You’ve been struggling with what it means to live with MS, but that struggle will take a sharp turn very soon. The most important thing to remember is you are NOT defined by what you can or cannot do, but by WHO YOU ARE! MS doesn’t change your heart, your mind, or your capacity to affect and infect the world. Don’t give in to the depression. You are still an amazing woman, with so much to offer all those you come in contact with.

Depression is a very real animal, but you don’t have to give in to it. Begin now to create a web of support that does not include your students, co-workers, or family; you need an outlet to ensure you remain true to who you are and the dreams you hold for yourself. Also, if you don’t keep moving, you’ll find that you have a very difficult time doing so and losing weight as you move past 40. Invest in a gym membership today, and you’ll hit your target by the time you’re mid-way through that fourth decade of life.

Finally, take chances!! Don’t let that one who attracts you get away because you think you might lose the one who you’re around all the time; you don’t have to doubt the attraction is mutual, or wonder if you’ll be thought less of by anyone because they won’t be there for you when you need them down the road. It’s better to follow your heart, here and in other situations. So, apply for that PhD program, let Kervin know you find him utterly fascinating, and practice self-care in every area; push those boundaries and get out of the box in which you’ve settled for so long…you deserve it.

Finally (and, yes, I know I did that already), increase your contribution to your IRA; double it, in fact, as you’ll be pulling money out to send the offspring to college…a private university…to study film, writing, and photography…with their own expenses. It’ll be worth it, but it won’t be easy or cheap. Her dreams should soar unencumbered…and you can help that happen.