With MS, movement can be one of the greatest teachers

In recognition of Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month in March, the MS Awareness Month campaign features a series of stories highlighting the real-life experiences of people affected by MS, written in their own words. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and Pinterest for more stories like this, using the hashtag #MSAwarenessMonth, or read the full series.

I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) more than 26 years ago, and in many ways, my life has been shaped by learning how to live with a body that does not always cooperate. MS is unpredictable. Some days my body feels steady and capable; other days, simple tasks require planning, patience, and grace. Living with MS has taught me that strength is not always about pushing through, but about listening closely and responding with care.

At a small community park in South Florida, Fowler stretches with the help of a chair. (Courtesy of Mara Fowler)

In the early years after my diagnosis, I struggled with fear and uncertainty. I grieved the version of myself I thought I was supposed to be and worried about what the future might hold. MS challenged my identity, my confidence, and my sense of control.

Over time, however, I began to understand that my body was not my enemy. It was communicating with me, asking for attention, respect, and adaptability.

Movement became one of my greatest teachers. Through yoga, I learned how to meet my body where it is, rather than forcing it to meet external expectations. Yoga showed me that progress does not have to be linear and that rest can be as powerful as effort. Some days my practice looks strong and expansive; other days it is quiet, seated, or supported.

All of it counts. All of it matters. Living with MS has also deepened my empathy. It has given me a profound appreciation for accessibility, inclusion, and the importance of creating spaces where people feel safe moving at their own pace.

This lived experience is what drives my work today. I do not teach from a place of perfection, but from understanding. I know what it is like to navigate fatigue, balance challenges, stiffness, and uncertainty, and I know how meaningful it can be to feel seen and supported. Advocacy has become an extension of my healing. Through my involvement with the National MS Society, I walk, speak, and show up not only for myself, but for the millions of people living with MS. Research, community, and hope for a cure matter deeply to me, because I have seen how connection can transform isolation into strength.

MS is part of my story, but it is not the whole story. My life is filled with purpose, movement, community, and hope. I continue to learn, adapt, and grow alongside my diagnosis. Each day, I choose to honor my body, trust my resilience, and move forward with compassion for myself and others walking a similar path.