The phrase “slow progress is still progress” basically means that even though we might not see big changes right away, every little bit of progress we make is still important. It’s like when you’re trying to lose weight or save money – you might not see a huge difference day by day, but over time, those small steps add up to a big change.
Sometimes we get impatient and expect instant results, but that’s just not how life works. Growth and development take time, and it’s okay if our progress is slow. The important thing is that we keep moving forward, no matter how small the steps.
And it’s also important to remember that success isn’t a race. We shouldn’t compare ourselves to others or worry about how fast we’re moving. Every person has their own timeline and pace, and that’s okay. As long as we keep making progress, no matter how slow, we’re on the right track.
So, bottom line, “slow progress is still progress” is a reminder to be patient, stay focused on our goals, and not get discouraged by the lack of immediate change. Every little step counts and will eventually lead to big results.
My Progress
I am being challenged. Do I give in or accept the challenge and kick butt?!!!
Have you ever wanted to quit something because it was too difficult to do?
Or maybe there was far too much effort required?
It’s September 2017 and I’m standing outside the door of of a senior medical practitioner at London’s St George’s Hospital.
That sweetened, putrid hospital smell, you know the one… a blend of antiseptic, disinfectant and urine…
The door says Dr C B…., Consultant Neurologist, Multiple Sclerosis… “EH?”
I’m a little confused as I believe I’m just here find out why I was feeling numbness in my left arm and leg.
A stroke has already been ruled out after my overnight stay in the hospital over a year ago….
“What the hell is Multiple Sclerosis?”
Phone out…. Google…. ” F-bomb! “
You know when you’ve been told really terrible news and you feel there has been a mistake?
That wasn’t me. You see, I’m the type of person that doesn’t accept anything until its given to me as fact, with evidence.
Dr. B opens the door. Now I don’t know how to describe people very well but this very pleasant lady wearing a floral dress just to her knees, strawberry blonde and very prominent lipstick. A very Smiley person, calming and probably from a well-to-do background.
Over the next 20 minutes, we go over the possibilities of what could be creating the symptoms and what needs to be done in order to 100% confirm.
I’m still not sure what’s occurring. And I have not heard “Multiple Sclerosis” being mentioned…
More Tests
A bit in the dark still, I’m agreeing to a “Lumbar Puncture” (Spinal Tap)which I’m already squeamish over. Firstly, I Hate needles and Second, I know what is required. Any ladies that have had an epidural…
The procedure is approximately the same, but generally an epidural catheter is left in your back so that you can get a constant infusion of medication for as long as your labour lasts, whereas a spinal is just one insertion and then removal.
I do not get on with needles. And I have an extraordinary resistance to anaesthetic.. You know what’s coming don’t you?
Now, I’m not alone in my challenge, there are some 2.4 Million people in the world facing their version of the same challenge.
Symptoms vary a great deal from one person to another. No two people have the same combination of symptoms.
According to the MS Foundation, symptoms can impact the mind, body, and senses in a number of ways. These include:
🔸 blurred or double vision, or total vision loss
🔸 hearing impairment
🔸 reduced sense of taste and smell
🔸 numbness, tingling, or burning in limbs
🔸 loss of short-term memory
🔸 depression, personality changes
🔸 headaches
🔸 changes in speech
🔸 facial pain
🔸 Bell’s palsy
🔸 muscle spasms
🔸 difficulty swallowing
🔸 dizziness, loss of balance, vertigo
🔸 incontinence, constipation
🔸 weakness, fatigue
🔸 tremors, seizures
To add Insult to Injury, I have a positive for John Cunningham virus (JCV) which is a very common virus that is found in between 70 and 90 percent of people in the world.
The average person carrying the JC Virus will never know and is unlikely to experience any side effects.
However, for a small percentage of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). The JC virus can be activated when a person’s immune system is compromised because of disease or immunosuppressive medication.
The virus can then be carried into the brain. It infects the White Matter of the brain and attacks the cells responsible for making Myelin, the protective coating that covers and protects nerve cells. This infection is called Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) which can be disabling, even fatal.
Solution?:
Giving myself small challenges and doing something to complete them.
🔹 I do not like running.
But I still have a lot of use in my limbs.
So I run.
🔹 I am very indecisive by nature.
But I am capable of making choices.
So I try to make Wise ones.
🔹 I used to be able to do over 60 push-ups in a minute.
But that was in my 20’s
So I will train myself to achieve it again
🔹 I get very tired from teaching all the classes.
But I do not have a team to help me.
So I will just get on a do it. That’s what I need to do.
These little challenges and the steps I am taking to WIN are slow progress, but it Is Progress. Every day I can still walk, run, jump, kick, drive my car, eat and drink unaided.
☑️ They’re all wins.
And when I get 60 push-ups done in 60 seconds done, knowing that I have made good choices and good decisions and managed to drag myself out of bed in the morning to run round the park one more time than the last…
☑️ they are all wins.
I’ve kind of run out of things to say at this point. I’ve rambled on a bit and probably veered off the original topic somewhat.
Think for a minute:
There are many people around you and throughout the world facing challenges and you are not aware of. Challenges that you could not even imagine. Problems that you might not be capable of dealing with yourself.
Never give up.
I’ve finished this mammoth post….
☑️ that’s a win
