battles

Pushing Through

/ Nicole Cherise / Leave a comment

Hi friends, happy Tuesday!

Push through…

That’s something I continue to tell myself during challenging times. It’s not easy battling a difficult disease like MS, but I can’t give in to it. I know many that read my blog, are battling other autoimmune diseases, mental health issues, or spiritual brokenness. I also, know that Caregivers have a challenging task when it comes to watching someone they love suffer. WE ARE NOT ALONE! Together, we can lift one another up because Support goes a long way.

This past week, I had my Tysabri treatment and the days after were rough. I had difficulty walking, it was a task to get dressed, I fell twice and I cried because of the pain and weakness in my legs. Even during this time of despair, I promised myself that I wouldn’t give up and I would PUSH through it all at my own pace. I urge you all to do the same. I went to the gym on Sunday and did my best with what I had for that day (I do the spoon theory in my head lol). The amount of support that was given to me was overwhelming and it truly melted my heart. People re-posted my video and tagged me as Inspiration for them to exercise.

Please continue friends. Don’t give up on yourself or the process. Below is the video that I posted and keep in mind that days prior, I was not able to walk far alone. God is good. Thanks for reading!!!

Nicole Cherise ♥️

Nicole Cherise’s MS Chronicles: what I dislike most

/ Nicole Cherise / Leave a comment

Hey guys! Happy Friday 🙌🏾🙌🏾

One of the things I planned to do more in this blog is to spread Multiple Sclerosis Awareness and my journey battling it. I’m an open book in regards to this because I want to make sure people who are affected by the disease understand that they are not alone, and that also includes caregivers.

What I dislike most besides the diagnosis and symptoms, is the UNPREDICTABILITY of MS.

This is a challenge because earlier in the day I could be great, then all of a sudden my left leg will get weak and I start to limp or drag it. Making plans truly sucks because I can have something planned out a month prior and then the week of or even the DAY of, my legs decide not to work or I’m in a lot of pain. Pleeeeeeeease don’t even let me start about the weather. If the humidity is high, I feel drained. If it’s raining or freezing cold, it literally hurts me.

This gets me bummed out because I do not drive during these times, sometimes I need assistance walking, I do not get to exercise as much as I’d like to and I don’t always have the energy to run after my son. I do cry about this, I do get angry, but I try to remember that I’m still blessed. Many fellow MS Warriors are in wheelchairs, need walking aids Everyday and I’m sure they would trade places with me any day.

To put me in a “better place” mentally, I think of my “Why?”. I think of my family and friends, whom are my support system. I need them just like they need me so I can’t give up! So, to anyone who battles a chronic disease, and caregivers, please hold on. Do not give up. I can’t promise you that life will be “great” but I can promise that you have a pal in me if you ever need that extra support.

Thank you all for reading a part of my MS Chronicles

Nicole Cherise ♥️

Kindness

/ Nicole Cherise / 8 Comments

 

I always believed in treating others with respect and kindness. I do not know what situation you are coming from or what situation you are going to. Many dress like vogue but are truly vague on the inside. We all have issues that we face everyday. It would be good to experience acts of kindness or even give good gestures(a smile) to others. Just a thought.

Nicole Cherise 

 

Feel good Friday’s: when one of your loved ones are battling an illness

/ Nicole Cherise / Leave a comment

Illness, one thing we don’t want to discuss, see or have to deal with. It’s rough to go through an illness and it’s even harder when someone you love is sick. It’s hard for a caregiver and loved ones because they would give anything to take the pain away or get angry that there is Nothing they can do. But there is something you can do.

If they have a rare disease, educate yourself. Even if you have heard of it, gain knowledge of the disease so that you can try to understand what’s happening to his or her body. 

Be supportive to your loved one. They will feel isolated, angry, sad and more. If they need help, do so. Many people (like myself) have pride and won’t ask for help but reassure him or her that you will come over and help even if it’s to do the dishes. You would be surprised how happy your generosity can help. 

Be strong but realize they are strong too. You should be sensitive to them and their needs. Many times someone battling a disease will push their limits but if he or she says that they can do something believe them and let them get their rest. As a person who fights against Multiple Sclerosis, I do push myself and “appear” fine when in reality, I’m not. The strength of my husband and parents are what keeps me going. My family and friends are wonderful as well. They all understand that when I need rest or I’m not feeling well, I can’t always jump and be on the go like I used to. 

I pray they find a cure to the diseases that our loved ones are battling and for our loved ones who have passed away. Until then, cherish your loved ones and just let them remember how much they mean to you because you truly mean the most to them, trust me 🙂

Thanks for reading

Nicole Cherise 

Where is the love Wednesdays: picking your battles

/ Nicole Cherise / Leave a comment

Hey everyone! It’s Hump Day but on my blog it’s “Where is the Love? Wednesdays”. Today’s topic is picking your battles.

When you and your significant other have decided to have courtship; you’ve decided that you both are committed  and are working towards getting engaged then married. This time period you both are madly in love, spend plenty of time together and have learned each other. When I say learned each other I’m referring to knowing:

  1. What he or she likes/dislikes
  2. Their strengths and imperfections 
  3. Their goals in life (family,career, personal etc..)
  4. You also continue to see the beauty in him or her and the not so beautiful aspect as well. 

With that being noted, couples will clearly bump heads about things. Even the “perfect pair” will have arguments. Rather it’s big or small, arguments will come but which ones are worth having is up to you. I always advise friends to pick your battles in their relationship. The last thing you want is to be feuding with your partner 60% of your time shared especially when in two weeks you wont truly remember why the frustrations took place. 

You want to be able to have peace with the love of your life for sanity purposes too. Think about it, people every day will try to knock you down and belittle you, the last thing you need is to be at war with your sweetheart non-stop. Therefore, choosing your battles  is vital during these times. If that means you may have to take a walk, blow off some steam at the gym, say a silent prayer to be more calm so be it. Do what you need to cause less friction in your relationship so that you can effectively communicate with your other half.

I hope these tips help. Thanks for reading friends!

Nicole Cherise