When I Was Diagnosed With Multiple Sclerosis, I Had to Make This Decision

My story begins like many others. I was young and invisible, with the world at my feet when life threw me a curveball in the form of a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnoses. Suddenly I was faced with a life-changing decision. Would I deny the diagnosis, try to muddle through life and cope the best I could, or would I choose to thrive? 

I was recently asked to give a TEDx Talk about my MS story and about how my diagnosis changed my life. Everyone has their own challenge in life, and everyone will be forced to decide whether to deny, cope or thrive. If you listen closely to my talk you’ll see I actually did all three. First I stubbornly refused to seek help, and I was in complete denial that anything could be wrong. Then I desperately tried to hold onto my identity as MS threatened to tear away everything I’d worked for. Finally, I let go, and I let myself thrive. Anyone who lives with a chronic illness knows this is not a one-time process. Every setback and every challenge can make it feel like we’re back at square one, but I constantly remind myself to make the choice to thrive.

I hope you enjoy my talk, and I’d like to thank you in advance for taking the time to watch.

Want to end the stigma around disability? Like us on Facebook.

And sign up for what we hope will be your favorite thing to read at night.