On Wednesday this week, I found out that I have MS (multiple
sclerosis). It was quite a shock, staring at my brain scan showing multiple
spots of inflammation and scar tissue, given I have been feeling well. You may
know that I have been following a strict diet (including no gluten, dairy and
meat, no caffeine and *almost* no alcohol) for three years, since I first had swelling
in my brain that triggered double vision. I had hoped that my new diet and lifestyle
(featuring more meditation and fewer hangovers) would be enough to keep me
healthy, so I was gutted to hear the neurologist confirm MS. But when the initial
shock subsided, I reminded myself that I am totally fine. More than that; this
whole experience has been a blessing.
There may be no cure to MS, but it certainly isn’t a death
sentence. When I consider the variety of atrocities going on in the world, I am
incredibly fortunate. I am grateful for this whole experience because it has
been a wake-up call for me. Pre-2014, I casually lived my life as if it would
last forever. I burned the candle at both ends, drank and ate whatever fitted
around my busy life (mainly, peas, cheese, and wine!) and occasionally visited
the gym if I was going to be in a bikini any time soon. But seeing your brain
in black and white on a computer screen, with the unwelcome addition of
scattered scar-tissue does wonders for reminding you of your mortality. The
last few years have taken me on a roller-coaster through emotional highs and
lows, and have taught me the vital links between mind, body, health and
happiness. I’ve learned to truly appreciate my physical and mental health, and
invest in their longevity through diet, mindfulness and exercise. So, I won’t
let this diagnosis hold me back; on the contrary, I am embracing it for making
me sit up and take control of my life.
So please don’t feel sad for me, and please don’t wait for
your own wake-up call either! My advice is don’t take your life for granted,
and don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in your body and mind (sleep more,
exercise more, eat better, take up meditation, reflect on your purpose and do
things each day that make you and others happy…) so that you can be happy and
spread happiness for longer 😊
