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Never discount the power of a positive attitude when dealing with a chronic illness. Start with a mantra, create one if you must. I use two which I recite on alternating days. I have MS, But MS Doesn't Have Me, or Tough Times Don't Last, But Tough People Do!

I'd be a liar if I said I was never angry, or depressed, or frustrated. When that happens, I'll look at myself in the mirror and recite one of the mantras with conviction, many times, if necessary. Or I'll watch a videotape of Jimmy Valvano's final speech in 1993, before thousands of adoring Rutgers fans. Here was Jimmy dying of cancer and he wanted his fans to remember him in a positive vein, for the good things he represented as a coach and a private person.

"Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up," he said. "If You Can Laugh A little, Cry A little, Make Someone Laugh A Little, That's A full Day."

That always inspires me. When I'm having a down day with my walking and balance, I'd drop to the floor to perform stretches, ab crunches, lower back arches, even some gentle yoga curls. It feels refreshing, like you're being cradled by Gods's love.

Part of having a positive attitude is being able to poke fun at myself. I'll always tell my fans, I have an over active bladder. I go with the flow. I just hope I make it to the toilet.

Yes, positive attitude is just as important as physical therapy, proper nutrition. You need laughter in your life, to be surrounded by positive thinking people. Recently, I was in the swimming pool for my twice weekly workout. My PT had my chart and asked me what exercises I did at home. I said the one I get the most benefit from are the pelvic thrusts, where you're on your back, bend your knees, and arch your buttocks off the bed, holding that position for 10 seconds. Suddenly, an older woman standing next to me said, "I hope your wife is in the the bed when you're doing your pelvic thrusts." I cracked up because it caught me so off guard and I knew by the sheepish grin on her face she was just busting me.

It's just what I needed.

Learn more about this author, David Skolnik.
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