When it is already bad, and Yes! It can get worse.  Has this happened to you?  I was already dealing with left lower leg infection an inflammation when an ER doctor cut open an area on upper thigh an that is now infected.  I was bummed out but I was optimistically proceeding  through the beginning of Feb,. That is when I stepped into a small depression of the ground.  Now I cannot walk, a cracked bone where the tendon attaches to the bone. This had to be operated on.

With a fragile immune system, I had to be on IV medications with the help of home health.  Using a knee walker to get around it was very difficult.

It is odd how sometimes we can feel like we are other peoples burden.  It is a challenge to stay optimistic when you have one more thing happen.  Yet, there is a few things we can do during our down times.

I planted alot of seeds in little cups and watched them grow.   Over fifty green pepper plants came up and a nice variety.  We were able to share many plants.  Our friend Paul grows pimento peppers and they are so lovely.  He always gives us plants.  He suffers a simular chronic illness and he has many physical accidents.  Having his plants and gardens helps him to be optimistic.  Currently he has a broken arm from a bad fall.  His wife appreciates the additional work of tending the garden.  He has seeds and plants under lights on these tables he grows.  Everyone appreciates the plants and also the vegtables he shares.  I love the cabbages and lettuce.

And well over a year later, I come back to this article which has been sitting in my WordPress draft.  It was too painful at the time to continue.

Since then I deal with more physical pain and heart issues while my husband is dealing with a very simular condition.  It seems we are all down for the count one way or another.  Some days or weeks or years are better or worse.  Always changing, we must hang on!

Enjoying jw.org keeps us in touch with our worldwide family and pleasant videos that intrigue us while warming our hearts.

Three ways to maintain a positive attitude.

1.  Recognize each day has it’s hardships and blessings.  By recognizing both we can have joy despite hardships because we can always be on the lookout for the good.  Sunshine in the morning, the taste of fresh fruit, the smell of apples baking with butter, oatmeal and cinnamon on top.  A smile from a loved one.  Reading the book of Proverbs can also lift us.
2. Keeping a simple routine of domestic responsibilities while making time for a cup of coffee makes a big difference.  Keeping our environment nice can help us to have a measure of control.  Of course, a part of me says, “That is hogwash!”  Why would I say this?  I was keeping a routine and improving the overall look of our home.  A family emergency occurred a week ago and we have had to move furniture and things to create living space for our lovely family member whom is enduring much hardship.  The house looks awful, everything achieved in months is destroyed in a week.  Ha, and this is life!  We must accept the curveballs when they come.  Always Learning to adjust our circumstances with joy.  I am restarting my routine in the morning.
3. Hobbies and personal interests do have their place.  Trade up television or game time for a simple hobby that brings you joy.  One of my friends told me that her full time job and other responsibilities leaves her so drained that plopping down in front of her television has become her routine.  Yet, it is unsatisfactory and she feels so unmotivated.  I asked her to tell me about her home.  It turns out she has a guest room and has had no guests for years.  Her house is an unorganized overwhelming mess, like mine.  I suggested that she get rid of the guest room status, boot it out!  Claim her space, by setting up an area to do her sewing and crafts.  Set up a relaxing corner to do her personal Bible study.  She loves the idea and is going to try that.  She is excited about the prospect of hunting down a few pieces of furniture to redo.  Seeing her face light up cheered me up too.  Maybe she will let me come for an hour or two and help her figure it out.  Fun! Fun!

Whom really needs a guest room?  Most houses are too small to start with.  Are there cobwebs between those sheets?  Musty smells.  For those whom often have guests, ignore my strong opinions.  I always appreciate staying in someone’s nice guest room.  Guests are always welcome here.

Since first writing this article I am happy to be able to walk.  Although still enduring great pain and fatigue, I appreciate the many joys in my life.  I want you to find enjoyment in your life too.  Always make time to pray about it, asking Jehovah for help and direction when finding your way seems so daunting.  You may be surprised about how you may find a new way to handle old problems.

Written by Gina Rydin Author of all fatfitanfab.com articles