Spreading Hope

Yes YOU can!

Spreading Hope

In my mind this week, I have been powering up for another burst of adventures. After the hectic weekend and my mystery machine, my van, trying to die on me, I've been resting. The kind of resting you just do absolutely nothing except basically breathe. That was pretty much my week and so far today. I really needed it. Besides breathing, I went to the Alley Alliance Meeting Tuesday, read, and researched. Those are easy to do on an iPhone. My iPad is getting too cumbersome. But as I've said, "C'est la vie." I'm not giving up or in just yet. Something strong began stirring in my chest besides phlegm yesterday. I believe it was Hope.

Hope knows just when to show up. As I start to envision another fall race to help fund the fight to live not die with ALS, Hope changes my perspective. There are jobs to be done and so many loved ones to help catapult the effort. I looked around at the meeting and realized that our Hope was not diminishing but increasing. My breathing has been flaky lately but I'm not going down without a fight. There is too much Hope that needs to be unleashed into this community, country, and world. So I'm taking a cue from Emile Coue. (Punny don't you think?) l'm chanting in my mind, "Every day in every way I'm getting better and better." This version of Ms. Alley, Sal, Sarah, or Salley is really so much better each day. Students I know you're thinking she's becoming psychosomatically crazy. Really, I'm more sound mentally than ever.

I am still a work in progress, but I have become better on so many other levels. I'm a more thoughtful being. I am immersed with empathy and love for my fellow man and woman. I've learned to be happy putting everyone before me. Believe it or not it feels great. I can sit and really feel peace in my still body. I'm ever so much more observant. I'm free from commercialism of name brands because shoes are a thing of the past and mumu dresses complete my wardrobe. Students, the clothes really don't define us. I understand the importance of holding hands and falling asleep beside the person God made to complete and accompany me in my life. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. You are too.

Recently, I talked with a dear confidant and my mind's eye began to heal. I had an epiphany of sorts. I realized I have to recharge so I can finish strong. Just like running. I have to pace myself. When I ran, so many parts of my body began to hurt but I had to push through the pain. I was going to finish regardless if my leg muscles tied in knots or my right arm was like jelly. Ask some of my former coaches, quickness was never my specialty, right Coach Cole? I learned to use my mind to overcome so many physical and mental obstacles. Endurance became my modus operandi. I think this came from Coach Jones and all of our PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) sessions. My psyche has realized that my life is and has literally been a race. I think the last leg of the recent race to MTSU, bookclub, doctor's appointment, and adventures zapped me physically, and I have to be smarter about expending myself. Hey, remember I have Hope to spread.

The mystery machine is fixed thanks to a sweet, humble man named Idos. Just an example of yet another random blessing in this life race of mine. My current leg of the race is about to begin and I will start to put seeds of Hope down as I roll through it. Looking ahead at the my calendar for the week, I'm grateful for adventures and a race to run. I'll keep giving thanks for the Spirit that guides me as I become a better person each day. I'll keep chanting my mantra, too. Join me as we become better and better each day.

Sarah Anderson Alley

Quote of the Day:

"Every day in every way, I'm getting better and better."

Emile Coue

Dedicated to Coach Willie Cole and Coach Tom Jones

You helped me find strength, faith, and hope.