Age: 34
Country: Canada
Profession: Peer Support Coordinator
Hobbies: Any type of arts and crafts, cooking and baking, going on nature walks, reading, yoga and meditation
Living with MS since 2006
I’m Rebecca and I’m a Peer Support Coordinator. I was diagnosed with MS when I was 21 years old, though I experienced my first symptoms when I was 19.
In my spare time, I enjoy crafting and creating – anything from pottery to knitting, crocheting and candle making. I also love to cook and bake, and enjoy spending time with family and friends. Activities like nature walks, yoga, gardening and meditation help me relax.
My aim is to live in the moment as much as possible! I cope with the uncertainty of MS by focussing on taking care of myself on a day-to-day basis. I make sure to ask for accommodations in order to set myself up for success at work and to help me enjoy social activities – this helps me to still fully participate in everything I want to do!
1. Focus on the present
Fear of the future can be overwhelming and can be a major block to having hopes and making plans. As much as possible, bring your attention to what you need, and what you are able to do in any given moment.
2. Be kind to yourself
Your body is going to behave differently on different days and that’s okay! Rest up when you need to and don’t beat yourself up for how you’re feeling.
3. Keep track of your symptoms
Having concrete information to share with your healthcare team will help them to understand how your symptoms affect you in everyday life, so they can narrow down the best treatment options for you.
4. Ask for what you need in order to succeed!
Embrace the idea of asking for the accommodations you need to help you with day-to-day life. Normalize accommodations at work and in your social life.
5. Know that you are the expert on your own body
MS impacts everyone differently. Knowing what many of us have in common can be helpful, but you are the only expert on how it impacts you!
Articles by Rebecca
