Sascha
Hi . I’m just wondering how guilt of not being active in terms of how it effects your loved ones measures out against you accepting your own limitations on a day by day basis. My partner is very kind supportive and understanding but I have an overwhelming feeling of guilt .
Erin Rush Community Admin
Hi,
I think letting go of the guilt is an ongoing process for many people. And, frankly, this topic comes up a LOT in this community. Whether it's guilt from not being able to work or exercise or having to cancel plans frequently; it seems like folks are always feeling guilty for something.
I think it takes practice to keep letting go of the guilt. After all, you didn't ask for MS, nor did you do anything to cause it. So, just keep reminding yourself that you can't always predict how your MS will be acting each day.
I wanted to share a couple of pieces on this topic that I thought you might find relatable.
Here's one -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/letting-people-down and here's another one -- https://multiplesclerosis.net/living-with-ms/release-guilt. You are definitely not alone in how you are feeling!
I hope this information is helpful for you.
Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.
Alene L. Brennan, RYT Moderator & Contributor
What I would like to share, is that I walked alongside my mom during her 10 year battle with cancer. She did will most of those days, but the last several years became increasing challenging especially from a fatigue perspective for her.
There were many times that she couldn't be there when I wanted her, including a graduation of a program that I had dreamed about completing for years. Those moments were hard. However, what stands out more to me are how many memories that we made just being with one another. If I could have one moment back with her it probably would be one of the moments where we were just laying in bed talking and reminiscing. I share this because it's something that I remind myself of so often now that I'm a wife and a mom. Of course our family and friends wants us to be there for them and do participate in all the activities, but at the end of the day, how you spend the time and energy that you do have together is what matters most.
I don't know if this story will resonate with you, it's obviously a very personal one for me, but I wanted to share it because I do think that it's so important for us to remember that meaningful memories can be made from simple, ordinary moments.
And the last thing I'll add in here, in terms of limitations of being able to "do" things like around the house and such, I have found it valuable to simplify our home and environment as much as possible so there's just less upkeep. Again, everyone situations and desires are different, so as with any post here, I invite you to take what resonates and leave what doesn't.
Just remember that you are not alone with this. We're all in this together.
Best
Alene, moderator