I didn’t choose a life flipped upside down

Once diagnosed with multiple sclerosis I wanted to do something to help others like me who live day in and day out with an unpredictable life of chaos. I didn’t actually know if the things I had to share would make a difference or even matter, but I knew I needed to try. If not for others, at least for my own sanity and peace of mind.

So, I started writing away even though I was unsure who would actually read what I had to say. I know that sometimes I get serious and real about what things are like for me and others living with MS. Other times I can be a bit goofy. But my hope has always been to help others feel less alone and less scared about living with MS.

I have been amazed at the growth of Positive Living with MS over the years, not just among other MSers but also with caregivers and people dealing with other chronic illnesses. We all have something in common… an unexpected disruption to our lives that has brought about a whirlwind of change, confusion and pain.

I didn’t choose to have my life flipped upside down. I didn’t choose a life of constant struggle because of MS, but it didn’t give me a choice. I didn’t cause it, I can’t control it and I can’t cure it.

Somehow it found me and here I am living in a world that is constantly changing. I don’t want to feel like a failure because of something beyond my control. I refuse to believe it will be because I didn’t fight hard enough.

Like so many others around the world, we research, we dig for answers, we hope, we cry, we even get discouraged. But you know what? No matter how low our emotions get or how bad life becomes, somehow we find the strength to keep going. Somehow we get through one more day. Somehow hope fills our hearts when the weariness grows deep. Somehow. Somehow.

I don’t know how MS really works or why some people have more challenges and difficulties in life than others, but I do know that no matter what you are facing or how hard things get, you are not alone. I am here along with thousands of others around the world to bring encouragement, hope and peace to a broken and chaotic life.

Together we love, help, dream, and live for a better tomorrow. Together we stand arm in arm holding each other up as we swing our swords in battle. What a sightly bunch of warriors we are. Bruised, wobbly, weary, tired… but somehow less afraid of tomorrow.

If you feel sad today, know that you aren’t alone. If you feel you are losing hope, hang on a few more days because the sun will come out and the birds will begin to sing once again.

You are amazingly strong, resilient and a fighter even on your weakest days…especially on your weakest days. Keep standing. Keep hoping for a better day. Keep sharing. Keep fighting.

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Fundraiser for Penelope’s New Powerchair