Living Life with MS- As I mark my 13th year living with multiple sclerosis, I reflect on the transformative journey it has been—not just in managing a chronic illness but in reshaping my entire outlook on life. From the overwhelming early days of fatigue to the profound joy of embracing each hike and summit, MS has taught me the power of acceptance and living fully. Join me as I share the unexpected delights and hard-earned lessons from my ongoing journey, celebrating resilience and the beauty of the everyday. Here’s to embracing life’s challenges with gratitude and a heart full of joy. https://nakohealthfit.com/2016/02/06/my-inspiration/

Introduction:

As I mark another year of living with multiple sclerosis (MS), I find myself reflecting on the profound journey it has been—not just in terms of managing a chronic illness, but in how it has reshaped my entire perspective on life. Today, I want to share this journey with you, highlighting the transformative power of acceptance and the unexpected joy of living fully, despite the challenges.

The Early Days:

When I first heard my diagnosis, my husband immediately assured me of his unwavering support. At the time, this promise struck me as unnecessary—I never doubted he’d be there. But as years passed, we’ve truly become each other’s rock, each of us carrying the other when needed. This shared strength has become the backbone of our journey, something I’ve come to deeply appreciate.

In the beginning, the fatigue was all-consuming. I remember dozing off to Adele’s playlist in my first MRI, a stark indication that my tiredness was far from ordinary. Back then, the idea of needing daily naps was my reality, but now, at 51, I’ve moved past that need and enjoy an energy that once seemed unattainable.

Embracing Adaptations:

Initially, I resisted using hiking poles because they felt like a sign of dependence I wasn’t ready to accept. To me, they represented more than just practical assistance—they symbolized a reliance on something external for balance and support, which felt like a stark acknowledgment of my MS. Over time, practicality overcame my fears, though I still consider them a last resort. This acceptance was a significant mental hurdle, and it reminds me that dealing with this disease is an ongoing process of evolution and impacts me in every aspect of my life.

A Shift in Perspective:

My relationship with hiking profoundly changed when I was faced with the possibility of losing it altogether. I used to find long hikes tedious, preferring the thrill of racing in 5k, 10k, or marathon events. However, when I realized that my future on these legs was not guaranteed, multiple sclerosis shifted my outlook. Now, each trail and summit holds immense value, celebrating what I am capable of rather than the limitations imposed by MS. This profound shift in perspective has infused my life with a deep sense of gratitude, and no hike has ever felt boring since.

It’s often the small wonders along the trail—a spider web, a toad, or the grouse I affectionately named “mountain turkey”—that fill me with joy. Encountering a bull moose for the first time left me so awe-struck that fellow hikers mistook my tears for distress. These moments of pure wonder underscore the beauty in the everyday.

Lessons from the Long Trails:

The 50-mile ultra-marathon I ran on the eighth anniversary of my diagnosis taught me a critical lesson. After pushing my limits led to an ER visit, I realized that proving my endurance was unnecessary—I was already achieving more than enough. Life’s too short for regrets. I’ve embraced living each day to the fullest, often finding myself saying “yes” to opportunities I would have once passed up due to fatigue.

Living with Uncertainty:

Living with MS involves embracing uncertainty. Despite my best efforts, I’m always aware that the disease could worsen at any time, potentially impacting my work, travel, and the outdoor activities I love like hiking and running. This realization fuels my daily drive and gratitude, guiding me to approach each day with patience and appreciation rather than intensity.

How I’m Marking This Anniversary:

So, how am I marking this anniversary? By adhering to the routine that’s been my anchor—a dedicated workout in my basement, maintaining the regimen that has strengthened me over the years. Later, I’ll take a gentle walk to observe alpacas, birds and turtles with my dog, fully embracing each moment. Although ‘mindfulness’ has become a buzzword, for me, it’s a profound practice, born from navigating life’s challenges.

Here’s to another year of living mindfully and deeply cherishing each moment. My husband often teases me about the way I see the world with this perspective as unique, and I tease him that he should borrow my rose-colored glasses—it has helped me survive stressors that should have destroyed me.

Conclusion:

As I continue on this path, I am reminded daily of the transformative power of our mindset. While I may not have chosen to live with MS, I have chosen how I live with it. This journey is about embracing each day with a spirit of gratitude and joy, recognizing that while I may not extend my life, I can undoubtedly enhance it. Here’s to living a life full of rose-colored views, moment by moment.