I have a problem with expecting too much from myself which in turn hurts me more than helps. This year I have made it my purpose to evaluate my life and simplify everything I’m doing as much as I can. Is that even possible? There are things I want to do, things I need to do, and things I need to let go of. Multiple sclerosis has definitely changed my perspective about everything in life.
Some of the top priorities for me are Continue reading
Experiencing life events and trauma can change a person. We all experience life milestones and challenges, yet they are so personal and timed differently for each of us that how we react or change is never the same. Losing a loved one or experiencing an illness is different when experienced as a child, a young adult or as an older adult. Our expectations and life skills are different at each point in our life, and what may be life changing for one may be life affirming for another.
As I reflect on how being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and living with symptoms has affected me, it’s difficult for me to Continue reading
If you are like me, I try. Everyday is new. We have a “new me” daily. Some days we are the broken car in the garage and some days we are a strong engine.
On days your engine won’t turn over, don’t beat yourself up. We all have bad days. Some have really bad days. Try to hold on to something. Chocolate is meaty, but it makes things better.
I have had days that Continue reading
By Alene Brennan
There a lot of emotions you experience when you’re diagnosed with an incurable, neurological degenerative disease.
I remember shortly after my diagnosis of MS, I read an article that talked about patients grieving the loss of the life they had and the life they imagined.
It struck such a cord, because it’s how I was feeling.
What do I have to stop doing now?
I knew Continue reading
You take the meds, see your doctor and hope your annual MRI doesn’t show disease progression.
Seriously? That’s all you got?
Multiple sclerosis is laughing at you, man. Snickering at your lackluster effort. You cannot afford to sit back and wait. You must put up your dukes and fight back every single day.
MS doesn’t take Continue reading
Now that we have rung in this New Year and flipped double digits to enter into this new decade, we need more. We should desire something to make us stand out from the crowd as it is too easy to vanish into obscurity if we do not evolve. This affliction called multiple sclerosis should not define our lives but be a mere side note to the long list of who we indeed are. Every year we should grab Continue reading
We all want a “new me” in 2020. Most MSers got a lump of coal from Santa when it came to MS. Fear not. We are warriors. Everyday for us is new.
Instead of making big New Year’s resolutions that are too big and often ridiculous, make small attainable ones. Do stuff you can do. Don’t try stuff you know you can’t do. New Year’s is daily for us.
Say it with me, “small.” I often Continue reading
I’m turning 50 this year, and I’m excited. I have genuinely been looking forward to it for years. No exaggeration.
Approaching the half century mark is a big deal. Anyone who lives to age 50 will have experienced many joys and challenges. I think acknowledging the wonderful and terrible things we’ve enjoyed and endured in our lives is a worthwhile assignment. (See my post on My Life List.)
Family relationships are hard. I look back at decades of immediate and extended family holiday gatherings, and I notice what has changed and what seems like a given. Long-held disconnects or resentments lie beneath the surface and feel ready to erupt at any moment.
Consider as mere mortals, it’s rare to be perfect in these moments. I’ve left family gatherings spending huge amounts of time thinking about Continue reading
Another MS enemy can be dealing with holiday traditions and family. Keep some, ditch some, and create some. MS is a big nasty gift. Pick through the mess for things you like.
When our kids were young, matching Christmas Eve PJs were a must. News flash, teens boys don’t like that. I still Continue reading
