Living with multiple sclerosis is like having a membership to a roller coaster I never signed up for. It’s a wild ride, with unexpected twists and turns. When life throws you curveballs, you can either cry your eyes out or develop a killer sense of humor. I opted for the second, because laughter really is the best medicine, and I have a lot of “medication” to take!
Here are just some of the ways I use humor to deal with my MS:
1. The Brain Fog Chronicles. People often talk about “writer’s block,” but I have reader’s block which gives me the attention span of a goldfish. My excuse to anyone who catches me is to say I’m just practicing my multitasking skills, like reading and daydreaming simultaneously.
2. Chair Dancing. Exercise is a crucial component of managing MS, and we all become experts in the art of chair-dancing, where we elegantly shimmy, twist, and shake our bodies while sitting on a firm cushion. I’m currently training for the global chair dancing championships. Wish me luck!
3. MScara Fashion. I’ve discovered a whole new makeup artistry I call “MS-cara.” It’s when your hand tremors make drawing even a straight line on your face seem like a Picasso masterpiece. Who needs on-point eyebrows when you can have an abstract interpretation of them every day?
Living with MS isn’t always a laughing matter, but finding humor in the absurdity of it all can be a game-changer. When we see humor in our problems, stress often melts away. Laughter is a gift we can give to family, friends and ourselves, every day.
Your MS Warrior,
Cristie
I Use Humor to Help Me Live With MS