Everybody's journey with MS is different and that is what makes it such a difficult disease. There is no normal prognosis pathway; there is only your 'new normal' that you can choose to live with or fight. For me diagnosis began the most inspirational and positive journey of my life. [Letter to my 25 year old self].
But for MS I would not be the person I am today. It has taught me to risk, laugh, love and appreciate more in life than I ever did as a 'normal' person. I will never look back on my journey with sadness or regret; I only ever look forward and am grateful to all who have chosen to take this journey together.
MS Society of WA - Profiles MJ's Story
I was recently interviewed by the MS Society of WA, an incredible organisation that helped me to understand and proactively live with MS. I hope you enjoy reading the article they wrote about my journey from diagnosis to award winning business. Click here to read MJ's Story.
My advice for anyone living a 'new normal' life
- Be positive!
Learn to laugh at and accept your new normal; the dinner party stories you can contribute are quite simply spectacular! - Be kind to those around you
They struggle as much watching you in life as you often do living through it. They need your gratitude and support; remember they are normal, their resilience is often not as strong as we have had to become. - Build resilience and adapt
Be tenacious and bold, adjust to whatever life throws at you. You can't make it disappear you can only find acceptance and understanding. Bounce back, dust off and dance! [No matter how crazy you wobble]. - Use your spoons wisely
When circumstances get tough, lean on those who surround you. I know this is often the hardest part of the journey as you prioritise what you can do in a day without losing your spoons! [The Spoon Theory].
Accept help and delegate, focus on what matters most in your life; don't sweat the small stuff (it will still be there tomorrow!) - Be passionate
Whatever you do; do it well! Live in the moment, appreciate all that you have. Looking backwards with regret not forwards with optimism will only bring you sadness. Make the most of each experience with the people beside you. Make memories from moments, look back with love. - Be irreplaceable!
Love yourself, you are irreplaceable, you are one of a kind. There is absolutely no one else out there like you!
