Finding Balance: My MS Journey Through Work, School, and Life

Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is like walking a tightrope, balancing the demands of health, career, and personal growth. It’s a journey that has tested me in ways I never imagined, pushing me to discover strengths I didn’t know I had while also challenging me to embrace my vulnerabilities. My experience with MS has reshaped how I approach every aspect of my life, especially now as I juggle a new job, a Master's program, and the responsibilities of daily living.

For me, the balancing act isn’t just about managing time. It’s about energy—physical, mental, and emotional. Fatigue is a constant companion in my MS journey, one that doesn’t follow a predictable pattern. Some days, I feel unstoppable, capable of tackling my to-do list with ease. On other days, even getting out of bed feels like an Olympic feat. The inconsistency can be frustrating, but over time I’ve learned that adaptability is key. Flexibility has become my greatest asset, allowing me to recalibrate when my body or mind decides it needs a break, even when life’s obligations don’t.

One of the toughest parts of this journey is acknowledging that I can’t always do it all, at least not in the ways I once thought I could. As someone who has always been competitive, driven, and eager to take on new challenges, it’s hard to admit when I need to slow down. Yet, MS forces me to listen to my body in ways I never did before. There are times when I can’t push through without consequences—whether it’s a flare-up of symptoms, extreme fatigue, or just a feeling of burnout that leaves me questioning my choices.

I’ve come to realize that the key to overcoming these obstacles lies in understanding and accepting my limits, rather than fighting against them. A major turning point was learning how to reframe the challenges MS presents as a series of manageable tasks rather than overwhelming roadblocks. By breaking down what I need to do into smaller, more achievable steps, I’ve found a sense of control. For example, instead of seeing my workload or study schedule as one massive, looming responsibility, I’ve learned to prioritize what needs to be done now and what can wait.

Creating a daily schedule has been an essential part of this process. I carve out time for rest and breaks, ensuring that I don’t push myself to the point of exhaustion. I track my energy levels to better understand when I’m most productive and when I need to dial back. Incorporating stress management techniques like meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness has also helped tremendously. These small, daily practices help me stay grounded when life feels like it’s spinning too fast, and they remind me that it’s okay to pause and take care of myself.

This journey isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about redefining success and what it means to me now. I used to measure my achievements by how much I could do, how fast I could go, and how far I could push myself. But MS has taught me that success can also mean knowing when to stop, when to rest, and when to say no. It’s about maintaining a balance that supports my health, rather than sacrificing it for the sake of accomplishment.

When I think about what would happen if I don’t find this balance, the consequences are clear. Without careful attention to my health, I risk burnout, exacerbating my symptoms, and potentially derailing the very goals I’m working so hard to achieve. That thought alone is enough to motivate me to stay on track, even when the demands of work, school, and life seem overwhelming. I don’t want to be in a position where my health declines to the point that I can no longer pursue my passions. I want to continue growing, learning, and thriving in my career and education, but I know that I can only do so if I’m also taking care of myself.

Looking ahead, I feel optimistic. I’ve already seen improvements in how I manage my fitness and MS symptoms by integrating regular, gentle exercise like stretching and yoga into my routine. These small, mindful movements help me build stamina without pushing myself beyond my limits. I’m learning to recognize when my body needs rest and when it’s safe to challenge myself a bit more. This process of learning to listen to my body has been empowering in a way I never expected. However, I don't always pay attention. Old habits die hard. And then, I have to face the music.

What’s perhaps most surprising is how this journey has shifted my perspective on the concept of obstacles. In the past, I often used obstacles as excuses to delay getting started on something new, convincing myself that the timing wasn’t right or that I wasn’t ready. But living with MS has taught me that waiting for the “perfect moment” isn’t always realistic. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just take the first step, even if you’re unsure where it will lead. I remind my son of this often, hoping that he will learn from my experiences that progress doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to happen. The smallest steps are immensely more beneficial that stopping and trying to start again.

There are days when fear still creeps in. I wonder if my obstacles are really just manifestations of my deeper fears—fears of failing, of not measuring up, or of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities I’ve taken on. It’s easy to let these fears stop me from moving forward, but I’ve realized that action is the only way to conquer them. Even if my steps are small, they’re still steps in the right direction.

Living with MS has also forced me to confront my insecurities, particularly those about my physical appearance. I’ve spent years feeling inadequate, comparing myself to others, and letting societal expectations shape my self-worth. But MS has changed my relationship with my body. I no longer focus as much on how I look, but rather on what my body is capable of. It’s a powerful shift in perspective, one that I never expected, but that has brought me a sense of peace and self-acceptance.

I’ve made progress, but I’m not done yet. There’s still more to learn, more challenges to face, and more growth to experience. My hope is that through sharing my journey—through writing, speaking, and connecting with others—I can help others see that living with MS doesn’t have to mean giving up on your dreams. It’s about adapting, finding balance, and most importantly, continuing to move forward, one step at a time.

Every day brings new challenges, but it also brings new opportunities for resilience. And that, more than anything else, is what I hope to convey through my story: that no matter what obstacles MS throws my way, I will keep going. Because this journey isn’t just about overcoming—it’s about thriving.

Balancing Act

I walk the line,

arms stretched wide,

between what was and what is—

a body that once moved freely,

now learning the rhythm of restraint.

Fatigue follows like a shadow,

whispering slow,

but I press on,

one step,

then another,

finding balance in the sway.

I used to race the clock,

measuring worth by speed,

by how much I could hold.

Now I count victories in stillness,

in the quiet strength of saying no,

of knowing when to pause.

The world spins faster than I can follow,

but I have learned

to meet it on my own terms—

with breath,

with grace,

with the courage to rest.

There are days

when my body feels like a stranger,

when fear sits heavy in my chest,

but even then,

I am moving forward,

even if it's just in my mind.

I am learning

that progress isn’t always loud;

sometimes it’s the whisper of resilience,

the smallest step

that carries the most weight.

I walk this line,

arms stretched wide,

and in the balance,

I find myself.

Much love,

E.P.