This week marks the five-year anniversary of the onset of my first Multiple Sclerosis symptoms. It seems like just yesterday my hand was tingling and something felt “off.” When I reflect on these past five years, some of it seems like an eternity and other portions feel like they’ve flown by in the blink of an eye.

My life has changed so dramatically from this illness. Although not defined by my disease, I do have to live a life that accommodates it. Much more effort is put into making sure I eat healthfully, get plenty of rest, exercise and minimize stress. I’ve learned to live a life of choice, purpose and meaning. Life is precious and I don’t want to waste a second of it.

Another wonderful outcome from my diagnosis was being laid off from my high-profile, high-stress job in the nonprofit healthcare sector. This provided the opportunity for me to pursue my own business and led to the creation of Appelbaum Wellness LLC. Being an entrepreneur is something I always dreamed of and am now living that dream every day. Yes it comes with a lot of responsibility but I was always told if you love what you do you’ll never work a day in your life. Well, I LOVE what I do!

The reason I titled this post “Five Years – Fifty More to Go” is that I plan on living healthfully well into my 90s. I am hopeful that medical research will continue to provide better medications and even possibly a cure. In the meantime, I AM Living in Wellness and I hope you are too!