Whereas I tend to be a home body, it is easy for me to imagine that I am the only person in the world that suffers from the effects of Multiple Sclerosis or any of the symptoms that it causes. Daily pain, numbness, fatigue, nerve pain and cognitive deficits provide me an excuse to feel depressed, alone and angry. 

An excellent reminder is for me to get out into the world and recognize that I am not alone in this fight and there are more people than I realize suffering one or more afflictions. 

Several that I know have multiple diseases that are worse than anything I experience. Cancer treatments, heart disease, Parkinson’s and mental illness contribute significantly in how we all feel every day. 

Sure, my afflictions are real just as theirs are, but I need to remind myself that my pain is not their pain and we all have different levels of suffering that we can handle.