Coping and living for optimal body, mind and spirit health is critical

This is the first day of the rest of your life . . . so get out there and make the most of it! Coping and living every day for maximum health of your body, mind and spirit is what you do for yourself to make your life better.

You may not do it in all the same ways you used to, or maybe not as quickly, but definitely keep LIVING in every way possible.

Even though things may have changed with stroke or ataxia, you may find that some things have changed for the better; and that you have the power to make other things better.

Strive every day for the best active life you can achieve; your body, mind, and spirit will appreciate it and reward you.

Muscle exercise, walking, swimming, tai chi, yoga, dancing and stretching are all good for you. Let your doctor know what you are doing; but do not let others (including yourself) tell you you cannot do something without understanding why.

Be gentle with yourself and non-critical. It's ok if you do things slower and more methodically; you might find that slower is a pretty good thing. And get your rest; you can take naps or just lie down and read.

You may have to change the way you do things and manage differently; that's a lot of what this is all about.

If you can walk at all, then walk, walk, walk . . . and walk some more. Walking is a complex body and brain exercise that many of us may have taken for granted at one time but now find ourselves needing to retrain our bodies and brains to do what they once did effortlessly. The best way to do that is . . . DO IT!

Nutrition is important. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables (your mom was right) and nuts; Limit the red meat (if you eat animals at all). Vitamins and supplements can be helpful, even necessary; but do let your doctor know what you are taking or want to take.

Keep your mind stimulated and have a positive attitude; and definitely have a sense of humor, especially concerning yourself. Laughter cures much.

(What is Making Money With Ataxia? Driving a cab in Italy?)

(Well, at least my COLORS are coordinated!)

(I'm not DRUNK; this is who I AM!)

(I gotta million of 'em)

Visualize yourself healthy, strong and coordinated. You must SEE yourself this way every day if you want to BE this way.

You must not give in to ataxia or any other restricting so called disability; you can let it take control of your life . . . or you can take control yourself.

And ask for and get help; there are many areas of support and help. Ataxia is a rare condition, but you do not have to do everything or be alone.

....home ....visualize ....goals ....walking ....fatigue ....tai chi ....thinking.... ....breathing.... ....laughter.... ....nutrition.... ....exercise....