Released On 01 October 2024
Sheila's blog: Living with MS: A Mother's Words of Wisdom
Introduction
As someone living with progressive Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I've faced numerous challenges. But through it all, I've learned invaluable lessons, many of which I owe to my late mother. Her wisdom, imparted to me in her final days, continues to guide and inspire me.
A Mother's Legacy
My mother passed away a week before I received my official MS diagnosis. Her strength and resilience in the face of her own illness have been a constant source of inspiration for me. One of her most enduring pieces of advice was to "don't sweat the small stuff." As I navigate the complexities of MS, I've found this to be particularly true. The big things, the things that truly matter, are where I need to focus my limited energy.
Another phrase she often used was "stay living rather than dying." This has become my mantra. It's about embracing life, even when faced with challenges. Many people find my approach to MS inspiring, but I believe it's simply about making the most of what I have and focusing on the positive.
Loving Deeply and Ferociously
One of my mother's final gifts to me was the reminder to love deeply and ferociously. It's a word we often overlook, yet it's something we all crave. By prioritizing love in our lives, we can make a profound impact on ourselves and those around us. It may sound cheesy but this is the way I try to approach life especially with my family and my daughters.
Conclusion
As I continue to live with MS, I am grateful for the lessons I've learned from my mother. Her words of wisdom have helped me to navigate the challenges of this illness with grace and resilience. By focusing on the big things, staying positive, and loving deeply, we can find meaning and purpose in our lives, regardless of the obstacles we may face.
Sheila has worked in the asset management industry for over 15 years. She is married to a wonderful husband, is mother to two amazing children, has Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis and lives in London. Sheila goes to the MS Therapy Centre in Harrow for physio and hyperbaric oxygen therapy once a week. Donations to support this wonderful organisation are very welcome. Sheila can be found on Instagram @MS_in_the_City. https://www.harrowmscentre.co.uk/donate
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