Admiration

You know who I admire? Like, really truly admire? Michael J. Fox. I adored him as Alex Keaton when I was growing up, have watched him a billion times as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future movies, and hear his voice frequently when my kiddos drag out the Stuart Little dvds. He's an amazing actor, but in my opinion? His spirit as a man far surpasses his skill as an actor.

He has Parkinson's disease. He's still acting, still raising his daughters and son, still loving his wife. There was an article about him today, pitching his new book, and he had this to say:

"I don't have a choice of whether or not I have Parkinson's: I have it. But other than that, I have a thousand choices, and I can't let myself be sunk by the weight of that one non-choice."

My sister, Carrie, had cerebral palsy. She didn't speak, but she lived like this. Always happy. Always throwing herself into the moment. Enjoying the things that came her way. Everytime I see a story about Michael J. Fox, I think about my sister. I love his spirit. I love his fight. I love his attitude. And I think a few of us could stand to apply it to our daily lives.

Yes, there are things we can't change in our lives. There are curve balls heading our way. But there are a thousand choices we can make that will change the ball's trajectory, or minimize its impact. The only thing stopping us from making those choices is ourselves - our willingness to whine, rather than to work. Our tendency to blame others, rather than looking for a solution. The will to be angry, rather than hopeful.

I'm guilty of this. In this current economy, we're probably all guilty of watching a little too much news and sinking ourselves in the weight of its negativity. But, for a while anyway, I'm going to try to remember the examples of my sister and Michael J. Fox. I will not let myself be sunk by the weight of a non-choice, but will instead make the best of what I have been given.

I will choose to be happy. I have no reason not to, considering the blessings I have in my life.