Guest Post: What MS Taught Me about Compassion for Self and Others…
“The whole idea of compassion is based on a keen awareness of the interdependence of all these living beings, which are all part of one another, and all involved in one another.” Thomas Merton
Compassion: Healing Hands & Healing Lives…
Margaret Tidwell has graciously agreed to share insights on MS with us. This is one of the SITSGIRLS Tribe building workshop assignments, and my post is on her site. This is also my 100th post, and I’d like to say a big Thank You to my guest poster and blogger, Margaret, and to everyone for their love and support!
I got to know Elizabeth through the SITSGIRLS Tribe Building/Blog Support event. They have organized a build-your-tribe-right-now effort, and we are both in the Hare Tribe; Becoming Your Best Self Bloggers. One of the things we had to do this week was to write a guest post for someone in our tribe and have someone guest post on our blog. Elizabeth suggested writing about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and how it has taught me to be more compassionate toward myself and others. I was super excited to write about this because I have never thought of MS like that before.
For those who don’t know, MS stands for Multiple Sclerosis, and it is a condition where the immune system attacks the central nervous system. I found out I had MS because my left leg would just start to drag for no reason. Even after that started happening, it still took months to get doctors to do anything about it. When I first found out, I was so scared because what 15-year-old wants to find out that they are chronically ill? Little did I know at that point how much my life would change… It made me reconsider how I treat and look at other sick people. I have since gathered many resources, and my blog offers a wealth of helpful information on MS.
Before I was diagnosed, I never really understood what it meant to be sick every day. What 15-year-old really can comprehend what it feels like to be sick or the struggles people have in the world? As I think about my outlook over the past ten years, I am amazed at how I have changed in how I view the world. I have matured and can see that there are other people in the world who just need someone to care for them.
I now know that just because someone is sick doesn’t mean they don’t need a friend or a helping hand. I worked at a nursing home for a few years, and that also helped me see that we all eventually need someone who cares. I am now 25, and I do whatever I can to help people or, at least, let them know I am thinking about them.
There is no reason why each of us can’t just sit and listen to a grandparent talk about their past or help someone who is disabled. If we all take a few minutes out of each day to just listen or lend a helping hand, the world would be a much better place! I will close by saying, “Never judge a book by its cover.”
We can definitely learn a lot about ourselves through health concerns, and a positive motivational tip is to be gentle with ourselves… Margaret
MargaretTidwell Blogspot
Bitching AboutLife123
Margaret writes at The World As I See It, where she blogs about MS and the trials that come with it. She writes a column on Tuesdays about various MS topics. She is a laid-back person who likes to take time out just to see the world turn.
What did you learn from Margaret’s post? Share your thoughts? Thank you!
Positive Motivation Tip: Compassion begins with each of us. It is in everything we do, from the smallest gestures of help to the largest gestures of support.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Photo of Healing Hands via Creating Positive Lives
or via BeliefNet.com
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Margaret, you are very courageous and thank you for sharing part of your health story. what one tip will you give to a person with a recent diagnosis?
Elizabeth this is very thoughtfu
l and sweet. I know you will fix the edits later. Thank you! 🙂
Congratulations on your 100th post!
I would have to say learn all you can about the disease that you can. The MS Society has good programs where you can met with other people that have MS.
nice site 🙂
Elizabeth,
Congrats on your 100th post! You picked a great topic for this momentous occasion.
Margaret – I’ve been to your blog and I was very touched by the insight and maturity you display as you deal with these health challenges. Thank you for sharing the message of compassion and that even out of something bad, there is always something positive to take away from it.
This is a very heartwarming post! Margaret, I admire your attitude and caring nature. It takes a lot of maturity to think of others when you are struggling with your own health challenges. What other things do you do to stay positive?
You’re a brave woman Margaret. You’ve grown up quickly and to become a compassionate adult is something we all aspire to be.
Elizabeth, Congratulations on your 100th post!
All the best to you both.
Thank you for having me post for you!
I really needed this one today. It’s so easy to get caught up in your own stresses and worries over minor things. Reading about Margaret’s spirit and how in the face of something so daunting, she makes herself a source of light in the world is really inspiring.
We all do and it helps to divert to things that really matter. I need reminders too.
Margaret has a strong and kind spirit. She is thriving.
What a powerful story! Living with MS has clearly given Margaret a deeper understanding of compassion, patience, and the importance of supporting others through difficult times. Her reminder to never judge someone by what we see on the outside is something we can all learn from.
She sure does. She is one strong lady
Some of my friends are in healthcare and they say it’s sad how some people are treated or essentially almost forgotten due to health challenges. Margaret’s story is very inspiring and I agree, more people should show compassion. It would make the world a better place.
Yes, it is sad that many don’t get the benefit of our healthcare system due to all sorts of biases.
This was such a moving and thoughtful read. It’s remarkable how life’s biggest challenges can deepen our compassion, not only for others but also for ourselves. Thank you for sharing such an honest perspective.i
Yes, it can deepen our compassion. Margaret is still doing well even though she no longer writes her blog.