For years I have practiced “controlled” life, excusing myself with “that is the best when diagnosed with MS.” Now I am stepping out realizing I do have it in me, to handle some of the unpleasantness of leaving the safe harbor.

Right now leaving can bring seasickness, panic attacks, tremendous tiredness and - here is where the fun kicks in – it can bring great experiences, this stepping into the unknown.

The other day I steered the grand saffron colored lady toward the lights of the skyline of Manhattan, winds blowing from 14 m/s up to 20 m/s (28 to 40 knots) and waves breaking over the bow all the way to the cockpit – Beautiful.

And then yesterday in freezing cold I took pictures of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island while sailing up East River, looking at Manhattan, not from Brooklyn, no no from the waterside enjoying both the skyscrapers of the financial district around Wall Street as well as the heights of Brooklyn. And then shortly after lunch mooring in some small marina in Oyster Bay after sailing along shores covered in all the different nice colors of autumn.

I’m extremely tired but all the good sightings, the crew and getting more and more used to life aboard will cure the panic, make me sleep and broaden my comfort zone. It will make me less fragile, more strong – ‘on the top of the world’ kind of feeling:)