It was easy for me to join the MS Society. I belonged to several other professional organizations and it seemed only fitting to join one that could truly help me cope. The MS society sent me many articles designed to help recently diagnosed patients adjust to their illness. One article suggested that MS patients should contact a recreation therapist to structure a new leisure lifestyle. Somehow, I saw an irony that I could contact somebody like myself for adapting my leisure lifestyle.

Leisure pursuits go hand in hand with leisure assessments. If I were to assess myself, as a professional therapist, I would see an individual who pursued a full leisure lifestyle. I have always been into gardening and I have many fond memories of my gardening experiences. I grew up as a cyclist who could ride a bicycle over one hundred miles a day. I rode my bicycle around the Finger-lakes, the Catskills, Adirondacks, Green Mountains, Cape Cod and Maine. Often I carried camping equipment on my bike and thought that bicycle camping in various mountain areas was the road to nirvana. I have hiked, cross-country skied, and gone caving. During the past, I have paddled numerous lakes, rivers and ponds in my canoe. I listen and look for birds, plants and other wildlife from the deck of my boat. At home I read, draw and listen to music. I like to cook and I like to eat. I like to socialize and maintain many friendships going back to my youth.

Part of the assessment process includes writing goals and measurable objectives. These are based on both subjective and objective data. If interviewed during a TR assessment my subjective response or comments would reflect the sentiments below: “I want to continue my lifestyle. I want to go for long walks, canoe trips and live life to the fullest. I realize that walking is not so easy anymore, yet I feel that I can do almost everything else.”

The (SOAP) assessment process that compiles subjective and objective data to form a recreation plan seems to personally work for me. I am able to establish my own goals TR goals. I seek to address my physical, social, affective and cognitive functioning in the following ways:

Goal 1: To maintain or improve my current leisure lifestyle.

Goal 2: To maintain my current level of socialization activities.

Goal 3: To develop skills that promote physical functioning, balance, and range of motion.

Goal 4: To study, learn and write about Multiple Sclerosis, recreation, nature and adoptive children.

Objective 1: Given the proper equipment, resources and opportunities, I will continue to engage in activities such as gardening, paddling, cooking and camping 2-3 times per week for the next year.

Objective 2: During the course of each day, I will engage in socialization activities such as interactive conversation, with friends and colleagues for up to 60 minutes daily.

Objective 3: Following physical therapy and instruction, I will independently engage in 30 minutes stretching exercises two times daily.

Objective 4: Given the appropriate resources and materials, I will demonstrate learning through writing activities and public presentations related to MS, therapeutic recreation, adoption and nature.

Plan: I will encourage myself to engage in activities of interest. I will adapt specific activities such as canoeing as needed for safety and success. I will follow the prescribed medical plan as directed.

My, it was easy to dream. Now I am using a wheelchair that has lateral supports to hold me up. My goals and objectives are more in keeping with the most basic things like using scoop spoons and plates, sleeping on a hospital bed that turns me, preventing pressur sores, and managing my bodily needs. I find leisure in the small things, like waiting for a para-transit bus or counting lady bugs on the wall.