Epilepsy Talk
Gratitude is the Attitude… | November 21, 2018
Sometimes, I get into a funk so bad that it’s like a black hole.
Until I remember the safety ladder that I always carry in my pocket.
I think of at least five things I’m grateful for.
Or if I’m down there awhile, I stretch it to ten.
Here are the top five on my gratitude list:
1. My life. After going to 12 schools in 12 years and a war zone home, I have a home of my own where I’ve lived for more than 30 years, peacefully and secure.
2. My husband. He’s the one who makes me feel secured, loved, important. He respects me and to him, I am valuable.
3. My cat. I never knew I’d end up having to save her life but the rewards have been immense. Lots of laughs, comfort and cuddles.
4. My friends. They are my sanity check whom I can run to with my troubles and triumphs. They applaud me some times and at others, tell me I’m out of my mind.
5. My job. I live to write. Always have. It’s my reason for getting up in the morning. And what could be better than writing to help people with epilepsy. It’s a win-win!
I only hope others are as fortunate as me…
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Epilepsy Talk 
Hi Phylis,
That’s a great IDEA, wish does that are depressed and suicidal could also go through this train of thought.
Number 1 on your list is the most important, for without that you can’t have the rest. And once that is gone, you can never get it back again.
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Comment by Zolt — November 21, 2018 @ 10:38 AM
I am very lucky. My life started out as quite a nightmare.
But I am a fortunate survivor.
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 21, 2018 @ 10:41 AM
If i feel bad, i normally go to the old addage, that there are a lot more people in life that have it even worse. That normally makes my problems seem small.
“The best way to feel good is by making someone else feel good.” Mark Twain
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Comment by Zolt — November 21, 2018 @ 11:18 AM
All the love you give comes back to you two-fold.
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 21, 2018 @ 11:30 AM
I love you Phylis,
What a beautiful testimony that we all need to keep in mind. I’ve got a negative way of thinking that I strive to get in control. Some days it is an easy job, but other days like today it gets the better of me. Then I opened your message this morning and gave silent thanks to you. Thank you for your positive message!
Keep em coming!
Eve on the west coast of Canada
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Comment by Eve Quigley — November 21, 2018 @ 12:56 PM
Thanks Eve. It’s something I learned from a wise old woman years ago.
She actually said:
“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.”
That simple advice, changed my attitude. And my life.
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 21, 2018 @ 1:16 PM
Besides my mother, not many I see looking across to someone else can I say I am grateful for, for the simple fact this world today is more of a SELFIE WORLD than ever since mankind has made it as such. Serving others is a lost act of any kindness especially if you’re younger than the youngest of the final BABY BOOMERS, The entitled are never going to have for long, as ”giving” (to others) is never the cup of tea they like. Very few of the older baby boomers are like that too, as I see it in many ways of people who have not 1 thing wrong with them, yet when they know a person who may have seizures, well that is awful you know,, just keep distance from any of us they may know who have seizures. So why younger people have no patience towards people who have seizures, there’s why because they were taught to not be involved in any of a persons life who has seizures. None of them knows the reality of suffering to have any idea what GRATITUDE means, much less that they know how to be thankful for anything.
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Comment by CD — November 21, 2018 @ 7:06 PM
Then perhaps we need to teach them to be thankful — for what they have and who WE are…
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 21, 2018 @ 7:37 PM
I find that young people are not given the respect they deserve. I work with them, volunteer alongside them (working with kids and adults with various disabilities), are neighbours with some of them, and friends with others. I’ve also raised a few.
They are kind and respectful members of society.
The selfie society can be a wonderful selfless society and I am most thankful for that.
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Comment by Marlyn — November 22, 2018 @ 12:08 AM
What I will say I am thankful for is there is a God & his son Jesus Christ, who will 1 day take me to that final destination called HEAVEN, where then I will know 1000% sure that I will have NO seizures or anything else wrong with me ever. My body will not be as the physical & messed up body & brain I have now. Yeah there is light at the end of the tunnel & beyond as I know sooner than later I am going to that HEAVEN. People never will promise you that, when you try all your life to do anything & everything that you try to earn their respect. So what if others do not respect me because I do not live the ways they do, because of seizures. That’s not my loss nor am I the 1 that lost.
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Comment by CD — November 21, 2018 @ 7:14 PM
I wish you blessings — on Thanksgiving day and every day, CD.
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 21, 2018 @ 7:39 PM
Amen! It is only God who gives us the gift of life daily, with His all sufficient grace to meet our every need. PTL! He is not limited to just the physical needs, He is touched by everything we encounter, and actually goes before us as the Great Shepherd to prepare the way & us for the steps we are to take. He always does exceeding abundantly above all that we ever will ask or think! We have to learn to make every day a Thanksgiving Day… not based on turkeys, but because of God’s infinite love & grace. Shalom… Maire’ Archbold
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Comment by Maire Archbold — November 22, 2018 @ 1:12 PM
A lot of times, when I’ve felt depressed, I stop myself and look back on the positive things in my life. My Family, the friends that I’ve known, how I was able to get myself through hard times of my health and move on. I’ve always had the urge to help my family members and friends when they have felt down, to think positive about what they have in lifes and what they can do, so that they can move on.
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Comment by David Jensen — November 21, 2018 @ 8:25 PM
And good for you…you’re STILL moving. With strength and determination.
Hats off to you, David. And your determination.
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 21, 2018 @ 11:50 PM
“I used to cry when I did NOT have shoes, then I saw a man who have no legs,,,”.
Shakespeare
Phylis, Thank you for your precious times, selfless commitment & tireless hardwork in bringing us all together to this indispensable forum, sharing our struggles & achievements to survive & overcome epileptic seizures.
Thank you for your timely reminder, YES we got a lot to be thankful for, even when it all seemed buried in the shadows of Epilepsy.
Yes ended, gratitude is an attitude that can make a whole lot of difference in our daily life, which does NOT always come easy as Shakespeare pointed out.
We’ve come a long way together, supporting each other to survive through the predicaments of Epilepsy.
The invaluable experience has made us more stronger than before knowing the deep secrets of Epileptic seizures, enabling all of us to strive for better day.
Happy Holidays to all of us!
Gerrie
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Comment by BahreNegash Eritrea — November 21, 2018 @ 9:09 PM
We have so much to be grateful for, especially me:
For your support, strength and caring…
Your smart, sensitive advice…
The compassion you share so generously…
All of your kind, wise encouragement…
Your never-ending love and dedication…
You are MY godsend…today, tomorrow and always.
Happy holidays to one and all!
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Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 21, 2018 @ 11:55 PM