Lessons in Gratitude from a Present-Day Viking

Last month, I was in Stockholm and had the privilege of spending time with this present-day Viking.

My mother-in-law, Rosell, is a real-life ancient warrior, not because she's Swedish, but because she is merciless in her positive mindset!

You see, Rosel has multiple sclerosis and can't move no matter how hard she tries.

But even though she is completely paralyzed, her body is not numb -- her muscles often go into a spasm creating immense pain.

At home in Santa Barbara, I usually dedicate my hikes to her and anyone else who would love to be moving their body out in nature, but for whatever reason, are unable. 

When I catch myself getting annoyed with mundane chores such as laundry and dishes, I place Rosel in my mind's eye and move those petty complaints right on out knowing she would give anything for the opportunity to wash even one glass!

Focusing on Gratitude vs Pain

I started experiencing soreness in my own back at the onset of our Swedish visit last month.

I assumed I'd pulled a muscle walking our new dog, Milo, who we hadn't yet trained. 🦮

When the pain continued to worsen, however, I searched online for help. 

Dr. Google diagnosed me with a pinched nerve.

This seemed reasonable and I figured I'd deal with it when I returned home. 

Niklas had worked tirelessly preparing our first trip sans kids, and I wasn't going to let some back pain derail my lifelong dream of experiencing Israel nor his of Jordan – our next stops after seeing his parents.

Besides, I was just days into a temporary situation of pain while this beautiful being has lived decades into her permanent one.

Rosel is my north star because no matter how much time passes, she remains steadfast in her ability to find gratitude for all her blessings.

Inspired by her, I noticed that instead of focusing on my pain, I felt grateful – my legs worked; I could roll my back against a tennis ball on the wall to try to relax the knot between my shoulders. 

And even though I'd also lost power in my right-hand fingers, I could create a kid-like vice grip with my thumb and index finger and still shovel food into my own mouth.

Rosel can't and won't ever enjoy these luxuries.

One reason Rosel has been able to not only survive the ordeal of her physical reality, but remain positive, is because she stays focused on the tiniest thing she needs to do in the present moment.

If she were to worry about how she could continue to endure being trapped in her painful body for untold years more, she'd be crushed emotionally.

Instead, she focuses on her daily Sudoku to keep her mind wicked sharp. She engages her assistants in helping her with the most basic of daily needs like hygiene, food, and medicine management.

And with their help, she still goes to museums and concerts. We even met her in town one afternoon for lunch at a cool vegan restaurant she wanted to try with us!

More Serious Than a Pinched Nerve

Now that I'm home and my self-diagnosed pinch nerve is actually something more serious and increasingly painful, I still aim to be like Rosel and show up for my life one moment at a time.

For example, I'm genuinely tempted to jump out into the future and worry about what my quality of life will be like if I end up needing this massive surgery on my spine. 

Or even more immediate, I can float off wondering when someone will call from the Mayo Clinic with a conclusive pathology report.

Instead, if I capture my attention as soon as I notice it leaving and bring it right back home, I can remember to be grateful – for health insurance or that I live in gorgeous Santa Barbara or for all the prayers and healing energy you all are sending my way. 

Honestly, once we get started on our blessings, we find our list is endless! It's like magic! 🪄

Does seeking gratitude minimize pain and suffering?

Absolutely not. That's what we would call spiritual bypassing or pretending.

It's Both And.

We get to choose where we focus our attention.

Our ability to excavate even the smallest dusting of gratitude is one of our greatest superpowers -- one each of us is born with.

The only thing we need to access this superpower is Presence (and maybe a few fun energetic tools thrown in for good measure, but those are the icing on the cake.)

Presence is the cake!

Logistics

I'll continue to share both the medical updates as well as how I am processing the emotional roller coaster of my health journey in the Ascended Presence Circle, so you are most welcome there if you're interested.

In the meantime, I wanted to offer this inspirational story about the seemingly impossible ability of the human spirit to not only survive, but thrive, even under the direst of circumstances.

From Rosel, we can learn that if we pay attention, we can always find something in which to experience the healing salve of gratitude.

If you found any inspiration from Rosel's story, please forward this email to someone else who could use a little boost.

And stay tuned, too! I'll be sharing some opportunities for you to learn these “icing on the cake” energetic tools soon!

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