Because Who Said Life Can’t Be a Laughing Matter?

Oh, where do I begin to recount the adventures with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)? Grab a cup of coffee (or if you're like me a giant mug of tea), sit back, and prepare to chuckle at my escapades. You see, MS might slow me down a bit, but it certainly doesn't dull my sense of humor. 

Dances with Spoons...  It's a careful waltz with the Spoon Theory. What’s that, you ask? Well, think of spoons as units of energy. People with MS only get a limited number each day, and once those spoons are used up, that's it. No more spoons until tomorrow. So, I have to spend them wisely. The first spoon is usually spent on getting out of bed. The next dance—an interpretive one—trying to untangle myself from the bed sheets. It's like a morning workout but without a gym membership. After a few minutes of this delightful routine, I'm up and ready to conquer the world. Or at least, the Keurig. 

Tea in hand, I take a moment to revel in the fact that I remembered to put the mug under the machine this time. Score one for me! Then comes the tricky part: navigating to the bathroom without tripping over a rogue slipper. You'd think I'd have the layout memorized by now, but MS likes to throw in a plot twist here and there.  

Add in the next spoon for brushing my teeth and another for getting dressed... what’s the vibe today... Chic photographer or comfortable couch potato? Given that my balance is sometimes more of a suggestion than a rule, most days I opt for the latter. Comfy clothes are a must when you might end up doing an impromptu floor inspection.

You can see how the spoon tally quickly adds up. And don't even get me started on breakfast!

To shower or not to shower, that is the question... I probably put more thought into planning my showers than the military puts into an attack operation. The temperature of the water can be a deal-breaker. Too hot or too cold, and this photographer might as well be a wet noodle. Showers can be incredibly tiring... I may be the only person you'll ever meet who needs a nap after their shower. I wish I could tell you that I'm exaggerating. I have to schedule them carefully, ensuring I don't spend all my spoons on just one daily task. And I didn't even mention the slippery floor, a wobbly photographer, and a determination to stay upright. It's a scene straight out of a slapstick comedy. But hey, I’ve mastered the art of grabbing onto anything stable—towel racks, showerheads, you name it.

Planning the Checkmate... Planning is my secret weapon. Every task, every outing, every photo shoot needs a strategy. I have to think ahead and ration my spoons. If I’ve got a big event coming up, I’ll conserve energy leading up to it. This might mean skipping less important tasks or taking extra rest. Sometimes it feels a bit like playing a game of chess with my own body. But, the outside world calls to me. The light, the colors, the potential for capturing that perfect shot—it’s all very enticing. But the weather can be a bit of a nemesis. Heat sensitivity is a biggie for those of us with MS. A hot day can feel like I'm wading through molasses. Conversely, cold can make my muscles stiff and uncooperative. So, I always have a backup plan... my "intermezzo" if you will. Temperature sensitivity is kind of like preparing for a photo shoot in the Arctic while living in the Sahara. 

If it's a Shooting day then expect the unexpected... and to spend a few of my spoons. Photography itself is a joyous yet unpredictable adventure. Equipped with my camera and a sense of humor, I head out for the day’s shoot. Whether it’s a wedding, a portrait session, or capturing the beauty of nature, I’m in my element. Of course, MS likes to keep things spicy. Sometimes it’s a blurry vision day, which means setting the lens stability and motion blur to auto. Then there’s the occasional bout of fatigue. Nothing says “professional” like lying down in the middle of a photoshoot. But I make it work. I’ve perfected the “I'm just getting a unique angle” excuse. And honestly, some of my best shots come from these unexpected moments. And hey, it’s a great excuse to scout for the best benches and coffee shops around town!

The last of the day's spoons... As the day winds down, which usually involves a few stumbles and a lot of determination. Once home, I plop down on the couch, exhausted but satisfied. Editing photos while lying down? Challenge accepted. MS might add a twist to my routine, but it also makes me appreciate the simple joys, like hot peppermint tea in my favorite oversized mug or a photo that captures a fleeting moment of beauty. If I have any spoons left there's still dinner to make, the house to clean, laundry to do, return calls/emails to make, and all of the other "office" stuff. Each day is a balance between pursuing my passion and managing my health. But at the end of the day, the photos I’ve captured, the challenges I’ve navigated, and yes, the spoons I’ve spent. it’s all worth it. It's all about adapting and finding humor in the little things. I get to do what I love and share my unique perspective with the world.   

So there you have it—a day in the life of a photographer with MS. It’s a rollercoaster ride of planning, adapting, and a whole lot of laughing at myself. Because when life gives you MS, you get creative, find the humor in it, and keep on snapping those beautiful moments through the lens.

March is National MS Awareness Month. To learn more about Multiple Sclerosis, read the latest news and research, find resources, and/or donate visit the National MS Society's website.