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A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Whitby, ON

Is anyone else struggling to find the purpose in their life? When I was a Youth Worker, I was sure I had found my purpose. But since I can longer work in that field, or in any field for that matter, I find myself really struggling to know why I'm here.
I know I must have a purpose, but I haven't found it yet & it's starting to really get me down.

October 11, 2016
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Answer Summary

Many community members connected deeply with the question of finding purpose after MS took away careers they loved, sharing that losing a job... Read more

Many community members connected deeply with the question of finding purpose after MS took away careers they loved, sharing that losing a job or professional identity can feel like losing a core part of yourself. Several members offered uplifting strategies like adopting pets, joining service organizations such as Rotary or Kiwanis, setting up MS support groups, pursuing creative hobbies like music, and focusing on health improvements. A recurring theme was that purpose doesn't have to be grand to be meaningful, and that leaning on community, taking things one day at a time, and forging new paths can help fill the void.

A MyMSTeam Member

Hi. I was diagnosed in January 2006 and by March of that year I was medically retired by my employer, fortunately with good salary insurance.
It took me about 18 months, with counselling at my local MS Society, to adjust to the fact that I had MS and that it was incurable. People used to say 'go and enjoy life you have the money'. I wasn't ready to stop work 20 years earlier than I expected! Once I got over 'the shock' I have maintained a positive attitude. I have continued to play guitar and keyboards (I initially told myself I couldn't do this anymore) with adjustments to my technique for the loss of some dexterity and strength in my hands. I am trying to compose an album of my own compositions; I bought software fro my computer that lets me record my music. I also did a lot of reading in the early years.
I kept an online journal (this site can perform the same function), which provided an avenue for me to express my feelings and anger while I came to grips with the MS diagnosis.
There is a purpose still to our lives. Don't let the illness define your life. While my health remains pretty good I have been travelling which gives me positive things to look forward to. Try not to get down, I know depression can be a symptom of MS, and it is a hard place to come back from. Try and remove all negativity from your life, like negative friends and family; my marriage broke down and getting divorced removed significant stress from my life.
I hope there is something useful in this post for you...

October 12, 2016
A MyMSTeam Member

One of the great things about being in a service organization (like Rotary or Kiwanis or Lions) is that you have the opportunity to be around great people who are doing good things in the world. I'm a Rotarian and that definitely gives me joy. Certainly much more joy than anything I could buy. Find a group that works on something your passionate about. Even if you only get involved a few hours a week, that will do a lot for your spirits. :-)

October 16, 2016
A MyMSTeam Member

Yes, i ask myself the same thing. You are far from alone. I feel like i am even with a family. Not that they arent there for me, but my head still tells me i am alone.

October 14, 2016
A MyMSTeam Member

I'm still working currently but I am so afraid of the day I have to stop because I know I wont know who I am. That's sad I think that I've let my profession define my identity but I have. This is my greatest fear in all honesty.

October 14, 2016
A MyMSTeam Member

I think this is a very difficult one. I am a Nurse Specialist and have been in nursing for 30 years. There are times when i wonder how much longer i can keep doing the job especially with the hours I put in (8.15 - 7.15 today). However after 30 years i'm not sure what else I could do. Being a nurse is so much a part of who I am. As a nurse specialist in a long term condition (not MS) i do know how patients can really struggle when first diagnosed. Perhaps setting up a support group is something to focus on. Sometimes all patients want is to talk to somebody who is going through something similar.

October 12, 2016

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