@BillySmith 

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BillySmith

Nearing my 30th birthday, what MS has taught me

Hey everyone 👋 This thought has been on my mind for a while and I wanted to get your thoughts too. I turn the big 3-0 at the end of August so naturally, I’m looking back over my 20s and thinking of the future. I’ve been living with MS for over 3 years now and weirdly, the big headline for me is: “MS forced me to slow down enough to stop being toxically productive and realise how to enjoy life right now.” That didn’t mean I gave up on any aspirations, but I questioned them, and it made me prioritise WHY I wanted things in my life, in case one day I can’t do them. So for me: “I need to go to the gym so I look good enough to impress so and so” BECAME “I’m thankful to my legs for getting me up this hill to enjoy this view” “I have to look after everyone I care about, even if it exhausts me” BECAME “I can help them develop self-reliance so I don’t have to grip so tightly” “I must make something of myself to prove to people that I’m worthy” BECAME “I don’t need to be the best, I need to try and enjoy life the most” In this sense, MS has weirdly given me a better perspective on my life, because my time feels more precious. Does that make sense? Does anyone have a version of this, like a before and after outlook on life?
@karenrookhallorg

Hello Billy, First and foremost many congratulations on reaching your 30th Birthday. It is quite an event and I hope that you have lots and lots of special things planned. Well done to your Sister too on her Graduation. Well I have just had my 70th birthday and developed signs of M.S. when I was nearly 28 and had a three year old and a 7 month baby to bring up safely. Before I must be the perfect wife, mother, daughter and make sure everyone around me is looked after solely by me. After Other people like helping with the looking after, I don't have to take responsibility for everything, it can be a joint venture. Before What am I going to do if I cannot see to drive (we live in a cottage in the middle of fields) and end up in a wheelchair After I can still see to drive and I am not anywhere near needing a wheelchair Before I don't deserve to enjoy myself unless I have put endless energy and work into my life. After Enjoy all the fun times. Why should I deserve them any less than anyone else. Already as gifts from my family for my special birthday I have driven a Ferrari around Silverstone at well over 100 miles an hour and had one of my best days ever. Been taken by my daughters for a cream/champagne tea on the Pullman and still have a trip on a large zip wire in Wales to come. Seize the moment everyone!! Before I wonder what everyone thinks of me. Am I good enough etc. Do I look presentable, slim enough etc etc. After Those that love me love me for myself and that is enough. Everyone is to be valued. Before I didn't always appreciate the wonderful things all around me. After I take time to stop and look and appreciate everything, the world is incredible and so full of beauty everywhere Finally it is o.k. to just sit and relax and please yourself. You do not need to justify your existence all the time! What a super post Billy. Thank you. Isn't it good to share the positives. :O) Love to all. Karen xxxx (p.s. pronounced as is a Car and the Wren bird!)

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@sparkle38

If it doesn't make you happy don't do it. Having to pull out of planned social events provides an unexpected opportunity to catch up on netflix 😀

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