Napa community rallies to deliver new kitchen to bakery owne...
It's surprising when you open up about your condition. When people see that you are trying your level best, often they rally to your side.
I used to hide my diagnoses. Even when I long passed the point where something was obviously wrong, I would stubbornly push ahead and insist that it was an old football injury. Doing so actually made my life harder, and harder on those around me. I became exhausted with everything and no longer cared what people thought.
When I just started telling people, leveling with them, just matter-of-factly, things were so much better. It felt like a weight lifted off of my shoulders.
But the surprising part was when people would just start coming up to me with support. I never looked for any, never wanted any, still don't. But people, even in small ways, will do nice things to support, or to support others who they know are struggling — they have told me so. They have brought up people in their lives going through the multiple sclerosis experience. And I think that sometimes just telling people what it's about, instead of brushing them aside or staring them down (I've got a lot of practice with both), humanizes it to them, brings it home even more.
People dear to me have even surprised me with bigger things, like accessibility home makeovers or repair projects (building a covered porch, converting a bathroom, pouring a small, accessible concrete landing). I've argued with them not to do so, but after a point I've also learned that it's better to stop fighting others away and accept their heartfelt support graciously.
MS life can be such a struggle, and people can be hurtful. It's tricky but important not to wall ourselves off from the rest of the world. There are plenty of supporters waiting for you out there too.
#MultipleSclerosis #MightyTogether #newlydiagnosed #Disability #Caregiving #autoimmune
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