Let's take the symptoms out of the equation for a moment...
And think about our emotional health. Our mindfulness. Our psychological quality of life. What do you do when you're down and out? Or have an embarrassing experience in public? Or a disappointing moment? How do you overcome? We're all warriors in this community, young and old. Diagnosed for years, newly diagnosed, or still looking for answers.
I know the symptoms are awful, the things that everyone goes through daily with a glitchy nervous system can be exhausting. But so many of you amazing people still have so much positivity in your mindset, and it's beautiful. So let's talk about it.
I'll start with an experience I had today at work. A previous colleague returned to our company, and when he left we were friends and I was only experiencing some symptoms, not sharing with people around me, and not looking for answers. He sees me today with my trusty cane and I have to decide what to do. What path do I take? How much am I willing to share with this friend who doesn't know?
I still don't know what I'm going to eventually say, just said today that my legs were wonky and then asked about his puppy.
I'm okay with my truth, I've accepted that it's not going away even as I continue on the search for answers. But my truth tends to cause some feelings in people who care about me, and I don't want that. I want for them to still have the happy positive energy that I love them for. It's a constant navigation, and taking into account individual personalities. I try to always stay true to myself, acknowledge my emotions and actions, but still respect the individuals around me and continue to be a positive light for them.
I would love to hear stories, both of success and not so successful. Stories of internal thoughts to reframe or redirect. Stories of recognizing that you are a warrior. All of it.
💜💜
, what a great topic. You make me think of how I work so hard to protect others and myself from being 'that person with MS' when I just want to be another person in the room. I don't have specific stories to share but rather just a general approach. But I do have to say I have been totally honest with everyone about my diagnosis, which leads to interesting conversations. best, Laura, DX '08 you know... I'm not sure if it's age and wisdom or acceptance of the human condition. But over the last few years I had really grown with my emotional wellbeing, my willingness to address the unsaid, and the embracing of my vulnerability. And it has really evolved many of my interactions with the people I encounter in my life.
For example, I have a coworker, and I'm sad to say that I don't know his name. We've worked together for 7 years now, and his name will not stick in my brain. But we have lovely banter, he'll seek me out occasionally for random conversation. And he's awesome. We recently worked a weekend together running inventory, and were hanging out waiting for the next task. I mentioned I had lived a few years in Colorado, and he just dove in, told me several stories about his son who lives in Colorado now and places he's visited when going to see his son. And I could see that what he really wanted was connection. I was emotionally drained, on my 50+ hour of work for the week, and really just ready for some solitude. But I recognized that... desire for recognition? Connection ?And so for a little while I chatted about all the different places, we shared moments on places we both visited in Colorado and towards the end of the conversation I just told him that I know his son must miss him as much as he misses his son. I offered to share photos I have of the places we spoke of. And I said to him that he must be an amazing father, being so invested still. It brightened his entire demeanor, which in turn gave me a little breath of additional patience and endurance to keep on with the day.
These moments... they make the struggle easier to bear, and they remind me that I'm not the only one struggling with something. 💜💜
this is beautiful, thanks for sharing. It's very true that what we are all seeking deep down is connection, and you were able to offer him that. In the processed you were blessed too. Funny how that works, isn't it? 😀
Alene (team member)
