Epilepsy Talk
Gratitude is the Attitude… | November 24, 2016
A wise woman once told me: “When you wake up in the morning — before you get out of bed — think of 5 (or 10!) things that you’re really grateful for.” (I think 10 is a bit of a stretch.)
That simple advice, changed my attitude. And my life.
So, here we go…
1. I am forever grateful to have the Epilepsy Talk family as part of my every day. (And night.)
2. For me, helping people is life’s largest joy.
3. To all of you who give so generously and share your wisdom with compassion.
4. I’m grateful for the privilege of knowing you all.
5. Without you, my life would not be complete.
12 Comments »
Leave a comment
About the author
Epilepsy Talk 
Good morning Phylis & from my family to yours & your readers to your wonderful posts a Happy & Festive Thanksgiving.
True, true we all have so MUCH to be thankful for & not just today, but every day. I thank God for every day he allows me to open my eyes & have an ol’ saying that Today is a Gift & Tomorrow is a Hope.
You have been a TRUE BLESSING in my life this year & have helped me understand how my Twin brother Allan passed & it has been exactly 2 years today & I am going to do my best to keep it together throughout today while gathered around family.
May God Bless You My Friend. :-0)
AL “AJ” Johnson
Ontario, California
LikeLike
Comment by AL "AJ" Johnson — November 24, 2016 @ 10:45 AM
Dear AJ, blessings to you and your family.
And especially your strength and fortitude in dealing with Allan’s death.
You, yourself, are a blessing to us all.
LikeLike
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 24, 2016 @ 10:58 AM
Today 56 years ago, I had my 1st seizure in my life at 5 months old. I did not know then, that all of 56 years later, I would have another seizure on the night of 11-21-16 just before living this life of hell on earth for 56 years, and over 15 years since my brain surgery on 7-11-01. I did nothing to myself to have this condition all my life, as I am sure 95% of the 65 MILLION + that have seizures says & believes the same thing. At least I am able to think for myself, as many doctors and others of authority thinks you are incapable of doing that after having seizures all your life, and you dare not deserve to have freedom to drive, work or anything else you may like to do. The FEAR of having seizures as you get older is bad enough, and people do not ever need others in their life to tell them what they can or cannot do. I still have common sense & know the things that are realistically NOT capable to do and achieve, and knowing my brain better than anyone else knows it, I should have that final word of WHEN I can do & WHEN I can do it, without allowing this ”hell on earth life” monitored by others, to dictate any persons future. All these people that claim they are thankful, based on their own successes & material things they have, have no idea what the word suffering a lifetime of trials & hardships mean. It’s like to all of them, we are not even part of that same world even as own flesh & blood family members have no time to put their feet into your shoes. They are so unqualified to live our life, no matter what size our shoes are, they would fall all the time trying to walk in them. YES,,, I am thankful I do not have the other neurological diseases, like M S & others which seizures can happen from them as well. Still this all leads to a question that may help ”EVERYONE” with a seizure condition of any type. What & HOW does the supplement TAURINE help the brain from having the seizures, & IF it would stop seizure patterns from happening at the seasonal times they seem to happen, every 2,3 or almost 4 months ? Hopefully this is my next & final answer that will end my seizures for life, but only time will test that if I can take TAURINE for my brain.
LikeLike
Comment by C D — November 24, 2016 @ 11:04 AM
Taurine is an amino acid that may be involved in the brain’s electrical activity and is often low in people with seizures.
It acts like GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid), another amino acid that is often low in people with seizures. But there is no scientific evidence that taking either supplement will reduce seizures.
Taurine may interact with many medications. DO NOT take taurine or GABA supplements without your doctor’s supervision.
DO NOT take taurine or GABA if you have a history of bipolar disorder, or if you take psychoactive medications.
http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/seizure-disorders
LikeLike
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 24, 2016 @ 12:12 PM
Wonderful…simply wonderful Article!!
And, so true. Sadly, I have SUDEP. It really sucks. Still wake up sore and battered. For years I went through the cycle of; why me, woe is me, fairness issues about life, physical pain, etc.
But, thankfulness has brought a large measure of peace, focus, calm, and changed my world.
Now, I actually am happy most days and throughout the day. Just being alive (sights, sounds, senses, people, etc.) is good enough. **And…fun…!!
Your words ring true. And they’ve helped with my perspective; smile and share (the joy of life).
Thank you and best to you.
Robert
LikeLike
Comment by Robert Stroud Eldercare Consultant — November 24, 2016 @ 1:15 PM
Robert, all blessings to you…for your graciousness and attitude.
LikeLike
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 24, 2016 @ 2:30 PM
I really don,t know what I,m gaeatful for, I never thought of it. I just taking it day by day.
LikeLike
Comment by michele metzger — November 24, 2016 @ 6:05 PM
Sometimes, that’s the best way.
LikeLike
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 25, 2016 @ 9:49 AM
I got epilepsy as a result of brain surgery in London, England, which saved my life in 1969 after I developing a brain abscess while working in Bangkok. Now 47 years on Dilantin, with its debilitating side effects has not been all fun but I wake up most days feeling grateful for surviving what was in those days a very threatening infection and rather dangerous surgery. I also am grateful that I only have epilepsy as opposed to say ALS or other truly limiting conditions. Like many epileptics I have had periods of severe depression but again I have been lucky in that I have found that simple meditation, exercise and my love of nature have helped me get through such periods. So yes, I have much to be grateful for and I hope that all the contributors to this wonderful site are as fortunate.
Thank you
LikeLike
Comment by Michael H — November 27, 2016 @ 8:47 AM
Michael, here’s to your bravery and your perseverance.
Yours has been a long, winding road which you seem to travel with grace and determination.
Plus a willingness to help yourself, despite the odds.
Hats off to you!
LikeLike
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 27, 2016 @ 9:33 AM
Phylis Feiner Johnson, I really needed this perspective. Epilepsy sucks, however, it should not keep someone from living their life to the fullest extent that they can.
LikeLike
Comment by Jeffrey Liakos — December 28, 2016 @ 8:15 PM
Well gratitude is my mantra. And if you can make it part of your life, I think it will be a happier one.
Thanks for reading the article and taking it to heart. 🙂
LikeLike
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — December 29, 2016 @ 10:43 AM