Four Tips to Thrive with MS
Worrying about tomorrow's will destroy your today while thriving today will ignite all your tomorrow's - Hiral Nagda
Learning to be in charge of my life with MS didn't happen overnight.
A lot of time passed before I realized the value of being cheerful, forward-looking, and grateful every day.
When I saw the glass half full, so did the people around me. And my smile prompted others to smile in return, which made me smile even more. I quickly realized how I responded to daily challenges greatly influenced my life.
Before sharing four tips to thrive despite living with multiple sclerosis, I want to tell you about an eye-opening event that changed my life. The critical takeaway: take into account the power of a positive attitude.
Speechless and embarrassed
I attended the annual conference for MS Ambassadors in Richmond, BC. The MS Society of BC and Yukon hosted the event in a luxurious conference room.
The event focused on the MS Ambassador Program which serves people with MS in British Columbia and the Yukon. The presenters packed a lot into 2 ½ days. Thank goodness attendees got a binder with all of the PowerPoint slides. But despite the mental overload, I will never forget meeting Molly.
The conference opened with an icebreaker activity to help people get to know one another. The young girl to my immediate right was Molly, and she was diagnosed with Progressive MS five years ago.
Molly has required a wheelchair for the last three years. The whole time we chatted, her eyes sparkled, and she smiled from ear to ear.
The activity was to write down one thing you have missed most since being diagnosed with MS and then share your answer with the person next to you. I wrote cycling without hesitation, and I noticed Molly answered the question just as fast.
I turned to Molly and revealed the answer on my card. I wrote down cycling and explained how Paul and I lived on our bikes, especially in the summer. I told her about our trip to Banff, a scenic place in the heart of the Rocky Mountains. I commented on how I always seemed to ride uphill and never down; we laughed.
Now it was Molly's turn. Her answer was different from what I expected. In a cheery voice, she said STANDING.
I sank low in my chair.
I was shocked and speechless.
I felt utterly embarrassed, not because of her answer but because of mine. I felt like a complete idiot,
Molly touched my hand and said,
The intent of my answer is not to make you feel guilty. I am just being honest. Do I miss standing? YES. But is my life crappy because I can't stand? NO! Patti, my life has been far richer since being in a wheelchair. I learned a lot about the true ME, and I like her. I've learned a lot about what's meaningful in my life and why using a wheelchair is the only way I can participate in the life I create for myself.
I stood up. Molly leaned forward with open arms. We hugged.
Molly quickly taught me a lesson that would later play a significant role in how I live my life with MS: MS defines the disease, not ME!
Now I'm ready to share four tips for thriving with multiple sclerosis.
Make the present moment your friend rather than your enemy.
Dan Harris
Four Tips for Thriving with Multiple Sclerosis
You know your body better than anyone else. You know what to do to recover from:
a cold/flu,
stress,
headaches, and
infections.
However, overcoming MS because you know your body best is unlikely. Following doctors' orders, eating well, taking medications, and listening to your body will help. Regardless, these actions will not end multiple sclerosis - no wonder many people living with MS feel depressed and defeated.
But your life isn't over; it's only different.
Take control of MS, take control of your life, and feel better about yourself!
ONE: Remember, multiple sclerosis doesn't define you
Allow your strength and courage to speak on your behalf. Let others see your determination, perseverance, and resilience despite your daily challenges. After all, actions speak louder than words.
TWO: Accept MS, but with a fighting spirit
You have a choice. Living with MS can cause you to view your life as a never-ending night or a journey marked by your strength, character, and perseverance.
THREE: Set realistic goals as part of your life with MS
Setting small, practical goals is essential because you're more likely to achieve them. Goal setting is personal; only you can determine what's best for you. Celebrate each minor victory over MS, no matter how "big" or "small." For example, taking a shower, meeting a friend for coffee, or getting through a difficult doctor's appointment are accomplishments, especially when simultaneously handling your illness's pain, fatigue and stress.
FOUR: Be your own most powerful advocate
Speaking up for oneself is critical for anyone with MS. Self-advocacy describes your efforts to represent yourself and your needs in and out of the healthcare system. Stay true to yourself!
Like I said at the beginning of this post, learning to take charge of my life with multiple sclerosis didn't happen overnight. Today, more resources like blogs, podcasts, and other web-based tools make learning more transparent and accessible.
In the past, conventional doctors provided the answers, and traditional medicine provided the relief you needed. Today, other sources are available like:
food and diet
supplements
exercise
stress management
acupuncture, reflexology, or massage
As is known, living with multiple sclerosis can be challenging. Regardless, there are many ways people can thrive despite these challenges, and this article only scratches the surface. The four tips I share are a launch pad from which you can thrive with MS. And even though there are other suggestions, it comes down to your level of commitment and what living well with MS looks like and means to you.
Lastly, I share this powerful affirmation and encourage you to speak it when you need the strength to persevere.
I am resilient, and my ability to overcome challenges is unfailing.
Key takeaways:
your experiences living with MS are just experiences,
you will thrive despite living with MS when you use the FOUR tips as a base from which to move forward,
traditional doctors and medicine are not the only ways to get relief,
your commitment impacts your ability to thrive with MS, and
affirmations serve a purpose.
Have I planted a seed of hope and joy?
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