When I was twelve years old, I NEVER would have believed that anyone, let alone me, would one day celebrate making the bed.
In fact, twelve-year-old me probably would have laughed at the idea of making it at all!
But life has a funny way of changing our perspective. Living with Multiple Sclerosis has changed the way I see my body. Instead of focusing on everything it can't do, I've learned to celebrate everything it still makes possible. Sometimes those victories are much smaller than I ever imagined—but they're no less meaningful.
There are days when my legs feel unbelievably heavy. Days when simply walking across the room feels like I'm moving through concrete. On those days, my body asks me to slow down and rest. So, when I wake up and have enough strength to make my bed, I celebrate.
Not because I suddenly enjoy making the bed (let's not get carried away!), but because I know what that simple act often means. It means my body is strong enough that I probably won't be climbing back into it to rest later that morning. It's a reminder that today is a good day. And something as ordinary as pulling up the blankets has become an unexpected reason to smile.
It's funny how the things we once took for granted can become the very things we're most grateful for. Gratitude has a way of changing our perspective. It shifts our focus away from what we've lost and toward everything our bodies still make possible.
Changing Our Perspective
Our world teaches us to notice what our bodies can't do.
We compare ourselves to younger versions of ourselves. We compare ourselves to other people. We focus on the pain we'd like to disappear, the energy we wish we still had, or the image we think we should see in the mirror.
Without even realizing it, we begin measuring our bodies by everything they aren't.
But what if we looked through a different lens? What if, instead of asking, "What's wrong with my body?" we asked, "What is my body still making possible today?" That one question has completely changed my relationship with my body.
Because every heartbeat, every breath, every step—even the difficult ones—is my body's way of continuing to show up for me.
Meeting Yourself Where You Are
One of the things I love most about yoga isn't learning to hold a pose perfectly. It's learning to meet myself exactly where I am. Every practice looks different.
Some days my body feels strong and steady. Other days it feels stiff, tired, or asks me to slow down. Neither day is a failure. Each one is simply an invitation to listen.
One of the principles yoga has taught me is kindness—especially toward myself. We would never criticize a dear friend for needing to rest or moving a little slower than usual, yet many of us speak to ourselves in ways we'd never speak to someone we love.
Yet many of us speak to ourselves in ways we would never dream of speaking to someone we love.
Nature reminds us of this too. We don't judge spring for not looking like autumn or expect winter to bloom like summer. Every season has its own beauty and purpose.
Our bodies have seasons too. Some are filled with energy. Others invite us to slow down, rest, and heal. The trouble comes when we compare today's season to one that's already passed—or to someone else's.
Peace begins when we stop fighting the season we're in and start caring for ourselves within it.
Love yourself where you are, not where you—or anyone else—thinks you should be.
Celebrating the Small Victories
Learning to love your body doesn't mean pretending everything is easy. It doesn't mean ignoring pain, illness, limitations, or the things you wish were different.
It simply means choosing gratitude alongside the challenges.
As someone living with a chronic illness, there are certainly days when my body asks more of me than I'd like to give. On those days, even the smallest accomplishments become reasons to celebrate because they remind me of what my body is still capable of.
Other days, my body asks me to slow down. The bed remains unmade because rest is exactly what my body needs. Years ago, I might have seen that as failure. Today, I see it differently.
I may not accomplish everything on my to-do list, but I can still make a difference in someone's day.
That has taught me something important. Our worth isn't measured by how much we accomplish. It's reflected in the love, kindness, encouragement, and presence we bring into the lives of others.
Some days we fold the laundry.
Some days we make the bed.
Some days we simply watch the birds outside our window and allow our bodies the rest they've been asking for.
All are valid. All are important.
Our job isn't to compare today with yesterday or wish we were someone else. Our job is simply to appreciate where we are, honor what our body needs today, and look for the good it still allows us to do.
When we begin looking for those moments, we realize our bodies aren't working against us. They're doing their very best to carry us through this life.
One Small Step This Week
This week, I want to invite you to try something different.
The next time you catch yourself criticizing your body, pause for just a moment. Ask yourself,
"What is one thing my body allowed me to do today?"
Maybe it was making the bed.
Maybe it was washing the dishes.
Maybe it was folding the laundry.
Maybe it was taking a walk, hugging someone you love, sending a message of encouragement, or simply giving your body the rest it needed.
Whatever it is, thank your body for it.
Because wellness isn't built by criticizing the body that carries us. It's built by learning to trust it, care for it with kindness, and celebrate every small victory along the way.
Remember: Your body isn't working against you—it's communicating with you. Love yourself where you are, not where you—or anyone else—thinks you should be.
Repeat these positive affirmations to yourself...
* I am resilient and can overcome life's challenges.
* I am strong and have the power to make the right choices for me.
* I am grateful for what I can do.
0 Comments