Thriving Beyond MS - A journey of Resilience, Reinvention & Positivity

My guest, Lynne Smith and I went to high school together and had gone to the same dance studio in our early years. We reconnected at our 40th School Reunion and became friends again via Facebook.

It was only recently that I discovered, Lynne had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 33. When I saw a Facebook post of her swimming with sharks (in a controlled environment of course), travelling and enjoying life I was amazed and knew I wanted her to share her story with my listeners.

During the episode Lynne and I discussed:

* Lynne’s diagnosis with MS at age 33

* Her resilience and reinvention

* The power of a positive mindsent

* How MS hasn’t held her back because of her determintaion

* Her work as an MS ambassador working with politicians to spread the word of MS

Watch on Youtube

Meet Lynne

Born in Sydney March 1958 to a Self-employed builder and a homemaker.

I matriculated in 1975 but was discouraged from pursuing advanced education and attended Miss Hales Business College instead.

I knew I was never going to be someone’s secretary but in fact it led to my first overseas adventure, when I applied for and attained a position of Cruise Hostess on the MV Turkenia, a Russian cruise ship that sailed a Ship/Jet route from Freemantle to Singapore. I was 18.

A couple of years later I wanted to earn some money (to travel to England) so started working as a waitress in Sydney. I earned the money and went to England but in the meantime, I had met a chef…

Forward to 1978 and we opened our first restaurant (Manly Sydney). I combined my business and hospitality skills and learnt that all knowledge is useful. Also that I had my father’s self employment genes).

We went on to open three restaurants over several years and life proceeded until I became unwell and was diagnosed with MS in 1991. I was 33 yrs old.

Of course that changed everything, personally and professionally. It was very difficult to adjust from busy busy busy to nothing and accept that I needed help with things that I had taken for granted. It took some years and professional psychological help to learn how to live in my new life

I had to deal with my diagnosis and prognosis whilst we continued our profession. Although I had staff it became apparent that our future would be different and we sold up and changed professions.

Whilst I adjusted to my new life that slowed me down and I learnt to accept the changes, my husband learnt how to become an internet service provider. By then we lived on the central coast and the industry was just beginning to expand. We eventually went on to own 5 mobile phone shops.

By 2010 my health was stabilising. I was not involved in the business but needed something to challenge me. As my dogs had passed away (We do not have children) I decided to start a dog minding business that involved minding dogs in our home. I knew I had the business and hospitality skills to adapt to this growing industry.

When I sold the business in 2022 I had 12 minders around the coast so those skills from Miss Hales in 1976 helped all my professional life!

We were ready to retire and we now travel as much as we can and enjoy our home, friends and extended family.

Fortunately I have been stable for some time and that means I can function reasonably well (now diagnosed 34 years). I can walk unaided for short distances and run my home with help from a cleaner. I enjoy exercise with my MS friends and attend ScubGym classes weekly that helps to keep up my stamina, strength and flexibility.

We have a small teardrop van and we like to travel around Australia (state by state). We also enjoy cruising when possible.

I’ve always been a positive person and was taught to make the most of a situation. I’ve done that to the best of my ability.

Lynne, is truly an inspirational woman and I very much enjoyed chatting with her.

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