As the summer season approaches, lots of activities, plans and trips are usually keeping us all busy. But for those of us with MS summer can be a season that many of us dread. Higher temperatures can result in severe exhaustion, fatigue and a heightened sense of MS symptoms. I used to despise summer because I knew I would suffer immensely. As an active person prior to my diagnosis in 2012, I literally grieved my life before MS. It took time to adjust and adapt to my new normal. The new norm of carefully planning out my life, activities and vacations to ensure I was accommodated. During a moment of frustration, I felt sad, cheated and I didn’t have any enthusiasm to attempt to do the things I once enjoyed. After a few years of not really being interested in doing things I enjoyed, my husband recommended I seek counsel. I was initially reluctant to go to therapy but soon discovered in my sessions why my zeal for life had diminished and the lack of enthusiasm originated around my multiple sclerosis diagnosis. MS had taken the wind out of me!  That day I made a decision that I would not allow MS snatch my life away. Although we are a team in marriage, I knew this fight my husband Darryl couldn’t fight for me. I had to find the strength to fight for myself and for my marriage.

I began to dive into all things MS. I attended webinars, in-person and virtual. This new wealth of knowledge began to fuel me. Soon, my zeal came back along with the enthusiasm to live. During this time, I developed my own motto “MS doesn’t define me my faith does”. My faith grew, and I became more driven to strengthen it by reading and listening to only faith-filled resources..  When my faith became stronger, I could only see myself winning at this MS journey. I vowed, during immense uncertainty with MS, that I would still fight, enjoy my life, my husband, friends and family. I found the will to fuel the fighter inside of me lying dormant.  I wanted to live and be an example to others with MS that were married that life was NOT over.

MS can be so isolating and explaining our disease and symptoms can become redundant for us and to those who have no clue what we endure on a daily basis. I stopped expecting people to just “get it” and began to communicate more effectively with my family and friends. I realized that I had expected those who love me to do their work in understanding MS better. But in return, I discovered that I would be my own biggest advocate and the bridge for others to be educated about MS. My life changed and the support from others increased when advocacy took root in me. My passion to advocate for myself became the catalyst for change in my life, and I believe the same can be true for you. Fellow MS thrivers, things shift when you start speaking up for yourself, so start now!