If and when you start to feel as though MS is affecting every part of your life, you need to go on a treasure hunt. The prize is your MS-free zone - that part of you that MS just can't touch. This part is different for every person: It may be your love of music, sense of humor, spirituality, passion for soap operas, or any one of the zillion other things that tend to make people happy. Your MS-free zone is simply a refuge from the demands of MS - a place where you can go to regroup when life feels overwheming. Your zone is a valuable resource because it can give you the emotional energy you need to tackle the difficult stuff that goes along with the disease.

So, think about what moments in your day or week that give you the greatest sense of freedom and relief. You'll know when you've found your MS-free zone because you won't be able to wait to go there periodically for a "breather," and you'll feel energized by your time there.

Have you identified your MS-free zone?