and camera to my computer. These will conclude my mountains to climb, getting my monumental obstacles maneuvered out of my way. It’s looking marvelous.

This new DON is uncommon in getting the job done – by the book. Checkpoint after checkpoint, she slowly slays the giants of “Good intentions” and makes this world a better place. I held on to hope and advocate for excellence in patient care. Some of you doubted my methods and motives. No matter. The proof is in the pudding.

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. Edith Wharton. Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all. Alexander the Great. Have patience. All things are difficult before they become easy. Saadi. An effort made for the happiness of others lifts above ourselves. Lydia M. Child. Either I will find a way, or I will make one. Philip Sidney. It does not matter how slowly you go so long as you do not stop. Confucius.

Simply said, diseases aren’t easy, and conditions can be catastrophic, but hold on to hope. ALS – After Listening Sing. Thanks, Jilliane.

Make it Beautiful

I will ask for help to beautify my surroundings. It’s looking good. I have also sought tools to make my mind more attractive. I mentioned some of my recent books to help me use Stoicism, including Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson.

What typically makes me ugly is my way of thinking. Specifically, not what happened to me but how I responded to it. I have the realm of control, and no one has the power or my permission to disfigure me. Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. Carl Jung. Like looking at a mirror, I see myself in others. I am working on a makeover because “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor Frankl.

I have makeup kits in good books, documentaries, seminars, and music. Simplysaidbysimon, it’s a beautiful world. Amazing Lilac Smells. Thanks, Jilliane.

And the beat goes on

Summer Sunday with the tasty seasonal fruit. I’ll enjoy tomatoes, enchiladas, and banana nut muffins today. Jennifer will drop in some rose bushes that Miracle Man dug holes for. I’m excited about the opportunity to complete my room projects this week.

This morning, my wife is bringing good banana nut muffins, fried green tomatoes, dip, drinks, and enchiladas from my best friend’s wife. Jennifer will also plant my three newest rose bushes. I’m thankful.

I read three books yesterday and finished two books already this morning. Have you read Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff: It’s All Small Stuff by Richard Carlson? I enjoyed it very much. I’ll read a few of the author’s suggested readings.

I’m going through it. ALS is not holding me back. Only my limited thoughts can stop me, and maybe death. I’m loving life. I breathed eighteen minutes on my own early this morning. I’ll get the Physical Therapist to hold me up so I can lean on my bed and try to regain some leg strength.

We first make our habits, and then our habits make us. John Dryden. My habit is to never give up. Call me stupid, but I believe I can do better and more. Simplysaidbysimon, I think I can, I think I can, I think I will. ALS – Accolades Lauded Superman.

Attitude Makes the Difference

I’m happy to have done what I said I would. Even with the hurdles of disease, I am succeeding with those I can count on positively. It’s my fault if I keep expecting the leopard to change its spots. Well, I guess I haven’t changed either. Move on, Simon.

I have one person who, after he’s done whatever I need, asks, “Is there anything else I can do for you?” You guessed it. Miracle Man. Never has he said can’t you get the people who work here to do it. He is cautious and careful not to break or destroy anything.

My wife will break out her goodies for the next few days, but I am thrilled more by the three rose bushes she will plant in the holes dug by Miracle Man. I’ll finish up my tasks by getting my new phone, camera, and blinds. Yippee. I am at the finish line.

The thrill of accomplishment and the new beginning of my next adventure and project keeps me going and happy to wake up each day. You are remembered for the rules you break. Douglas MacArthur. Live for today and not the fears of what may come.
Hadley Vlahos, RN. Independence is happiness. Susan B. Anthony. Simplysaidbysimon, make a new plan and path today. ALS – A Little Selfish. Thanks, Arlene.

Rounding the Corner

Fulfilling Friday once again. My faith is firm, and God’s forgiveness and grace are faithful. My life is good, and my outlook remains positive.

Today, I plan to prepare the ground for three rose bushes. My new phone was delivered, and I anticipate having the final electronic devices paired with my tablet soon. I’ll also listen to two additional books today.

How do I keep pushing forward each day? Is it one day at a time? I was given this focus and emphasis after I received the diagnosis of ALS. Thomas has passed, but his determination has lived on in me. His advice has served me well. I will also add words from the book I read yesterday in The In-Between “Live for today and not the fears of what may come.” Hadley Vlahos, RN.

I have awakened to this day of possibility and opportunity, Simplysaidbysimon, and I am making the most of it. ALS—Always Living Successfully. Thanks, Belinda.

Transforming Thoughts Thursday

Tremendous Thursday filled with opportunity and the abundance of God. I praise the Lord for His merciful grace that sees beyond my faults and fills my needs. I need Thee, oh how I need Thee.

I trust that God’s goodness is quenching your soul’s thirst today. I imagine that you are faced with some serious issues that you have managed to bravely face. I feel that way much of the time; I get a rush overcoming difficult obstacles on my path to my declared goals and objectives.

Let’s keep pushing and praying forward. My motto is: Contented with little, yet wishing for more. Charles Lamb. Rough diamonds are sometimes mistaken for worthless pebbles. Thomas Browne. Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay. Simone de Beauvoir. Simply Said By Simon, there won’t be this moment ever again, treasure it. ALS – Adjusting Life Successfully. Thanks, Jilliane.

California Dreaming

I’ll enjoy what this day provides and experience the smell of my roses figuratively and literally. I’m in a good place in my life. God be praised.

How are you feeling today? Everything begins with your thoughts and choices. When executed, the plans produce what your thoughts have prioritized. Work or play, productivity or complacency, you make the choices that impact what you create today.

I breathed twenty minutes without the ventilator yesterday morning and four additional minutes the day before. I will gut it out to one hour by September. Physical and mental goals are on my list for the year’s second half. Remember, we set doable expectations, made adjustments as required, and now we’re realigning for the year’s second half.

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? Vincent Van Gogh. Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. James Baldwin. All change is not growth, as all movement is not forward. Ellen Glasgow. Success is never final, failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts. John Wooden. If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it, then I can achieve it. Muhammad Ali.

I say a lot of things, but only you can make your dreams come true. We are all different, and I expect we will be successful on different levels and to different degrees. Simply Said By Simon, implement what you can and desire for your world. ALS—About Learning Scripture. Thanks; I forgot who.