Arun Mohan

MY STICK MY WAY – Story By Arun Mohan

Hi,  I am Arun and am seized with a zest for living life on my own terms. Having seen the downside of life, I have chosen to be a Life Wellness Coach and offer support to people . I can say this with a tinge of sadness or anger at what life has given me but I choose  a happy face. John F Kennedy famously remarked “ask not what your country can do for you ; instead ask what you have done for your country”….. Similarly “Ask not what MS has done to you but ask what you have done with your MS”

I have seen it all.

From being a swanky sales guy to being derisively referred to as a disabled guy has not been easy.

I learnt to live life the hard way but that doesn’t mean I should not live it at all. From being called by various names and terms –  as a wastrel, drunkard, nincompoop, to being called useless i have heard It all and more.

 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with an incurable disease called Multiple Sclerosis which I didn’t even know existed till then.. My life which was going hunky-dory , had suddenly turned upside down….

 During the course of my certification for being a life coach and subsequently listening to my fellow MSPs( multiple sclerosis person)i learnt whatever you are going through is nothing and that “This too shall pass”

I was losing control…. I just couldn’t balance myself.. After having sprained my ankle a couple of times and breaking my arms and legs i realized through an ENT doctor that it was better to walk using a walking stick than breaking my bones again…

What did i do… I said “So what, this too shall pass’.. .. Started using a walking stick but in STYLE….

Today I am known as the “Man with a walking stick”….

 I do things that gives me kick in life and in the process tell myself everyday that   I am still alive and kicking. But, understanding certain facts , I take utmost care too.

I did not hold myself back ,  I looked at things which interested me and which I was able to achieve. With a keen sense of good dressing , I got into Modelling . The photo presentation of Models at the event Seeing the Unseen at Bangalore was very well received. It got a good coverage in the news – with the theme being “ Photographs on the Invisible Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis “

After the encouragement I got on my  first attempt to walk on the Fashion Ramp, I became a regular . Apart from feeling glamorous , I get a lot of self confidence when I walk on the stage in front of huge audiences.

 I got to do things which I could have only dreamt of, and then I realised that dreams do come true if only we endeavour. I got a tattoo done, got featured in a regional magazine, been a guest of honour at a couple of events, my pictures  were put up in an exhibition for photographers, walking the ramp with a beautiful actress….. These can happen only in a dream at least for me.  

To overcome my own worries , I started volunteering in various other segments. I take part in all programs and events connected with Disability segments . Initially I used to go as a guest to understand , but with time I started becoming an active participant. This has helped me to network more , and understand more.

Since Multiple Sclerosis is not known to many , I try my best to spread an awareness on this Neurological Disorder.  At one point in my life , I was clueless to what happened to me , and was worried about the future. I make it a point to reach out to anyone who is struggling to come to terms with certain truths.  By sharing my experience , and my knowledge I try to help or motivate others.

Becoming a Life Wellness Coach, added value and confidence. While I teach and coach the others , I realise that I am teaching and myself too. There is a lot to learn , and I have the desire to learn. I will end by saying another quote “Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” Mary McLeod Bethune. … Impossible is I AM POSSIBLE , and I have convinced myself  “ It’s Possible “

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