honesty

⚠️ Please read with care: This blog shares personal, sometimes painful experiences. My intention is to support and speak honestly not to harm. I’m not a professional, just someone who understands how hard it can get. If you're struggling, you're not alone please reach out for professional help.

Living with MS? It’s not a bloody “journey.” It’s a one way trip on a bus you didn’t ask to get on, and the driver’s pissed. But if you can’t laugh about it, you’ll cry and honestly, crying is too much effort. Here’s my brutally honest guide to surviving the MS circus with what’s left of your dignity (and maybe your sense of humour).

1. Resilience in Adversity

Every day is an adventure, if by “adventure” you mean “why does my left leg feel like it’s made of mashed potato today?” Still, you learn to cope. Celebrate the small wins: got your socks on? Didn’t set fire to the kitchen? That’s basically the Olympics now.

2. Community and Connection

You’re not alone. There are thousands of us, all secretly hoping the next medical breakthrough is “working legs in a bottle.” Online support groups: sometimes uplifting, sometimes like herding cats on roller skates, but always someone awake at 3am.

3. Mindfulness and Self-Care

Meditation, yoga, interpretive dance with your Zimmer frame pick whatever keeps you sane. Some days self care is a long bath, other days it’s telling everyone to sod off and watching rubbish TV with a family size chocolate bar. No guilt allowed.

4. Advocacy and Awareness

Want to raise MS awareness? Just try explaining it to a “healthy” person: “No, it’s not contagious, yes, I look fine, and yes, I know it’s annoying I get to park closer to Tesco.” Write, rant, march, meme just make sure you get your voice out there. Or just send everyone this blog and save yourself the trouble.

5. Focus on What You Can Do

Forget what’s impossible focus on what’s just about possible if you squint hard enough. Start a blog, paint a masterpiece, or just master the art of napping with one eye open. Every step (or shuffle) forward is a win, even if it’s just to the fridge.

6. Gratitude and Positivity

Gratitude? Sure. I’m grateful I haven’t fallen on my arse today. Celebrate the tiny things: a hot cuppa, a good nap, finding your glasses on the second try. It’s not all unicorns and rainbows, but sometimes it’s enough.

7. Inspiration from Others

Some people with MS run marathons. Others run Netflix marathons. Both are impressive. Get inspired by anyone who’s still standing or even just sitting up without toppling over. If they can do it, so can you (sort of).

8. Hope for the Future

MS research is moving faster than I do after a double espresso. There’s always hope new drugs, better treatments, and one day, maybe a cure. Until then, hang on tight and keep your sense of humour sharp.

Conclusion

Your MS “journey” is yours alone but you’re not the only goblin crawling through this dark wood. Laugh at the madness, celebrate the wins, and never let anyone tell you how to feel. Welcome to the world of chronic badassery.

I write in ink and fury, in breath and broken bone.
Through storm and silence, I survive. That is the crime and the miracle.