Finding My Spark
Finding My Spark: How MS Taught Me to Live More Intentionally
Hi Still She Creates Community,
Today, I want to share a piece of my heart that is foundational to why Still She Creates exists. It’s a story about finding light in unexpected places, and how sometimes, our greatest challenges become our most profound teachers.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? For me, one of those came in 2023, when I received a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Looking back, that period felt like navigating a dense fog. The uncertainty, the physical shifts, the sheer overwhelm of it all… it was, at times, incredibly daunting.
But here’s what MS unexpectedly gave me: clarity.
Before MS, like many of us, I was often on autopilot. Rushing through days, ticking off to-do lists, sometimes forgetting to truly live the moments I was in. My “spark” was there, but it was often dimmed by the relentless pace and external pressures.
The diagnosis, in its own jarring way, became a catalyst. It forced me to slow down. To listen to my body, perhaps for the very first time. It brought an undeniable urgency to things that truly mattered, and stripped away the noise of things that didn’t.
Living More Intentionally: My Unexpected Lessons from MS
This journey has fundamentally shifted how I approach every single day. Here are some of the intentional shifts I’ve embraced:
- Prioritizing Presence: When energy is a finite resource, you learn to cherish moments. I’ve become more present in conversations, more attentive to the beauty of a quiet morning, and more appreciative of simple comforts. It’s about being here, now.
- Embracing Imperfection & Rest: My journey taught me that “doing it all” is a myth, and rest is not a reward, but a necessity. I’ve learned to set boundaries, listen to my body’s cues, and truly honor my limits without guilt. My best often looks different day-to-day, and that’s okay.
- Finding Joy in Small Moments: The grand gestures became less important. The warmth of a perfect cup of coffee, the comfort of a soft blanket, the laughter of my grandbabies, the magic of a page-turner – these small, accessible moments became my anchors of joy.
- Connecting Purpose to Action: My love for crafting, creating, and helping others became even more meaningful. I realized that sharing tools for organization, inspiration, and travel wasn’t just a business idea – it was a way to extend the peace and intentionality I was cultivating in my own life to others.
- Cultivating a Hopeful Mindset: It’s easy to get lost in what’s hard. But intentionally choosing hope, finding gratitude, and focusing on what I can do, rather than what I can’t, has been transformative. It’s a daily practice, much like tending a garden.
Your Spark Awaits
My MS journey is deeply personal, but the lessons I’ve learned about intentional living are universal. We all face our own unique challenges, our own “fogs.” My hope for Still She Creates is to offer you a little piece of the clarity I found.
Whether it’s through a cozy tee that makes you smile, a digital journal that brings order to your thoughts, a powerful affirmation card to lift your spirit, or planning a magical Disney escape to create joy – I want to share practical tools and heartfelt reflections to help you find and nurture your own spark.
Join the conversation! What helps you find your spark on hard days? Share your thoughts in the comments below
Thank you for being here, for sharing this space with me. I truly believe that even on the hardest days, Still She Creates, and so can you.
With warmth and hope,
LisAnn