By Lauren Kovacs

After 2020, my hope bucket has changed. Simple is the way to go. Smaller goals and a smaller court or field.

Waking up to sunshine is a cause for hope. Sunshine gives me hope of the smile of a new day. No matter how cold it might be, sunshine gives me hope to move and helps me begin my day. Even if my to do list is crushed by MS fatigue, I had hope.

I am not blind to the struggles of MS. I have times when “I just can’t.” Find a smaller court or field that is flooded with sun. Try and start with hope. Sunshine helps me start my daily climb, at least.

Where I sit to do my morning routine is in the sun. It pours in through the bathroom window, as I take medications and my supplements. I get dress and hop into my wheelchair. Ok, I don’t hop.

MS usually smooshes my daily goals, but it began with hope. I try a start my day right. Fatigue fights with my plans and often wins. MS mud is usually slung at my hope. It is usually that slippery banana peel in my court of life. There is always tomorrow.

My dog and any family members checking in on me reassures me that I am loved. The dog walks into my bathroom and waits until I tell him I am ok. All 12lbs of him just wants to see me ok. The others in the house ask if I am ok too. There are days I need help.

Finding a small motivation is still something. Find yours. It helps.