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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Clay Walker - an inspiration to people with MS!

I recently had the pleasure to meet Clay Walker and hear him speak (and perform!) at an Educational Event hosted by Teva Neuroscience. For those of you that don't know Clay Walker -- he is a multi-platinum Country Music star who also happens to be living with MS.

But he is not just living with MS, he is living life to its fullest, despite the diagnosis of MS!
What I enjoyed most about him was that he is an authentic guy who shares his story with love, humor and a subtle, but powerful message of inspiration and motivation. When I heard him speak in Anaheim California to over 300 people, he was real and made people laugh and at the sane time, think hard about how they want to live their life with MS. As I always say when I do my Motivational Speaking... We all have a choice on how we respond to the diagnosis of MS! Matter of fact, we all have a choice on how we respond to ANYTHING that life throws our way! And Clay Walker definitely GETS this concept and is ... LOVIN' LIFE! Hmmm... that's the name of my company "Lovin' Life!" ... maybe I should hire Clay Walker ! :)

If you are interested in participating in an Interactive MS Educational Live Audio WebChat with Clay Walker where you will have the opportunity to learn about Clay's experiences with MS, and ask Clay questions about living well with MS, here's all the details:

What:
An interactive MS educational Live Audio WebChat with country music star Clay Walker
Why:
To connect with the MS community and empower others by sharing his personal story
When:
Tuesday, August 9, 2005 7–8 p.m. CST or 9–10 p.m. CST
Where:
Visit www.sharedsolutions.com and click on the "join Clay Walker" banner. Follow the step-by-step instructions to register.

It's that simple... connect with Clay Walker via an Audio WebChat and ask him all the questions you want on how he lives his life with MS and what strategies he implements in his life to live a GREAT life and maintain a positive attitude!

Clay Walker is on a mission to find the cure for MS. He has his own Charitable organization called Band Against MS. We can all play a part in changing the face of MS and making a positive impact on the lives of people who are living with MS, like you and me. Clay Walker is one of those people that is passionate about making a difference in our lives. Take this opportunity and join him on the live Audio WebChat. You won't be disappointed!

Warmly,
Your personal Motivational Life Coach,

Maria C. Lesetz

www.marialesetz.com OR www.MSJustABumpInTheRoad.com

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