We are in the middle of National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week and I wanted to share with you what this means to me.  First, next month marks five (5) years since my initial symptoms began.  I can’t believe that much time has flown by so quickly.  It seems as if just a year ago I was going through the challenges of getting used to the interferon in my system.  Honestly, I’m glad to have that behind me as it wasn’t much fun – constant flu-like symptoms, systemic itching, constant exhaustion, and inflamed injection sites.  Yet, after 6 months, my body thankfully adjusted.

Five years ago my life changed forever.  And, as unusual as this may sound, the diagnosis of MS was a gift.  I know, you may be saying, “Is she nuts?”  All I can say is at the time I was simply going through the motions of my life.  This diagnosis woke me up to actually living my life and appreciating every moment.  Because of the MS diagnosis, I was laid off from my job and began my own business.  I followed my passion for wellness and became a coach so as to help others.  My life is all about positive energy, reaching for the opportunity and thriving in forward movement. 

Yes, I am one of the lucky ones.  I do not have physical impairments.  Yes, my memory isn’t what it used to be so I stay well-stocked with Post-It notes and they are all over my house.  As long as I write it down, I remember it.  My vision was permanently affected by one of my flare-ups so my left eye sees a bit blurry.  And, like many I tire easily and find myself taking the occasional afternoon nap.  Truly, none of this is debilitating and I’m able to completely enjoy my life. 

It also helps to have a positive outlook.  When I feel tired or beaten, I just take a deep breath and tell myself to just keep moving.  By putting the proverbial “one foot in front of the other” I am able to pull myself out of the negative and into the positive.  It also makes a huge difference that I’ve been practicing healing prayer for the past 4 years.  When I host my Wellness Tele-summit this summer you’ll get the chance to meet my healer.  It’s a concept that dates back to the beginning of man and I believe it keeps me well.

So for the unfortunate who suffer, please click on the above icon and consider making a donation to the MS Society.  And as for me, MS = a GIFT; this challenge allowed me to realize so much opportunity in my life and for that I am eternally grateful.