A-Z promising quotes: Choices

Many an MSer has described the more difficult moments of life with multiple sclerosis as a form of captivity. It’s hard to express how frustrated it can be to find our own bodies betraying us – as we stumble, fall, reel, or sink during an onslaught.

And the MS hug actually feels a lot like having chains or ropes or other binding strapped tightly around the torso.

A lot of this stuff happens, no matter how hard we try to manage our diet, personal energy levels, fitness, stress, levels, or other factors. MS just does its own thing.

On the other hand, we can choose how we deal with this mess. That side of things makes this quote from British author Charles Dickens (1812-1870) in A Christmas Carol somewhat appropriate.

“You are fettered, said Scrooge, trembling. “Tell me why?”

“I wear the chain I forged in life,” replied the Ghost. “I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”

Although MS may diminish some of our lifestyle choices (particularly in terms of activity levels and physical pursuits), we may draw encouragement and maybe some vindication by considering the choices that we will never lose – how we choose to live with the challenges we face. And that’s power even the MonSter cannot snatch.

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