Dear MS: This year, I’m not fighting you—I’m learning to work through you.

This year, I’m taking a new approach. I’m not fighting MS; I’m learning to work through it. Here’s what that means for me and how it’s changing my perspective.

Redefining My Relationship with MS

Instead of seeing MS as an enemy, I’ve started to view it as a challenging partner in my life. While I didn’t choose this partnership, accepting its presence has brought unexpected clarity and growth.

• Acceptance, Not Defeat: Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means acknowledging reality without letting it consume you.

• Learning Its Language: By paying closer attention to my body’s signals, I’m learning what triggers symptoms and how to better respond to them.

• Coexisting: MS may be part of my life, but it doesn’t define me. I’m learning to weave it into my story without letting it take center stage.

How I’m Working Through MS

Here are some of the ways I’ve shifted my approach to living with MS:

1. Listening to My Body

Living with MS means learning to interpret what my body is trying to tell me—and responding with compassion.

• Rest When Needed: Fatigue is real, and ignoring it only makes things worse. I’ve learned to honor my body’s need for rest without guilt.

• Stay Attuned to Triggers: Stress, diet, and overexertion can all exacerbate symptoms. By recognizing patterns, I’ve become more proactive in managing my health.

2. Adapting My Routines

Life with MS often requires adjustments, but these changes have taught me to prioritize what truly matters.

• Flexible Scheduling: I’ve stopped expecting every day to look the same. Building flexibility into my routine helps me adapt to fluctuating energy levels.

• Simplifying Tasks: Streamlining daily chores and responsibilities reduces stress and makes room for self-care.

3. Leaning on My Support System

Working through MS doesn’t mean doing it alone. I’ve learned the importance of asking for and accepting help.

• Connecting with Others: Whether it’s family, friends, or the MS community, sharing my journey has brought comfort and understanding.

• Professional Guidance: Therapists, doctors, and specialists have been invaluable in helping me navigate life with MS.

Shifting My Mindset

Perhaps the biggest change has been internal. By reframing my perspective, I’ve found strength in areas I never expected.

• Focus on What I Can Control: While I can’t change my diagnosis, I can control my attitude, choices, and how I care for myself.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Every day that I manage my symptoms or take a step forward is a victory worth celebrating.

• Gratitude for Growth: MS has pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined. For that, I’m learning to be grateful.

Embracing the Journey

This year, I’m choosing to work through MS instead of fighting it. It’s a shift that requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to grow. But with this approach, I’m finding greater peace and resilience.

If you’re navigating your own journey with MS or another challenge, I encourage you to explore what working through it might look like for you. For more inspiration, insights, and community, join me on Instagram and TikTok, where I share my journey and connect with others embracing resilience. You may find, as I have, that there’s strength in partnership—even with life’s most difficult companions.

Much love,

E.P.