As women, we wear a lot of hats. We’re mothers, daughters, partners, workers, caregivers—the list goes on. We’re expected to be everything to everyone, all while managing our own internal battles, like living with an autoimmune disease. The truth is, it’s exhausting. And somewhere along the way, amidst all the roles and responsibilities, we start to lose sight of who we are at our core.
When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it felt like the world had shifted beneath my feet. Suddenly, I wasn’t just me anymore—I was me with MS. I felt like this disease had stolen a piece of my identity, and I struggled with the frustration, overwhelm, and the sense of loss that came with it. It wasn’t just the physical symptoms; it was the mental and emotional toll, too. My self-worth took a hit, and I found myself questioning my strength.
But here’s the thing: our worth isn’t tied to our diagnosis. It’s not diminished by the struggles we face or the mistakes we make. In fact, it’s in those very struggles that our strength shines the brightest. We are resilient, powerful, and capable—sometimes we just need a reminder of that.
In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to forget who we are. Between juggling work, raising children, managing households, and everything else that demands our attention, we barely have time to breathe, let alone reconnect with ourselves. But finding that connection—no matter how small—is crucial. It’s what keeps us grounded. It’s what reminds us of our self-worth.
So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Give yourself grace. Allow space for mistakes because perfection is a myth we don’t need to chase. And most importantly, make time for you. Even if it’s just a few minutes a day.
Here are a few simple ways to reclaim a little piece of yourself amidst the chaos:
- Listen to your favorite song: Let the music fill you up, even if it’s just while you’re cooking dinner or driving to pick up the kids.
- Read a few pages of a book: Escape into another world, if only for a chapter or two.
- Take a five-minute walk: Step outside, feel the fresh air, and give yourself a moment of peace.
- Practice deep breathing: Ground yourself with a few intentional breaths, especially when you’re feeling stressed.
- Treat yourself to something small: Whether it’s your favorite coffee or a moment of quiet, do something that brings you joy.
It doesn’t have to be grand or time-consuming. It just has to be for you. Because when we find time for ourselves, we remind ourselves of our strength, our power, and our self-worth. We reconnect with the person we are at our core, and that connection is vital.
Remember, you are unique. You are strong. You are capable of so much more than you realize. No one can do what you do, and that’s something to be proud of. Your diagnosis may be a part of your journey, but it doesn’t define you. In fact, it can be the very thing that empowers you—if you let it.
So, believe in every ounce of your being that this diagnosis, as challenging as it may be, is here to help you grow. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when it feels unfair, trust that there is a purpose in this struggle. Our traumas, our hardships—they are here to teach us, to guide us, and to remind us of the strength we sometimes forget we have.
