Today I was fumbling through what should have been one simple task. Nothing dramatic — just one of those everyday things that suddenly feels harder than it should.
Lately I’ve adopted a new life rule:
One completed task per day = success.
Some days that feels empowering. Today… it felt humbling.
But instead of getting frustrated about what I couldn’t do, I decided to reflect on what I have learned over the past 20 years living with Multiple Sclerosis. Because sometimes turning lemons into lemonade isn’t about pretending everything is fine — it’s about noticing how far you’ve come.
Honestly, saying “20 years” still shocks me. Some days I can almost fool myself (and everyone else) into thinking I don’t even have a chronic illness. Other days it’s written all over how I move, speak, or simply exist — impossible to hide, even from strangers.
If you’re newly diagnosed, struggling, or just needing reassurance today, I hope something here reminds you:
You are learning. You are adapting. And you are stronger than you realize.
Lesson #1 — Not Everything Is MS
I’d love to blame my high school basketball skills on MS… but truthfully, I probably just wasn’t very good. 😉
One of the first things I learned:
Not every ache, stumble, or bad day is MS.
When you live with a progressive illness, it’s easy to attribute everything to it. But sometimes it’s stress, aging, hormones, poor sleep — or just being human.
Rule out other causes. Stay curious. Give your body a fair chance before blaming your diagnosis.
Lesson #2 — Perspective Is Powerful
In 2021, osteoarthritis joined the party — knees, shoulder, hand. Not exactly the guest list I wanted.
Getting answers helped, but I definitely had a brief “What the actual f*%# ?!” moment.
And then perspective arrived.
My life is still rich:
- Family dinners and grandkid hugs
- Coastal sunsets and golf days
- A kitchen that smells like comfort
- Friendships that run deep
Yes, I still get frustrated. (Today included.) But compared to so many challenges others face, my life remains incredibly full.
Sometimes it’s an annoyance, not a catastrophe.
That mindset keeps me grounded.
Lesson #3 — Strength Looks Different Than I Thought
I used to think strength meant powering through without fear.
Now I know better.
Strength is:
- Living with uncertainty
- Showing up when your body feels unreliable
- Laughing when things go sideways
- Planning for tomorrow while appreciating today
MS taught me that courage isn’t loud — it’s steady.
And honestly? Looking back at childhood challenges, family experiences, and life curveballs, I think I was being prepared long before diagnosis day.
Turns out, I was stronger than I knew.
Lesson #4 — Mental Health Matters (A Lot)
Before MS, I didn’t think much about mental health. That’s hard to admit now.
Chronic illness changes that quickly.
Self-care isn’t indulgent — it’s maintenance.
For me that looks like:
- Stretching and meditation
- Time outdoors (preferably near water)
- Golf when my body allows
- Writing and blogging
- Grandkid snuggles
- Sometimes a good, honest cry
And yes… occasionally a short pity party. I think acknowledging the weight of chronic illness is healthy — just don’t set up permanent residence there.
Every day I remind myself:
MS is part of my story, not the author of it.
Lesson #5 — Pacing Is Survival, Not Weakness
Before diagnosis I worked 10–12 hour days, often seven days a week. Busy was my identity.
Fatigue forced a reset.
I even kept a yoga mat in my office to sneak naps, pretending it was just “recharging.” But chronic illness fatigue isn’t fixed by a quick nap — it’s deeper than that.
Now I aim to stay around a 5/10 exertion level most days. Push harder, and my body collects payment later.
FOMO still happens. I still overdo it sometimes. But pacing has become an act of self-respect, not defeat.
Lesson #6 — Movement Is Medicine (Even Imperfect Movement)
My neurologist recently gave me a retirement assignment:
Move five days a week.
Golf when possible. Walk, swim, stretch otherwise.
For someone who sometimes struggles walking straight or stepping off a curb, that’s not nothing. I don’t always hit the goal — but effort counts.
Movement doesn’t have to look impressive.
It just has to happen.
Lesson #7 — Life Didn’t End, It Shifted
When I was diagnosed, I worried about everything:
Would I still be loved?
Would I become a burden?
Could I still live fully?
Time answered gently.
Yes, things changed. But life didn’t end — it deepened.
I discovered slower living, more intentional choices, and a clearer understanding of what actually matters:
Family. Connection. Joy. Presence.
MS forced me to pause — something I probably never would have done on my own.
And surprisingly? That pause has been a gift.
Lesson #8 — There Can Be Unexpected Blessings
Would I have chosen MS? Absolutely not.
But it has given me:
- Perspective
- Resilience
- Gratitude for ordinary days
- A voice to encourage others
- A reason to slow down and truly live
My life looks different than I imagined.
But it’s still beautiful.
Still meaningful.
Still mine.
And Now… Actual Lemonade 🍋
Speaking of lemons…
Who’s ready for some Zesty Lemon Loaf? Because honestly, sometimes turning lemons into lemonade should include dessert.
(Recipe coming next — because comfort food is part of my coping strategy.)
Zesty Lemon Loaf
Ingredients
Lemon Loaf
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- 1 Cup Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt I used vanilla Greek yogurt
- 1/2 Cup Canola or Vegetable Oil
- Zest from 2 lemons
- 1 or 2 Tbsp Lemon Extract or 2-5 drops of Vitality Lemon Essential Oil If using Essential Oil, only use oil suitable and approved for ingestion (I use Young Living Vitality Line)
- 1.5 Cups Flour
- 2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 2 Tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
Lemon Glaze
- 1 Cup Confectioners (Icing) Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Lemon Juice Or as much you feel is necessary for consistency
- 3 Drops Lemon Essential Oil I use Essential Oil from the Young Living Vitality Line
Instructions
Pan and Oven Prep
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray, or grease and flour the pan; set aside.
For the Loaf
- To a large bowl, add the eggs, sugar, sour cream, and whisk vigorously until smooth and combined. Drizzle in the oil while whisking to combine. Add the lemon zest, lemon extract, essential oil and whisk to combine. Taste to see if you need more lemon extract or essential oil. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and stir until just combined, don’t overmix. It's ok if the batter is lumpy. Turn the batter out into prepared pan, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
Baking Your Loaf
- Bake for about 50 to 55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center crack comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no batter. Allow loaf to cool in pan on top of a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before turning out onto rack to cool completely before glazing.
Make the Glaze
- To a small bowl, add the confectioner’s sugar and slowly drizzle in the lemon juice while whisking until smooth and combined. You may need to play with the sugar and lemon juice amounts a bit as necessary for desired consistency and flavor. Evenly drizzle glaze over bread before slicing and serving.
Notes
- I recommend not using lemon juice in place of lemon extract or lemon oil as it’s not strong enough and the acidity can alter the overall results.
- Bread will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months
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