I need some suggestions to better develop my coping skills.
As I've posted elsewhere, I have a confirmed medical diagnosis with a prognosis of being either wheelchair-bound, very limited body function, or dead in about 5 years (I'm really not sure which is worst-case). Each passing year sees my physical abilities decline quite a bit; I used to enjoy getting out for long hikes, but I've not been able to hike for 4 years now, and I'm even limited in how well I can walk these days. Last year I had to accept that walking for more than 15 minutes was out of the question.
I'm working hard to live as full a life as I can. I'm coaching other athletes, I'm a presenter in a series of international seminars, and have had the opportunity to travel to some neat places. I'm married to a woman who loves me, I live with a pack of Alaskan malamutes who would do anything for me, I've friends around the world. I'm changing the course of direction for my business, and it looks like I stand a reasonable shot at success.
In many ways, I'm blessed.
But, it's sometimes very difficult. There's a certain amount of pain every day; some days are worse than others. There's times when I'll be driving, and I'll have to pull over, and I break down crying.
I lost a lot of weight in a 3-4 month period starting last July. When I was competing, I was around 300, and I kept that weight on me until July; by mid-October, I was down to 250, and I haven't been able to gain any back.
I'm starting to question any reason for training.
Any suggestions?
As I've posted elsewhere, I have a confirmed medical diagnosis with a prognosis of being either wheelchair-bound, very limited body function, or dead in about 5 years (I'm really not sure which is worst-case). Each passing year sees my physical abilities decline quite a bit; I used to enjoy getting out for long hikes, but I've not been able to hike for 4 years now, and I'm even limited in how well I can walk these days. Last year I had to accept that walking for more than 15 minutes was out of the question.
I'm working hard to live as full a life as I can. I'm coaching other athletes, I'm a presenter in a series of international seminars, and have had the opportunity to travel to some neat places. I'm married to a woman who loves me, I live with a pack of Alaskan malamutes who would do anything for me, I've friends around the world. I'm changing the course of direction for my business, and it looks like I stand a reasonable shot at success.
In many ways, I'm blessed.
But, it's sometimes very difficult. There's a certain amount of pain every day; some days are worse than others. There's times when I'll be driving, and I'll have to pull over, and I break down crying.
I lost a lot of weight in a 3-4 month period starting last July. When I was competing, I was around 300, and I kept that weight on me until July; by mid-October, I was down to 250, and I haven't been able to gain any back.
I'm starting to question any reason for training.
Any suggestions?
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