Gratitude in Motion: Living Positively with MS

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) comes with its own challenges, but gratitude has become a key part of how I maintain a positive mindset. Every day, I start by practicing gratitude. This habit began when I started using Insight Timer, an app that features meditations and talks from practitioners all over the world. One of my favorite guides, Sukhraj Brisby, is based in Vancouver, and his meditations, especially those focused on keywords like manifestation, visualization, creativity, and gratitude, help me stay grounded.

Each night before bed, I reflect on what I’ve accomplished that day and think about the day ahead. Today, as I drive myself to the gym, I’m especially thankful for my car and the hand controls I had installed a few years ago. I lost the ability to control the accelerator and brake with my right foot, which is one of the more visible symptoms of my MS. Everyone’s experience with MS is different, but for me, maintaining my ability to drive has been critical. It allows me to get where I need to go, whether it’s to the gym or to appointments with my son.

Driving represents independence, and today, I’m grateful that I can drive myself to the gym. The gym itself is another thing I’m thankful for—it gives me the chance to use resistance and cardiovascular exercises to keep myself moving. But this morning, it’s the drive that stands out. Without the hand controls, I’d be calling an Uber at 4:30 a.m., which isn’t exactly convenient for a short drive.

I’ve also learned to adapt my route. Now that school is in session, the usual roads are packed with school buses and parents rushing to get their kids to class. Instead of getting stuck in that mess, I take a different way, which adds a little time to my trip but lets me avoid the chaos. I see it as a reminder that the fastest route isn’t always the best one. Sometimes, taking the longer road leads to unexpected moments—like driving by my son’s favorite crossing guard, who always greets him with a smile and sometimes a little gift like a pencil. Changing my route lets me experience those small but meaningful interactions.

This adjustment has taught me patience. Life doesn’t always take you straight to your destination. With MS, I’ve had to find new ways to navigate, and I’ve learned that it’s okay to take the longer, less direct path. I’m grateful for the opportunity to keep going, no matter how winding the road might be.

Driving with hand controls may not be what I originally planned, but I’m thankful that I can still drive every day, get to the gym, and be there for my family. Living with MS presents its own set of obstacles, but it’s also taught me to appreciate every step of the journey.