By Lauren Kovacs

It is tough to welcome a new year. Seems like I recently adjusted to it being 2016.  Alas, we must shed the old and embrace the new.  Shake it off.

Like anything with MS, don’t rush. Rushing does nothing good. Slow down.  Ease into 2017.  Take a deep breath and take a baby step into the New Year.

Setting wee goals makes the weight of the New Year manageable.  Don’t make a long list of goals.  Maybe do an extra few reps when exercising.  Doing 13 instead of 10 might be something you can do.  You can maybe add an extra pound to your weights. A few small goals are more realistic.

I know I soaked myself in gluten over Christmas and I never said “no” to Christmas cookies.  I was being polite.  Generally, it was a baked good free-for-all.  If it was within reach, I ate it.  I love candy too.  My daily PT suffered.  This month I am weeding out some gluten and doing part of my PT.

I started my New Year’s goals the day after Christmas.  A tiny bit each day does wonders.  I restarted my laps around the house.  I am trying to do at least one.  I am supposed to do three.  Wade in slowly.  No head first diving into 2017.  The water is cold so, most towel off and never go back in.  Don’t let too many goals shock your system.

I am trying to get off the couch more.  The butt marks on my couch don’t look good.  One of my sons got a real bow and arrow set from Santa.  (target tips) I go out and watch him practice.  I can’t get out there without help, but I am trying.  I am off the couch.

Take your time and slow down.  So what if it takes you longer to tie your shoes or hook you bra?  Rushing leads to frustration.  Slow and steady, as they say.  If you just can’t, after trying, ask for help.  Frustration leads to stress and stress is bad for MS.

In general, MS makes you slow down.  Take your time.  We run a very different race.  If I can shower without losing balance, when standing up to get out, it is a goal I reached. If I can comb my wet hair without smacking myself in the face, I met another goal. Take your time.  2017 is not going any place any time soon.