I can’t believe we have reached another December and are almost done with 2024! This year went by fast, but this year also came with its share of unexpected changes. Yearly, I reflect and focus on all that was accomplished, improved and wisdom gained. I have had to make intentional efforts not to beat myself down for not accomplishing all my goals I set out to do for the year but rather give myself grace and go back to the table with a revised strategy and goal. 

We all have the bad habit of being our own worst critic as well as seeing areas that need to be fixed on our spouse. Purposely I’ve made it my mission to think on the things that we’ve done well, improved and grown from instead of compiling a list of all my complaints. This year was especially difficult, as this was the first full year after my hysterectomy stepping into another version of my body. This year menopause was my enemy. I had no idea that my body could feel such heat! But instead of complaining, I took the liberty of thrusting myself into all things menopause. Reading books, publications, working with my doctor and listening intently to my body helped things get better. 

I attended my first Wellness Week(end)! I didn’t know what to expect and to be honest I had a lot of anxiety. The weekend went on and I had never felt more heard, seen, connected and supported since my diagnosis in 2012. To my surprise, my husband Darryl also felt seen, heard and understood meeting and speaking with several husbands while attending sessions for the support squads. I left feeling refreshed and renewed and ready to end the year strong. 

Acknowledging the small wins really means so much. This year taught me that the daily accomplishments I made mattered. I usually would overlook them and complain but wins like having my MS under control and stable, becoming stronger with exercise, working better as a team with my husband while achieving not all but some of our marital goals, and surrounding myself around a strong community of MS thrivers, are all huge wins! The small wins really are the BIG wins that help make our lives worthwhile. 

With a new year on the horizon, I am finishing the year strong while patting myself on the back for staying consistent in the fight of this MS journey. We are all worthy of celebrating instead of complaining and criticizing ourselves. We all fought hard and persevered through many things this year — kudos to all of us! We did it!