The following originally appeared in The Huffington Post in 2015 for MS Awareness Month. A few minor changes were made to reflect how I continue to feel in 2023 about living with MS. The philosopher John Lennon famously wrote,...
The following originally appeared in The Huffington Post in 2015 for MS Awareness Month. A few minor changes were made to reflect how I continue to feel in 2023 about living with MS.
The philosopher John Lennon famously wrote, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” The life we imagine for ourselves isn’t always the one we get. Our paths can take sudden turns down unexpected byways, leaving us to battle unchartered territory.
March is MS Awareness Month, a time to remember the over 2.5 million people worldwide living with an unpredictable and incurable disease called multiple sclerosis.
Strength, resilience, hope, and courage are important words to remember while thinking about the MS community.
And of course a cure.
As February drew to a close I didn’t know what to write about to honor this important month. How could I put a positive spin on a disease that’s often an unrelenting taskmaster?
At the same time, I’ve always tried to look for a silver lining in any situation, despite any challenges.
That’s part of a sound mental wellness plan.
Then it hit me! As an obsessed fan of classic films such as “It’s a Wonderful Life,” I thought about Clarence…you know, Clarence the Angel.
Like Clarence granting George Bailey the ability to see what life would have been like if he’d never been born, I wanted to write how different my life would have been without my diagnosis.
I look forward to the day when I can finally say, “I used to have MS.” That will be the greatest day of all.
MS is something I’d never wish for, but as a friend once said to me, ” You’re part of a club you never wanted to be in, but since you are, you may as well be one of the cool kids.” INDEED.
So I’ll be mindful that despite my diagnosis I’m surrounded by many blessings.
And, like George Bailey, I cannot be a failure because I have many wonderful, caring friends – both near and far.
I’m thankful for my diagnosis because it taught me self-compassion, survival, the importance of careful research, and always keeping hope in my heart.
My best friends, my husband, and my son.
ABOUT MS AWARENESS MONTH:
National MS Education and Awareness Month is an effort by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) and affiliated groups to raise the public’s awareness of multiple sclerosis. The vital goals of this campaign are to promote an understanding of the scope of this disease and to assist those with MS in making educated decisions about their healthcare.
To learn more about MS from various MS organizations please check the list of MS RESOURCES located on the tab at the top of this page
The post Why I’m Thankful For My Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis appeared first on An Empowered Spirit.