Accepting that I have a memory impairment didn't just happen right after my diagnosis

March 12, 2017 (Chapter 2 Acceptance and Denial in my book)

Living with a memory impairment means that sometimes I don't remember events, places or even people who I should know. That is not a fun experience for me! It can stress me out! I can also become scared and it can make me feel sad. Sometimes I cry. I can't choose what I remember or what I forget, because it is not even my choice to have a memory impairment.

I don't have a choice whether any of these things happen to me. I accept that this is just part of living with a memory impairment. Accepting that I have a memory impairment didn't just happen right after my diagnosis. This is something that is ongoing because the memory impairment is still with me. I can either wake up every morning and be angry that I have this impairment or I can enjoy the life that I have while living with mild cognitive impairment. I choose to accept this memory impairment but I don't allow it to take over or ruin my life.