attitude

My Stubbornness Has Helped and Hindered Me in Life With MS

Thereā€™s a slight chance that I might be stubborn. I donā€™t really see it, but my wife, parents, siblings, relatives, friends, and former teammates all seem to think so. I personally think that theyā€™re mistaking my drive and strong willpower for stubbornness, but I suppose I respect their opinions enough…

I Have MS and I Am Beautiful

Having just written about uninvited commentary, I found this gem too awesome not to share. I went to the grocery store in my requisite San Francisco Giants cap and Ray-Ban sunglasses. Upon leaving, I chatted with the checker about the usual inane topics. Knowing my health status, she asked…

Living With MS and Remaining Positive

  Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) could be compared to having an annoying house guest who never leaves. You can tolerate them at first, but soon your nerves and resilience wear thin. You try to accept and adapt to the house guest, but you never give up on trying to…

When the Bomb Goes Off

Itā€™s easy to be lulled into a false sense of security, to think youā€™re the supreme authority in your life. And when that ersatz truth is ripped away, as it was for my husband and me the last week, it can be hard to regain your footing. Iā€™ll spare…

Let Go and Live

Six weeks ago, Abby, my golden retriever, had a seizure. I was sitting behind her when she began to rock; I have never moved so fast. I could only see the bloodshot whites of her eyes as she whimpered lightly and I began to wail. I intuitively hugged her,…

Shining Through Boundaries

I spent the majority of my life as a people pleaser. From the time I was young, I equivocated “yes” with likability; please and be pleased. As the years passed, compromising my own needs became second to meeting those of others. While I genuinely enjoy…