Making Myself a Priority

Teresa Wright-Johnson avatar

by Teresa Wright-Johnson |

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Last week, I wrote about climbing through grief. This week, I will focus on what I learned in the throes of the cycle of grief.

Several people share the opinion that I do too much. My cousin often says that he wants me to say no to people and projects. “Stop being so nice,” he says. Admittedly, I am an empath. I do too much. I care too much. I think too much. I feel too much. If and when I commit to something, it becomes a priority. I am an all-or-nothing kind of woman often spreading myself thin.

The valley of grief has revealed that very few people will sit with me in the dark. Honestly, some of the same people whom I accompanied through their storms of life have disappeared from mine. This remains the most difficult lesson to process, yet every day, I realize that self-preservation is key. I cannot hold another person accountable for the things I allow. If I do not prioritize myself and my time, how can I demand that anyone else do the same? The intent of this week’s column is to urge you to treat yourself with the same care and respect that you give to others.

“Treat people the way you want to be treated.” My mother did not pen this adage, but it was a guiding principle taught in our home. It served as the foundation for the career I chose, my dedication to the community, and the advocacy work I later pursued. My parents are community-oriented altruistic individuals, and I am proud to say I follow in their footsteps. I make a conscious effort to honor this principle.

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People are important to me, and I won’t apologize for that. I will acknowledge that caring about the condition of people does not necessitate the forsaking of my needs. Accessibility occasionally attracts opportunists. Kindness is often mistaken for weakness. People will drain you of your time, care, emotions, and talents. They will deplete you and leave you with their emotional baggage. What are the benefits to that? There are none.

Time is a precious commodity, and a chronic illness diagnosis is not a prerequisite to discern its value. Unopposed, chronic illness dictates that we cautiously govern our time and energy. Navigating everyday life requires effort. Failure to set boundaries or prioritize ourselves is detrimental to our health. I believe in practicing empathy and giving back. I also understand that I will dehydrate if there is no water in my well.

In closing, this column is not written to deter anyone from practicing love and kindness. The world needs more of it. There is great benefit in living and giving with an open heart. I am simply requesting that you consider yourself foremost, practice self-care, and be assured that even darkness has a purpose. MS and chronic illness define us more than we’d like to admit. It is critical that we guard our hearts, minds, time, and effort. Make yourself a priority. It is empowering and necessary. You matter.

“Action expresses priorities.” –Mahatma Gandhi

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Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.

Comments

Maria Mouhtad avatar

Maria Mouhtad

Hi.

I totally agree with you. I was your model but M.S taught me this conception of life. It is so logic and reasonable.

I am so convinced that i should giving myself its share in life.

Thank you.
Maria.

Reply
Karen avatar

Karen

Thank you for your thoughtful column. I am going through something similar. I too have MS and am going through grieving, having lost my father two days ago. I wholeheartedly agree with your mother's adage which was originally taught by Jesus; the golden rule. (Matthew 7:12). He also said "there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving". How true. You can't go wrong with giving love and kindness to others, but I agree that balance of your own needs is important to remember.

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Laurie Leavitt avatar

Laurie Leavitt

Just try putting yourself first and by doing so your family becomes oh so distant, your friends: what friends? My personal favorite happened yesterday.I had sent a My message to my GI doctor asking if could get the test for Gadolinium test as I have had many MRI's where the toxic metal had been used. I have all the symptoms-sure they could be blamed on other MS medication, I really want/wanted to know. Now my GI doctor claimed to be the doctor to see for the Gadolinium issue. To my surprise I received a curt, "We don't order tests see your Primary." I can assure you if we MSers are not "helping" we aren't worth ordering a urine test.

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Debbie Petrina avatar

Debbie Petrina

Great article! You are SO right.

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Three avatar

Three

Daddy үou didn?t say what one of the bеst thing аbout Gοd is.
Its ɑ must to play too.

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