Week 11: Attitude Makes A Difference

Elise

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult undertaking which, more than anything else, will determine its successful outcome.” - William James

   

Three workers at a construction site were asked how they spent their days.

The first said, “I’m making a living.”

The second said, “I’m cutting stone.”

The third said, “I’m building a cathedral.”

We all perceive things differently, and perception can create a strong attitude.

 

 

You choose your attitude every day.

      You decide the level of contribution you put into your work, and then act accordingly. The more of your heart and soul you pour into your work, the more benefits you will reap. A positive attitude breeds positive feelings. 

(Tim Cork, Choose Your Attitude)

Kathryn Whaley is my Joint's In Motion teammate. Her goal is to walk half a marathon in The Great Wall Marathon to "Fight Arthritis". Kathryn fights arthritis on a daily basis. She was diagnosed with Juvenile Arthritis (JA) at the tender age of 3.

"The advantage of having being diagnosed at a young age, I've never really known any different."

Kathryn

    JA is a chronic childhood form rheumatoid arthritis, a continuous inflammation of one or more joints lasting at least six weeks for which no other cause can be found. JA stops the body’s immune system from working properly; the immune system fails to recognize healthy body tissue and attacks it. 

   "My disease acts like an early warning system, if I don't take care of myself (lack of exercise or sleep, too much stress or exercise, imbalances of any kind) my body says PAY ATTENTION or I'll slow you down and MAKE you notice." 

    Kathryn has an attitude of gratitude."Remembering to be grateful for what I have, not what I don't.  Even with arthritis, I can say, I'm grateful that when my disease acts up, it slows me down but it doesn't stop my thinking, breathing, or my heart from beating and for that I am grateful."

•  JA is one of the most common chronic diseases among children in Canada, affecting one in 1,000 boys and girls under the age of 16. 

•  The Public Health Agency of Canada’s 2010 Life with Arthritis in Canada report listed 55,777 Canadians aged 15-24 as diagnosed with arthritis.

     Kathryn is a positive role model for children affected by arthritis. Her attitude has lead her to conquer The Great Wall of China!  Visit Kathryn's Blog!


     Today, there is no cure for JA, but an effective treatment plan –medication, physiotherapy, physical activity and rest –controls pain and helps to prevent permanent joint damage. With the guidance of a health-care team and the support of family members, a child with arthritis can lead an active and productive life.