Answering the big question…Was it worth it???

December1

Our stay in China has come to an end after 5 months. It has been an interesting and valuable experience. Medically speaking, I feel that the treatments have had some benefits. I did not get the miracle cure that I once may have hoped for, but I found other things. I found out how to better manage my condition; what makes it better and what makes it worse. I found out that I get results when I stick to my regular strengthening exercises, and that when I slack off it shows. I have learned that daily meditation is my greatest ally and that my brain needs to be ‘turned off’ for a while every day. Most importantly, though, is something that I already knew was confirmed; a positive mindset goes a long way to healing and feeling better. When doubt or anger or impatience clouded my mind, I did not show any progressive results. When my thoughts were positive I did. So I am happy to be at more or less a similar state as I was 5 months ago, which in my opinion is a positive when all I have been promised in the West is a steady decline of health. I am continuing my daily herbal tea (or capsules) and hope to continue on this path of positive progression.
Also, it is always worth it. The things that my family and I have experienced, seen, tasted, touched and lived were like no other in our lives. As always, life is an adventure…!
There is beauty in life

posted under Beijing, Chengdu, Everest, fall 2010, holiday travels, Huaihua, Kathmandu, Lhasa, Nepal, Shanghai, summer 2010, Tibet, Travels in China, Zhangjiajie, Zhongfang
15 Comments to

“Answering the big question…Was it worth it???”

  1. On December 13th, 2010 at 1:39 am Cindy Says:

    Hi,

    Was great to read this last posting. Of course we’ve been wondering whether the treatments were making a difference. It’s great to hear what you’ve learned, and that you have improved.

    Suspect your deep learning applies to us all. At last the winter mountain driving has caught up with me – the truck and I went over a steep bank on a slippery day just north of Nakusp. I’m totally fine, but the truck didn’t survive the rollover into the big trees.

    Seatbelts are my best friends…and I’ve learned not to have projectiles like metal thermoses or wine bottles in the back seat. Out of all this I feel very blessed, and I’ve had to find my own calm places. Your learnings spoke volumes to me right now.

    Now to find a new vehicle – RAV4 is the top choice.

    Will miss sending the girls GBs for Xmas. But they will be here in bunny form for Easter when you return!

    Safe travels, many smiles and more adventures to you all! Cindy

  2. On December 14th, 2010 at 3:09 am Minoo Says:

    Hi Pauline

    This is a very poignant entry. Your answer that “it is always worth it” brought tears to my eyes. As you have been learning these difficult lessons, you have become a teacher to us all.

    Lots of love to you and Simon and the gorgeous girls!

    Minoo

  3. On December 19th, 2010 at 11:55 am Mieke Blommestein Says:

    I have been following your journey, and all the gifts you have received on your journey as well. When you put the mind to rest, and you focus on good health,abundance, peace and harmony, your body will follow in this direction. For you and your family this journey has been an amazing gift, and I see so much abundance around you and your family. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from my home to yours. Sending you lots of love and inner peace.
    Namaste
    Love Mieke

  4. On December 20th, 2010 at 2:39 pm pauline Says:

    Thanks so much Minoo, we are happy to have all of this loving support behind us.

  5. On December 20th, 2010 at 2:40 pm pauline Says:

    Wow, glad to hear you are ok Cindy. We are missing you and the treats in the packages you’ve sent too! Happy Holidays from us. xoxo

  6. On December 20th, 2010 at 2:40 pm pauline Says:

    Thank you for your insightful thoughts and wonderful loving support. Happy holidays to you as well! xoxo

  7. On December 21st, 2010 at 4:50 am Katrina Says:

    So good to read this post. Great thoughts and realizations. I try to carry some of these too nowadays. I’m over the moon that all of you together get to experience new adventures daily, this is the root of living for me. love you all.xo

  8. On December 29th, 2010 at 4:35 pm Jess Says:

    Pauline,
    You are inspiring not just because of how you have dealt with this illness, but more so by how you have chosen to live your life everyday. It is your daily outlook on the value of life and the value of truly living life each day that inspires.
    Remember, especially on the more challenging days, that you are much more than the sum of treatments, symptoms, etc. You are more and will always rise above with a positive outlook.
    The “lessons learned” were always present in your heart, this is why you refused to accept anything that was HOPE-less.
    I am grateful and feel privileged to read your insights. Thank you for this is a gift and reminder of what is most improtant for all of us.
    What an awesome journey. What an awesome lady.

    happy holidays and hugs sent from Canada
    looking forward to seeing you in the new year!
    Jess xo

  9. On January 4th, 2011 at 9:24 am HeathR Says:

    You are amazing, Pauline.

  10. On January 8th, 2011 at 5:55 am Johann Says:

    Dear Pauline,
    it was great to read your postings and see all the pictures.
    I will fly to China on Jan 14th to take treatment at the Zhongfang Red Cross International Hospital. ALS has weakend my body over the last months quite rapidly and it was inspiring to read about your progress during the treatment.
    This encourages me a lot. Thank you and all the best for the future.
    I will let you know how I am getting along.
    Warm regards
    Johann
    (Spielberg, Austria)

  11. On January 8th, 2011 at 12:31 pm pauline Says:

    Best of luck, Johann. Stay positive!

  12. On April 11th, 2013 at 4:16 am Mark Dion Says:

    Hi Pauline,

    Great website.
    I have ALS and I would like to try TCM as well. How was your treatment and what was your treatment for?

    Any feedback would be appreciated to have me make the right decision.

    Thank you,
    Mark
    Los Angeles, CA

  13. On September 11th, 2013 at 7:29 am Martha Says:

    Hello,
    My mother just got diagnosed with ALS and we’ve been researching TCM. I found your blog and it’s very inspiring. We are considering going to the Zhongfang Red Cross international hospital and would love to know more about the treatments and your time there. Any advice would be so helpful!

    Take care and I hope you have more wonderful adventures!

    Martha B.

  14. On September 11th, 2013 at 12:34 pm pauline Says:

    I wrote this to let interested people know about my stay in Zhongfang.
    http://www.huntadventures.ca/ALSsux/?p=295

    Let me know if you have other questions.

  15. On September 11th, 2013 at 12:35 pm pauline Says:

    I wrote this to let interested people know about my stay in Zhongfang.
    http://www.huntadventures.ca/ALSsux/?p=295

    Let me know if you have other questions.

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