So today is the day. I’m giving my speech in a few hours. Once again, I am truly grateful for all the input you guys have given me. I have an amazing group of friends/readers here.
I have been a speaker and instructor for the past 10 years or so. It’s something that I love to do. It’s the one thing about this stupid affliction that I like to do – talk to others about it. I might have an inflated ego in thinking that they want to hear it though. I mean, really…. I’m an almost 50 year old rotund frump with uber short hair that might be a bit off center. What can I possibly have to offer a group of teenage boy athletes? Why would I think they want to sit and listen to me? But I guess they do.
Something that is quite a surprise to me is that others find me inspiring. I don’t understand that. I don’t feel inspiring or motivating or any of those other descriptive, uplifting terms. I am a woman with a chronic illness who is just trying to find my way through this crap. Isn’t that what most of us are doing? Simply living our lives doing our best to deal with all the crap? I’m not brave or strong or courageous. I’m not awe inspiring or glowing with spiritual radiance.
Anyway… I put together a very brief outline of talking points. This is how I roll. I have found that when I stand in front of a gathering to speak or instruct, it’s quite difficult to have a script. I tend to talk from the heart & adjust what I’m saying according to the response/reaction I’m getting from my audience. Basic talking points are always the best way to go for me. It allows me to have a guide while speaking from the heart/mind.
It was difficult to figure this out. The audience is the varsity football team & their coaches (there may or may not be other school folks there). My talk about overcoming obstacles has nothing to do with football, but much about human nature. The one thing I like about this football program is that they are not only building a football program, they are teaching these kids about being better people, responsible, committed, & disciplined. I suppose that’s the part I fit in to. Not the football part. Of course, they can relate on some level to the fatigue, pain, & mental obstacles I face. Everyone can.
Here’s what I’ve thrown together:
COURAGE is reclaiming your life after devastating events rob you of your confidence and self-esteem. It is facing tomorrow with a firm resolve to reach deep within yourself to find another strength, another talent. … It is taking yourself to another level of your own existence where you are once again whole, complete, confident.”— Catherine Britton
- Intro
- My MS Story
-
Physical Obstacles – invisible disease
- Fatigue
- Pain
- Cognitive
- Gait
- Heat
- Fatigue
-
Mental Obstacles
- Fear
- Guilt
- Shame
- Doubt
- Lack of Confidence
- Fear
- What I have lost – friends, career, mobility, interaction, social
- What I have gained – through adversity gain a better sense of self, what’s truly important
- Finding new paths, new journeys, new passions
Do not give up when facing obstacles or challenges! They present life changing opportunities that you will miss out on.
Persist. Persevere. Achieve.
Sherri Abendroth....
I'm a gypsy, romantic, music-lover, book-lover, creator, mother, daughter, lover, friend. I have lived in many places and had many experiences both good and bad. I love knowledge....learning new things and teaching others. I believe in a higher power...for each of us that may be something different but for those of us who believe, it's all the same. It doesn't matter what you call your maker or that high power...the most important thing is to believe - and that believing makes you a better person. I do my best to fill my world with loving kindness and compassion. And now I'm learning to live with multiple sclerosis... 
You know it was inspiring!!!!!!!!
That sounds really inspiring from here. Though I hear you about the inspiring label. If, by having a hissy fit, I could be cured you would hear me without the need of phone lines. It doesn’t work like that so the only choice left is to make the best of it. (which doesn’t preclude the occasional meltdown)
if pity parties, crying jags, and hissy fits would make this all better – i’d be throwing myself on the floor with all the drama I could muster several times a day.. shoot, i might not even get up off the floor until it was all healed LOL