My life is simple. Before having MS I did many things but now my focus is on surrounding myself with what makes me happy. My reality is that life with having MS has caused a decline in my abilities over the years. 

My energy levels are affected the most in that now the smallest amount of exertion absolutely exhausts me. Walking around the main floor of my house is too tiring now, so I only go where necessary. Going from the guest bathroom into my bedroom is too exhausting these days, therefore I no longer go into my bedroom (except to bathe and wash my hair.)

Sleeping occurs in my reclining chair in the living room and my essential toiletries (toothbrush, etc.) are now in the guest bathroom or on the table (in an organized basket) next to my chair. My daily routine is this: Wake up between 8-9am, go on my iPad for a while, Per makes me breakfast, do more stuff on my iPad, get dressed and go on a ride (I don’t get out of my car or go into places now—too exhausting), come home and put my jammies on, watch a few YouTube videos while Per makes dinner and maybe go on my iPad, watch a bit of evening TV with Per, go to sleep between 9-10pm, wake up the next day and do it all over again.

Seems pretty mundane, huh?! When I say, “What’s the hardest thing for a busy person to do? Sit and do nothing when they want to do so much more” you know what I mean.

And yet I’m happy. My life is surrounded by everyday miracles and I feel good.

One miracle is that I always have what’s needed whether it’s a material thing or what someone does. Another miracle is doing whatever I want. I no longer work for someone else or have kids at home and so my life is whatever I make it because nothing compels me.

My focus, thoughts and actions are determined by me no matter what’s going on. It’s up to me to do what I do, think what I think, focus on things, and keep feeling certain ways or not. I could focus on unhappy things in life or on what makes me happy, it’s up to me.