You ever notice how, when you have health issues, everyone becomes a self-appointed fixer-upper specialist? It’s like I’ve got a little neon sign flashing above my head saying, “Needs Repairs!” and folks just can’t resist the urge to try to tighten a bolt or slap on a coat of paint.

Now, don’t get me wrong—I know they mean well. I get it. I know they love me and they’re coming from a place of kindness. But y’all… it gets old. Real old.

Here’s the thing:

I have MS.

I have depression.

I have anxiety and panic attacks.

And I am still not broken.

I’m not a puzzle missing a piece. I’m not a project in need of fixing. I’m not standing here with a big, gaping hole in my soul waiting for someone to come along and patch me up.

Sure, there are days when I feel like my body and my mind are tag-teaming to see how much chaos they can throw at me. Days when MS is doing its thing while depression decides to pull up a chair and get comfortable. But that doesn’t mean I’m broken.

I’m a whole person—with all my quirks, strengths, vulnerabilities, and yes, my struggles. But I’m also filled with love, determination, grit, and an annoying amount of stubbornness. I laugh, I cry, I work hard, I fight, and sometimes I just lay on the couch with my pets and binge old TV shows because that’s the kind of self-care that keeps me sane.

When people try to fix me—whether it’s suggesting a new diet, a miracle supplement, or “just be more positive” (cue the eyeroll)—it makes me feel like they don’t see me. They see my conditions. My diagnoses. My challenges.

But I am so much more than that.

I don’t need fixing. I need understanding.

I don’t need unsolicited advice. I need space to just be. And I need to be better at putting my hand up and saying, “stop.”

I don’t need anyone to swoop in with solutions. I need support—and sometimes, just someone to sit with me in silence.

You know what else I’ve realized? I’ve made the decision not to travel as much anymore. And this trip? This cruise? It showed me just how right I’ve been. I love traveling—I always will—but I’m not willing to push myself past my limits for the sake of the next destination. I’m trying to listen to my body and honor what it’s telling me.

I have health issues. No doubt. But I’m not broken.

I’m a little battered sometimes, but I’m also resilient.

I’m anxious, but I’m also brave.

I have depression, but I still find joy.

I have MS, but I’m still living my life—on my terms.

So to all the fixers out there—I see you, I appreciate your care, but you can put down the toolbox. I’m not broken. I’m just me.

XOXO, Jani

---