A Journey of 18,352 Miles Begins with One (Wobbly) Leap of Faith

So, here’s a plot twist I didn’t see coming: my MS decided to stage a comeback after I was sure I’d performed a miracle.Yep, after writing a whole memoir (Never Let a Good Disaster Go to Waste) about overcoming betrayal in 12 hours and defying the odds by doing the impossible, life decided to remind me that no one is disaster-proof. Here’s the thing—we can’t avoid catastrophes, but we sure as hell can control how long we suffer from them.That’s why the 12 Master of Disaster principles are so powerful—because they work!

And right now, I’m using every single one of them. I’m far from invincible; I have feelings, I feel pain, stress, and fear—trust me, I’m not an ice queen—but I’ve become really good at catching myself before I spiral into the ‘What If’ abyss and a great big well of depression.

Announcing to the world that I’d had a relapse after publicly declaring myself cured meant I had to eat a lot of humble pie, but hey, life loves a plot twist and pie, right?

But in all honesty, the fact that at 52, I’m running again after 26 years of MS and all the previous disabilities I’d suffered is a miracle that I’m holding on to.So what do you do when life gives you Vegemite sandwiches?

1.Eat like my life depends on it – A strict-ish combo of the Best Bet Diet and OMS principles. (Okay, so I’m still transitioning, it’s a work in progress—not perfect… yet, but I will be.)   

   2.Visualize like a visionary – Keep the mind laser-focused on healing and the outcome you want. This is no time to dwell on ‘What Ifs’! Get busy creating ‘What Will Bes.’

3.Laugh in the face of fear – Catastrophe will knock you down, but then you get back up—just like the Monty Python Black Knight. The darkest hour is when you look into the eyes of the enemy and say, “Toughen up, Buttercup!”I’m still gearing up for my Vanuatu retreats and just started a new job. Why let a little thing like a body rebellion ruin plans?

4. Radical acceptance… with a wink – Reality wins 100% of the time, but I’m always looking for a better way to play the game and get ready for the next hand to be dealt.

5. It’s my turn now – What’s happened has happened, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. But what can be controlled is how you respond. There’s a mantra I love, one of the many I share in my memoir: “Given that it’s like this right now, what is the best way for me to respond for my present and future happiness?”

6. Practicing gratitude, even for the little things – Like, seriously, everything! From having a comfy bed to running water. And whatever parts of the body that still work and are not in pain—that’s a win I’ll take!

7. Do battle with the Trauma Drama – Every time the brain tries to throw a pity party, RSVP with thoughts that empower. You are the one talking in your head—come on Karen, tell yourself better stories.

8. Move, move, move – Even when the body screams “no!” Every single day you have a choice to become stronger or weaker, physically and mentally—there is no in-between. Choose wisely.The truth? Life never stops throwing curveballs—learn to smash them out of the park by focusing on what’s going right, practising gratitude, and staying in charge of that pesky mind.

For me, if MS wants a rematch, I’m game—and this time, I’m stronger and smarter.Everything that happens in life is meant to happen, an inevitable part of the journey—our own personal puzzle piece—it adds a sense of excitement to the process.“

Obstacles are not only to be expected but embraced. Embraced? Yes, because these obstacles are actually opportunities to test ourselves, to try new things, and, ultimately, to triumph.” – Ryan Holiday

So how am I? I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving in the face of this challenge and taking each disaster as an opportunity to grow, test my limits, and to add to my arsenal of master of disaster superpowers!

Fall down seven times get  up eight💪 

Blog Post Title Two

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.