I never expected to face a challenge like Motor Neuron Disease (MND). No one does. When I was diagnosed in 2017, it felt like the rug was pulled out from under me. My life had always been fast-paced, full of energy, passion, and a love for fitness. Suddenly, everything was changing, and not in the way I had planned.
At first, I was devastated. How could I cope with this? But then I realised that the same skills I had spent years developing in my fitness career—discipline, positivity, determination—could help me face this new reality. The answer was resilience.
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from the big stuff. Yes, MND is a huge challenge, but I’ve learned that resilience is built every day, in small ways. It’s not just about dealing with a life-altering diagnosis. It’s about handling the moments when I can’t do things that used to be second nature, like lifting weights or running, with grace. It’s about staying positive when life doesn’t look like I thought it would.
I’ve had to adapt in ways I never imagined. I’ve found new ways to communicate and inspire others through eye gaze technology. I’ve had to let go of some things, but I’ve discovered strengths I never knew I had. Resilience has allowed me to keep my passion alive, to keep motivating others, and to live a life full of purpose—despite MND.
There are tough days, no doubt. But resilience keeps me moving forward. It’s taught me that even when you can’t control the situation, you can control how you respond to it. And that’s where the real power lies.
Building resilience isn’t optional—it’s essential. Every time you overcome a small obstacle, you’re building the mental and emotional muscle you need for the bigger challenges. If I didn’t have resilience, this journey would look very different. I might have let the diagnosis take over my life. Instead, I’ve found strength in adversity and turned it into a force for good.
You don’t have to face a diagnosis like mine to see the importance of resilience. Everyday life throws challenges at all of us. Whether it’s juggling work, family, or personal issues, resilience is what helps us rise above and keep moving forward with hope and optimism.
If you’re ready to build your resilience, start today. Use my story as proof that no matter what life throws at you, you can face it with strength, grace, and determination. And if you’re wondering where to begin, take the first step with our Resilience Evaluation Tool. It’s a simple way to discover where you stand and where you can grow. Let’s build that inner strength together.
You’ve got this.
