The Lesson Multiple Sclerosis Taught Me About Kindness

There’s a point in your life when you realize you’re different. It may be as simple as having a different taste in music than your friends. You might stand out for loving show tunes (even as a 10-year-old) or you might not wear the same trendy clothes as everyone else. I’ve never been what some people might call “normal.” I’ve never really fit in with any particular group, for a number of reasons, but it was my health that made me feel really different.

My first diagnosis was severe hypoglycemia at age 12. Instead of worrying about normal preteen things, I had to learn how to check my blood sugar and eat on a strict schedule. Hypoglycemia actually turned out to be a misdiagnosis, but regardless, it made me feel even more different.

Then I grew up, and as time went on, I started having the early symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). For me, those symptoms were mainly blurry vision, numbness and tingling. It took me many years to acknowledge my health was changing, and even more years before I got the diagnosis of MS.

At first I felt defined by my diagnosis. You can’t see MS. It’s what people refer to as an “invisible illness” – though I firmly believe  no illness is invisible if you take the time to look. The MS diagnosis made me feel like I had a neon sign flashing the word “different” across my forehead.

I was angry. Why did my body betray me? Why couldn’t doctors just instantly fix me? Why doesn’t anyone understand how I feel? However, over time those feelings changed. I found a doctor who goes above and beyond for me. My amazing family and friends became even more amazing. I learned life truly does go on, no matter what it throws in your path. And I learned kindness makes that path a lot easier to walk.

Kindness matters more than almost anything. When you make a simple kind gesture – hold a door open for someone, offer them a smile – you have an impact on their life. You may not even realize it.

There are billions of people in the world. Every one of them is going through something you may know nothing about. My illnesses have taught me to think before I speak. I’ve learned to be less judgmental, and do something nice for someone whenever I can. It doesn’t matter if the gesture is big or small. It all begins and ends with kindness. Be kind to yourself. The world is already hard enough on it’s own. Be kind to others. You never know who needs it.