When I was newly diagnosed, honestly speaking, I was so overwhelmed with all the ins and outs of multiple sclerosis. I succumbed to the weight of it all. I felt crushed daily because my mind and thoughts were racing and getting ahead of me. I consumed my life with the what ifs so much that it made it hard for me to actually live life presently. I knew that I couldn’t live in despair this way my entire life so I made a decision that whatever came my way with MS that I wasn’t going to let it defeat me. I’ve learned now 12 years later being a MS thriver, it is imperative that if I wanted a different result, I needed to do something different. I had to participate in my own health and wellness. I couldn’t sit back, accept all the doom and gloom of MS while using that excuse not to fully enjoy my marriage and family. Actions had to match my wishes in order for my life to become better. I’m sharing two tips I’ve used that helped me not be a bystander, but to indeed be a willing and active participant.

1. Transform my thinking. I couldn’t wish to be in a better headspace. I actually had to do something about it. Every time there was a negative thought about MS or its impact on my marriage, I decided to combat it with positivity. I began to read books and listen to podcasts on the importance of the brain and how our thinking determines our life. Soon, I began to see improvements in how I viewed myself, my life and my marriage by gaining control over my own mental health and wellness. It is now our norm for my husband and me to begin our day with prayer, declarations and affirmations.

2. Exercise. My neurologist told me a lot of what I contended with (a lack of motivation and depression) could all be resolved just by committing to physical exercise. I began a fitness and wellness journey three years ago and haven’t stopped since. Not only did exercise physically help me gain strength but I gained brain strength. The negativity no longer consumed me. I learned we MSers will move less because of our painful limitations. I personally hated to exercise and feel unaccomplished. Exercising less manifested more muscle weakness. After consistency, I got over the hump of painful moments of exercise and now my body is used to physical exercise. The lack of exercise can lead to poor respiratory muscles preventing breathing efficiency. So I incorporated core training, upper body and resistance training to achieve physical body strength. It improved my posture and energy levels allowing me to regain enjoyment from activities and dates with my husband because my body didn’t give out so quickly.

The overall result from both of these help regain control of my life, and now I know in order to have and enjoy a life of wellness I have to be an active participant in order for it to happen.