By Nicole Robinson

Living with multiple sclerosis has taught me a lot, especially when it comes to protecting my mental and emotional well-being. 

When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t have it all together. There were moments of confusion, frustration, and a lot of questions about what my life would look like moving forward. While I still don’t have all the answers, I’ve learned that small intentional habits can make a big difference in how I show up each day. 

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of protecting my peace. I actually live by my motto: “I keep my peace by any means necessary.” That doesn’t always look the same every day. Some days protecting my peace means slowing down and allowing myself to rest without guilt. Other days, it means setting boundaries and saying no to things that drain my energy so I can prioritize what truly matters.

I’ve also learned the importance of checking in with myself mentally. Living with MS can be unpredictable and instead of fighting that, I’ve learned to give myself grace. If I’m having an off day, I don’t force myself to push through like everything is normal. I acknowledge it, adjust, and keep going in a way that works for me.

Another small habit that has helped me is staying connected with friends, family, and others in the MS community. There’s something powerful about knowing you’re not alone and that there are people who understand your journey.

Finally, I try to focus on what I can control. I may not have chosen the diagnosis, but I can choose how I respond to it. That mindset shift has made all the difference. Mental and emotional wellness isn’t about having everything figured out, it’s about taking small steps every day to care for yourself in the best way you can. Sometimes that simply means choosing peace.

About Nicole:

Nicole Robinson is an MS Ambassador with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and a speaker who shares her journey to encourage and empower others living with multiple sclerosis. She is passionate about resilience, faith, and maintaining peace despite life’s challenges. Nicole is also the creator of Peace Plates & Purpose, a platform focused on wellness, self-care, and real-life experiences.