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Living with MS is hard enough—explaining your healing shouldn’t be.

If you’re managing a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis (MS), you already know how exhausting it can be. But sometimes, it’s not just the physical symptoms that wear you down—it’s the judgment, opinions, and misunderstandings from people who don’t see what you’re carrying.

They don’t understand your fatigue.

They question why you’re eating “so weird.”

They offer advice you didn’t ask for.

They whisper when you cancel plans… again.

That’s why, in this post, I want to share a mindset that’s been incredibly freeing for me—and for so many of my clients navigating MS:

Let them.

Inspired by Mel Robbins’ new book, this powerful two-word phrase has helped me release the emotional burden of trying to be understood—and I hope it does the same for you.

Let’s walk through what “let them” can look like in real life—and how to practice it without isolating yourself in the process.

1. Let Them Judge What They Can’t See

One of the hardest parts about living with MS is that it’s often invisible.

You might be carrying brain fog, nerve pain, crushing fatigue—and still look “fine.”

But because others can’t see your symptoms, they assume you’re okay. And if you cancel plans or take a nap or pass on an activity, they might silently judge.

Here’s the truth:

You don’t have to prove your pain for it to be real.

Let them misunderstand.

Let them wonder.

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for doing what your body needs.

2. Let Them Be Uncomfortable with Your Boundaries

Saying “no” is hard. Saying “no” when you live with a chronic illness that people don’t understand? Even harder.

But boundaries are part of healing.

They protect your energy. They support your progress. They honor your body.

So when you skip an event… decline a favor… or leave early?

Let them be uncomfortable.

Your job isn’t to make other people okay with your limits.

Your job is to respect your body’s needs—even if someone else doesn’t get it.

3. Let Them Question Your Healing Choices

Food changes. Supplements. Alternative treatments. Functional medicine.

When you start doing things differently to support your healing, people will have opinions.

“You’re really not eating bread?”

“Are you sure that’s necessary?”

“Have you talked to a real doctor?”

Let them question.

You don’t need permission to follow the Wahls Protocol. Or go gluten-free. Or say no to medications that don’t align with your current plan.

Your healing choices are yours.

Let them wonder. You keep going.

4. Let Them Go (If Needed)

Some relationships won’t survive this version of you—the one with boundaries. The one who rests. The one who no longer over-explains or over-apologizes.

That hurts. It really does.

But it’s also part of growth.

Some people were part of your “before,” but they may not be part of your “after.”

Let them go.

You’re not being cold or difficult.

You’re being faithful to your healing.

A Heart-to-Heart Before We Move On

Now, I want to pause here and speak directly to you—because I know this message can feel a little intense.

Letting people judge you? Letting them go?

It sounds empowering, but in reality—it’s really hard.

It’s hard living with an illness no one can see.

It’s hard when there’s no cure.

It’s hard when the people around you don’t always know how to support you.

So let me be clear:

This isn’t about isolating yourself.

This isn’t about building walls or cutting everyone off.

We need connection. We need people. We need community.

Healing is not a solo journey.

So please don’t take this as permission to disconnect from the world.

This is permission to stop over-explaining yourself to the wrong people—so you can save your energy for the right ones.

And when your mind starts spiraling—telling you you’re too much, or that no one understands, or that maybe you should just give up?

Pause.

Take a breath.

And remind yourself:

You’re not a burden. You’re a human doing incredibly hard work.

You are healing.

You are learning.

You are worthy of peace and connection.

So… What Do You Do Instead?

Mel Robbins is very intentional when she says that “Let them” is only half the story.

The other half?

“What are you going to do instead?”

If you’re going to stop over-giving… over-explaining… over-accommodating…

What do you make room for?

Here’s what I hope you say yes to instead:

• Resting without guilt
• Nourishing your body with love, not shame
• Creating rhythms that support your real life
• Connecting with people who get it
• Saying no, so you can say yes to your healing
• Letting go of what weighs you down—and leaning into what lifts you up

How to Stay Mentally Strong

So friend, the next time someone questions your healing…

The next time someone judges or whispers or rolls their eyes?

Let them.

And then?

Let yourself rest.

Let yourself trust the process.

Let yourself be free from the pressure to make others comfortable.

You don’t need their permission.

You don’t need their approval.

You need healing habits that work for your body, and the courage to protect them.

So let them.

And let yourself heal.

I’m with you in this—every step of the way.