Why I'm Thankful For My Diagnosis

The philosopher John Lennon (or whoever said it first) famously wrote, "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans." The life we imagine when we're young isn't always the one that we live. Our paths make sudden turns down unexpected byways, leaving us to survive unchartered territory.

March is MS Awareness Month

March is MS Awareness Month, a time to remember over 2.3 million people worldwide who are living with multiple sclerosis, an unpredictable and incurable disease. Strength, love, hope and courage - those are the words to be mindful of this month.

And, of course a cure.

As February drew to a close I couldn't decide what I'd write about to honor this important month-long event. I mean, what else could I write about MS that I haven't covered already? And what positive spin could I put on it, because that's how I choose to look at my life.

Then it dawned on me.

Why I'm thankful for my MS diagnosis

It's easy to GO ORANGE with Max!

Like Clarence the Angel granting George Bailey the ability to see what life would have been like if he'd never been born (you knew I'd think of a classic film reference, didn't you?) I wanted to write about how different my life would have been without my diagnosis.

Why I'm thankful for my MS diagnosis

I look forward to the day when I can finally say, "I used to have MS." That will be the greatest day of all. In the meantime I'll be mindful that despite my diagnosis I'm surrounded by many blessings. And, like George Bailey, I cannot be a failure because I certainly do have friends - near, far, virtual, professional and furry.

I am thankful for my diagnosis because it taught me self-compassion, survival, to remain curious and to always keep hope in my heart.

About MS Awareness Month

National MS Education and Awareness Month is an effort by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (MSF) and affiliated groups to raise the public's awareness of multiple sclerosis. The vital goals of this campaign are to promote an understanding of the scope of this disease, and to assist those with MS in making educated decisions about their healthcare.

To inspire others to create a world free of MS, click here to share your thoughts on The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's website.

Learn more about what MS is and find the latest research from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke page called Hope Through Research.

 

 

 

 

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