When you receive a gift, it’s usually wrapped in a pretty package. The colorful paper and ribbons are a build up to the gift you are about to receive.

But I’ve come to realize, that not all gifts come wrapped with a beautiful bow on top. In fact, some are wrapped in straight up dirty paper.

That’s how I would describe my MS diagnosis – a gift wrapped in dirty paper.

It’s a horrible disease that strips you of any certainty for your health and your future.

But through the disappointment, fear and grief, I received some unexpected and incredibly powerful gifts. I believe that I was given this diagnosis for a reason…for a much greater purpose. It was not for a life of suffering.

This newfound but very clear purpose softened the blow of the diagnosis and really set me on fire in a really good way. I believed I was meant to use my diagnosis to be a voice to raise awareness, to support others living with this invisible disease and to build a community within the MS and autoimmune world.

While not everyday is perfect, and I’ll be the first to admit, I’ll likely always have moments of frustration but if I were to stay focused on the pain, I would lose the beauty in this MS gift.

The beauty of finding greater purpose in my life.

The beauty of being able to share my greater passion around Less Pharm, More Table.

The beauty  of connecting with this amazing community.

These were my gifts, and I’m sure many more will continue to be revealed.

And I’m not alone. Check out what other gifts those living with MS have discovered in, “The 29 Reasons I’m Thankful for MS” at Healthline.