This is for the Weary Ones

By Penelope Conway

This is for the weary ones, the tired ones, and the “I can’t go on” ones.

This is for the ones who cry behind closed doors yet muster up a smile to face the day.

This is for the ones who dream of the day multiple sclerosis is cured so they no longer have to deal with doctor appointments, meds, needles, and pain.

This is for the ones who keep going, even when they know they need to stop for a moment to do nothing but chill on the couch with a good book or a marathon of their favorite show on TV.

This is for the ones who long to take a vacation where they are waited on hand and foot; no laundry, no dishes, no vacuuming, no work of any kind.

This is for the ones who get stressed and overwhelmed with the demands a life with multiple sclerosis brings.

This is for the ones who find it hard to keep going, who long for a break, who need time off, and who deal with too much.

This is for you.

You are an amazing, courageous, beautiful person. You are not alone. Take some time to do something just for you. That pile of laundry… let it pile up. It doesn’t matter. Take time for you. Treat yourself to a movie, a night out, a steak dinner, a trip through the park, or a giant slice of chocolate cheesecake. Shake off those negative thoughts that cause you to feel worse than MS could ever make you feel.

Stand outside your situation and, for just a moment, try looking in from the outside. Think about what you would say to someone else standing in your shoes. Would you remind them of their value? Would you tell them to worry less? Would you encourage them to ask for help so they aren’t doing everything alone? Would you show them how to smile through the tears?

You have a mountain in front of you… an Everest. That’s your reality. But no matter how big it may be, it can be climbed. Don’t look at its massive size. Choose instead to take your eyes off of the rock in front of you and look out at the beauty all around. Stop for just a moment and breathe. It takes courage, determination and strength… and you have each one.

So as you climb Mount Everest with your heart pounding in your chest and your knees buckling under you, give yourself one tiny moment to realize just how incredible you really are. You are worth it. You matter!

*Penelope Conway was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in November 2011. She is the author and founder of Positive Living with MS (http://positivelivingwithms.com/) where she uses humor and her own life experiences with MS to help others navigate this unpredictable journey. She believes that staying positive and holding onto hope is the key to waking up each morning with the strength to get through the day.

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About MSAA

The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications, including, The Motivator; MSAA’s nationally recognized website, featuring educational videos, webinars, and research updates; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™; safety and mobility equipment products; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; MRI funding; My MSAA Community, a peer-to-peer online support forum; MS Conversations blog; a clinical trial search tool; podcasts; and more. For additional information, please visit www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.

Comments

  • Sarah Johnston says:

    Thank you Penelope. You always know what I need to hear right when I need to hear it.

  • Jackie says:

    Thank you, I know that I needed that. You are an inspiration 🙂

  • Linda OCONNELL says:

    I have been so tired that I cant move. Its a struggle to get out of bed. When I pull the top off my yogurt my muscles ache so bad. I cant get up the strength to do anything and when I do I hurt. I cant deal with this anymore.

    • MSAA says:

      Hi Linda,

      Thank you for your comment, and I’m sorry that you are in pain. If you are in need of any resources, or simply want to hear a kind voice on the other end of the phone line, please feel free to call our toll-free Helpline at (800) 532-7667, ext. 154. You can also email us at msquestions@mymsaa.org.

      Take care,
      Emily from MSAA

  • Rodger Ashton-Smith says:

    Thanks for the encouragement Penelope. It’s no fun being tired and tired of all the mess MS has made. We do need to get out and ‘smell the roses’ occasionally because we do have a life and can do things most others can’t. We should be proud of that, not to be worried of it.

  • Vicky says:

    Beautiful!!
    It’s true, but climb as little or as much as you want and take the time to enjoy the scenery!!
    Hugs

  • Pat Omel says:

    I have dealt with ppms since 1988 and I am definitely TIRED so this well-written blog was perfect for me. Thanks!

  • Brenda Stratton says:

    Where can I find a neurologist in the indianapolis and surrounding area, that specializes in ms?

    • Angel says:

      Hi Brenda, thanks for reaching out. Here at the MSAA we try to provide resource information for MS Treatment Centers located across the country that have neurologists and other specialists on staff working specifically with MS patients for their care. In the Indianapolis area I found Indiana University’s MS Center, http://iuhealth.org/neurology-neurosurgery/multiple-sclerosis-autoimmune-disorders/. You can reach out to them directly to inquire of their MS treatment services and locations. If applicable, you can also reach out to your health insurance company to ask for neurologist referrals in your area, and from there may find one that specializes in MS. I hope this information is helpful to you, Brenda, and if you have further questions please call our toll-free Helpline at (800) 532-7667, ext. 154. You can also email us at msquestions@mymsaa.org. Thank you and take care.

  • tilly jones says:

    I so get this today, clocks went forward an hour on Sunday morning, feel like I’m ready to drop since about 10am this morning. hurts to just move my head. thanks for sharing

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