Wednesday, July 27, 2005

What other people know and think about Multiple Sclerosis

Many people don't know a lot about Multiple Sclerosis and what it actually is and how it can affect all of us in different ways. Many of us who have been diganosed with MS, intially thought "Jerry's kids"... no, it's not Muscular Dystrophy. It's Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous sytem (CNS).

You can read more facts and stats about Multiple Sclerosis at http://www.marialesetz.com/free_resources.html

Now.. onto what other people think about Multiple Sclerosis. I speak to many people that tell me that people say to them "Oh, I am so sorry" and look at them with sad eyes when they hear that that person was just diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Well, it's up to us to teach people how to treat us and what to say. If I react by saying "Don't be sorry, it's just another bump in the road of my life and I plan on continuing to live life to the fullest!" - -how do you think that person is going to react? Now, if I say "yeah, I know, it sucks ... I just don't know what I am going to do" -- how differently do you think that person and others is going to react and behave around you? Quite differently, huh?

When I was diagnosed with MS, I told my parents that I was going to overcome this challenge just like any other challenge I had already experienced and that I needed them to be strong for me (vs. crying and being depressed about it) and believe in my ability to overcome this challenge with flying colors. You see, it is very important to tell people how you would like to be treated and supported during this new life challenge.

And... for those people that look at you in a strange or judgmental way because you have a walker or a cane or your speech is affected by MS... "What they think of you is their problem, NOT YOURS!" Don't take it personally -- they probably give disapproving looks to many different types of people -- it's all about them and their fears and judgments! Don't pay them no mind!

Remember, educate yourself & others about what Multiple Sclerosis is AND make sure you teach/train others how to treat you. Ask for what you need and believe in who you are. Know that the essence of you HAS NOT changed, just because you were diagnosed with MS. Matter of fact, this challenge might even make you live life in a way that is more joyous than you have ever experienced! It has done this for me! I am Lovin' Life and livin' it to the fullest! YOU CAN TOO!

Warmly,
Your Personal Life Coach
Maria Lesetz
www.MariaLesetz.com or www.MSJustABumpInTheRoad.com

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