Compassion is the New Black 

In that moment when I heard the words multiple sclerosis blurted out from the mouth of a callous elderly neurologist, I thought then that I understood man’s capability to be insensitive. 

I am not implying that he was wrong by telling me that I had an incurable illness, but what happened to taking a moment to realize that words like these have the ability to hurt and that by showing a little bit of compassion might make the world of difference? 

I am not saying that since my diagnosis I have not met some of the kindest and understanding people but it is not always this way.  

What would the world be like if everyone stopped to consider how their words and actions impacted another persons life and the potential for those words had to alter the course of another’s life. 

I for one, since being diagnosed with MS, have learned to never judge another person for you never know what they are going through. Listening with an open heart and from a judgment free place is one of the best gifts you can give.

But no I was wrong.

Twenty years later, my ability to be surprised by another’s capacity for unkindness, was once again to be tested.

This new surprise actually came from the lips of another MS’er. In an email sent to my blog. This woman actually said….

“Any one could beat MS if they really wanted to. People love to wallow in their problems and live for their misery”. 

Obviously she did not get the memo that compassion is the new black!

Namaste. 

Cindy Lee Lothian 

March 10, 2014