Sarah Ezekiel

Sarah is a proud mother, writer and blogger with MND who shares her experience in many ways, from publications to the advertisement Sarah's Story.

If today were my last day on Earth and I could share 500 words of brilliance with the world, here are the important things I'd want to pass along to others...

Imagine being told that your life is going to end very soon. Then imagine being told that before you die you are going to become progressively disabled. This is what I was confronted with ten years ago. This is not the type of news that most people will ever have to deal with, thankfully. But everyone will be challenged in their lives at some point, either mentally, physically or both.

How should we deal with such challenges, especially life changing events? I believe that our biggest enemy is fear. It can totally paralyse a person and stop us living a full and contented life. We feel fear when our future becomes uncertain, perhaps because of illness or loss. The only way to dispel this fear is to live in the present at all times. Thinking about future, unpleasant possibilities will give your fear more energy and block positive thoughts. Easier said than done, I know. I've found that reiki, meditation and hypnotherapy are all good tools... along with some stubbornness!

Another lesson that I have learned is that no individual can predict our future. Therefore, neither should we. I was told by several doctors that I would certainly be dead by now. I made several costly, irreversible mistakes based on this information. I also perceived my life as a black room, with nothing to look forward to. I was so mistaken, and have enjoyed some of the most exciting, wonderful moments, since I started to 'live' again. I have defeated the odds and so can we all.

From losing all of my self esteem and confidence after diagnosis, I have begun to love myself. It's the best feeling; who can possibly love you if you don't rate yourself? Trusting your instincts and believing in yourself is the way forward. We all get knocked back sometimes, but it's easier to get up again when you believe in yourself. Every mistake or bad experience is a learning curve and we should use them to improve ourselves. Life is window of opportunity and appreciating each day, whatever it may bring, is the key to fulfilment.

Regretting anything is a pointless, negative exercise. Regret keeps you firmly stuck in the past and you can't change what has already happened. The present is a great place to live, particularly with no regrets clouding your landscape.

So in conclusion, I know that there is always hope, even in the direst situations. Fear nothing, you will reserve your energy and achieve far more. Sometimes, weakness and adversity make us stronger. It's important to remember that in order to cope during difficult times. Enjoy life!