How I’m enjoying the small moments while living with MS
In the face of my symptoms, I'm mindful of the pleasures of feeding my cat
My cat, Lucky, runs behind me every morning and night as I walk to the kitchen cabinet for his food and treats. He meows nonstop and gazes up at me with his pleading doe eyes, convinced that I’m taking way too long to feed him. I make my way to Lucky’s food and water bowl with a scoop of his kibble while he runs circles around me. As soon as I put his food in the bowl, he dives in like he’s never been fed before.
These small and seemingly insignificant mundane tasks are what genuinely fill my heart with contentment. In these moments, I think about the uncertainty of my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis, but I reel myself back to the present to appreciate the now. Living in the present is an active struggle for me because I have anxieties and worries about my future with MS.
Since my 2016 diagnosis as a teenager, I’ve learned to appreciate the small moments, no matter how insignificant they could seem to others. I might respond to something as small as hearing the birds chirp, taking the first sip of morning coffee, losing and finding the TV remote, watching my cat nap for 12 hours straight, or finding a matching pair of socks. These daily moments bring me a surprising sense of peace, grounding me and reminding me that joy can be found in the simplest things.
Heeding the little victories
Even though I’m grateful that I’ve been feeling relatively stable lately, many worries still consume my mind daily because living with MS is full of uncertainty. I worry about how I’ll feel when I wake up in the morning: Will a symptom flare up? How will I cope with my chronic fatigue down the road?
Being a constant worrier doesn’t help, but at the drop of a hat, things can change. For instance, I could be enjoying quality time with my loved ones, and the next second decline the opportunity because of a raging migraine that’ll last for days. These times make me recognize the importance of appreciating those seemingly little daily wins.
While I also appreciate the grand moments that life has to offer, I equally value the smaller victories, such as having the physical ability to feed my cat, unload the dishwasher, and brew a fresh cup of coffee. I try to be actively mindful of savoring such moments, which are too often overlooked. They keep me going despite the hardships that come with MS.
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, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
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MADELINE l NEWTON
i know what you are feeling about the feeding of your cat ,i feel the same about feeding our littel guy ..(dog)...he looks like he will starve for i am taking too long and will finally sit like see you are taking so long ...so cute but it is one of our greatest purpose in life ...pets are one thing that helps us stay busy and not worry about things that could happen ...so funny for life is what it is and we do need some purpose in it to keep going ...love your stories that you write about things in your life ,which is part of all of our lifes ..thank you ...
Heather
I refer to these moments as finding “micro joys”. They can be found throughout the day if you take the time to stop and look.
So helpful when you are being challenged by MS.
Mary
Beautiful story, thank you Desiree, I find the same types of things quite relaxing besides meditating and praying to my Lord and Savior.
Phil Kirschbaum
Your piece on living in the moment inspired me to share a poem my friend john wrote after a discussion we had about living in the herer and now.
Being Here - An Adventure Story
A gathering, a time to share,
among dear friends of old.
And each one in their turn recalled
their travels yet untold.
One spoke of the Congo,
the migrations on the move.
And one spoke of fair Paris,
the Eiffel and the Louvre.
And then the Danube's steady flow,
from Black Forest to Black Sea.
And how this time of life was grand
for each retiree.
But one was silent as they talked,
these friends and gentle folk.
And they all turned to listen
just when at last he spoke.
“I'll share my last adventure.
I won't dwell upon its length.
My legs no longer work that well,
I can't count upon their strength.
The first step taken out my door,
I planted firm and sure,
connected, now, to Mother Earth,
my heart was calm and pure.
I took notice of my walking stick,
and planned my morning walk.
An adventure of the finest kind,
if only for one block.
The breeze upon my skin was fair.
The sun shown on the dew.
I thought I heard a chickadee,
and a far-off warbler, too.
My next step was the finest one,
I'd taken in a week.
My spirits lifted with success
my fate no longer bleak.
The whole world lay before me,
new lands and a distant shore.
How far I'd get, unwritten yet,
but this next step, I'd explore.
A deep breath proved I was alive,
and my smile was soon set free,
an odyssey for an epic time,
just Odysseus and me.
And from every tree a whisper,
while from every cloud a song,
and I now lost and wonder-full,
in my adventure, a whole block long.
A silence ---
then a soft voice shared,
“I've been there and back, it seems.
But I never knew before your tale
what just being here
really means.”
John L Schuler
06/19/24
For My Dear Friend Phil - And his next big adventure.
Brian Fletcher
Bless your sense of priority in dealing with the day-to-day of your MS journey. I was diagnosed at 25... at almost 54, I'm much further along my path than I ever want you to be. I've been chairbound with limited use of my legs since 2006, and have been through health struggles both MS and NON-US related over the past 4 years, with a lot of doctors and rehab stays. Your post makes me miss having a cat to love and care for😻 Thank you for the reminder of the little wins that are so important.
Heather Buckridge
Nice reminder to slow down and notice the small but significant things in our lives that bring us enjoyment. To find peace in the moments between the hard. I’m glad that your kitty has a home with you. He is certainly a “lucky” kitty.
Heidi Sandgathe
My MS symptoms of weakness, lack of feeling were evident to me at 17. Keep going until life struck my only sibling took his life and planning marriage. By age 21 dizziness could no longer write symptoms off had to go in for MRI. Finally diagnosis of swollen optic neuritis, which lead to either brain tumor or MS🫣. Will thank this disease for helping change my focus on continuing good health habits, stretching . Build yourself a positive support group. Who can share what works and which MS doc are they seeing👍
Jacqueline Farquharson
Your cat lucky is a lot like my Li Li the Lion. Only she meows when I'm about to put the bowls down like she's saying right here (like I didn't create the space for the bowls). I got diagnosed in 2017 and my cat is my emotional support animal. I also listen to the birds chirp when I'm drinking coffee...there's not a lot I can do any more but it is important to savor the little things we can do. I appreciate you!