Icy Waters

When I was at the beach, I could not help but think about the waves analogy. The waves analogy was okay but never perfect, because it seems like no matter how smoothly I dive, the waves still churn me. I keep getting pounded.

After a couple of days, I had a different thought. Dealing with this disease is something like swimming in frigid waters.

The water was so cold the first few days I was there! It took so long to get used to it. I crept in, ankles, shins, knees.... When I finally got used to it, I could enjoy myself in the water. It was still cold--not as enjoyable as temperate waters--but it got better than when it first washed over my toes.

Getting in slowly helped.

Distracting myself with enjoyable activities helped--boogie boarding right away instead of waiting until I was used to it to go grab my board.

The bottom line was that getting used to the cold was hard no matter what. But giving up after only getting in up to my knees made me miss out on some enjoyment that could be had.

I have to get used to MS. It seems impossible, but people have apparently done it. Come to terms with it, accepted it as part of their lives. They say it gets better, that you can get used to the icy waters. I am not putting an expectation on myself to do this quickly, but I hope I will make peace with my MS one day soon.