Thoughts on MS Blogging

Written By
Kim Fryling-Resare

I’m still finding my way in this whole MS blogging world and I have to say that it is a bit overwhelming to be putting my story and my thoughts out into the internet universe. I’m unsure if I’m reaching anyone or if anyone is getting anything out of what I’m writing. Sometimes I feel like SETI (search for extraterrestrial intelligence), putting messages out into the universe searching for alien life, and just hearing crickets chirping in response.

When I first started to blog about MS, and I’ll have to admit even now, I have had thoughts like: “Who cares what I have to say? Is there anything valuable in anything that I write? There are so many incredible people out there already blogging about living with multiple sclerosis, what can I add to the conversation?”  The answer to all of these questions is probably nothing. I won’t have anything extremely unique or earth-shattering to say. I can say it differently but we are all saying pretty much the same types of things, which in a way, is comforting and empowering.

For a disease that is so variant and can present so differently, it is amazing that we are all having similar thoughts and the same experiences. I will write something only to see that some other blogger has already expressed a similar notion. To me, that is amazing! There is a mass consciousness out there sharing the same basic story with the same basic goal. We are all on the same wavelength, and we are all striving towards overtaking this debilitating, irrational disease. Ultimately, we are searching for ways to live the best possible life we can.  

A friend pointed out to me that she thought I was worried too much and perhaps should focus on how I was also receiving something out of this entire process. By liberating myself of these thoughts, I have had a rather cathartic experience and received personal confirmation of how far I’ve truly come in this journey.  

Even more than that though, I have found it so comforting to know that I am not alone – kind of like safety in numbers. Many of the things I have experienced and felt, have also been felt by the larger MS community. We’re never alone in this battle and many of us are feeling the exact same way and are approaching our illness in the exact same way. It gives me reassurance and true hope for the future.   

Now, perhaps someone else could feel a sense of liberation through what I have to say. Even if just one person has some sort of emotion from what I’m writing, then that makes it all completely worth it! It used to disturb me to see someone react sadly to one of my posts, and in no way do I ever want to make someone upset. I’m trying to stay positive and my words are meant to be motivating and uplifting. I have to continue to reassure myself that even if I get a sad emoji, at least it is a response and some type of connection has been made. In the end, that is what it is all about – making connections.    

So I will continue to write and to put myself out there in the hopes that someone, somewhere is getting some type of value out of my story. And perhaps, just perhaps, I will receive some type of response back from that ginormous internet universe out there or...I will just end up discovering alien life. Either way, it is a win-win. 😉 

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