The longest night of the year offers hope of brighter days with NMOSD

The winter solstice — the shortest day and longest night of the year — can feel daunting, but I see it as a powerful metaphor for hope, resilience, and the promise of brighter days.

I’m writing this from a place of light, so that when the darkness returns, I can read this back to myself and remember that hope still lives within me.

This past year was one of the hardest years I’ve ever had with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). I honestly felt like I’d never get the attacks to stop and even wondered if this was the end. But this week, I saw my neurologist for my regular checkup, and he gave me feedback I didn’t think I’d ever hear again: My gait was at the same speed as before all the transverse myelitis attacks, my blood work showed nothing alarming, and my neurological response time was as good as it has ever been. I had gone through my darkness and come through into the light.

Even on the longest night, there’s a turning point, a moment when things begin to change, slowly but surely. It’s a powerful lesson for anyone living with NMOSD, or any chronic illness. Things may be hard now, but change is constant, and hope may always appear on the horizon.

Recommended Reading

December 12, 2025 News by Steve Bryson, PhD

Advanced plasma exchange therapy effectively eases NMOSD attacks

One sliver of light

This news doesn’t just mark the end of a difficult chapter; it opens the door to new possibilities. I’m setting intentions to live more fully, to savor the small joys, and to keep advocating for others with NMOSD. Progress isn’t just about physically healing; it’s about rediscovering who I still want to be beyond this illness.

I’ll admit, I feel relieved that I’m OK. When my neurologist shared the good news, I felt an immense wave of relief, like I could finally exhale after holding my breath for so long. But almost immediately, that relief was shadowed by guilt. I keep thinking about the nights my loved ones lay awake worrying, the moments they tried to be strong for me when I was falling apart inside. They carried my fear along with me, and while I’m endlessly grateful for their love, I wish I could have shielded them from that pain. A bittersweet truth is that they lived in that darkness with me.

But now, just as the days are about to slowly lengthen after the solstice, I hold on to hope. I remind myself that every day, there is a little more light, sometimes only a sliver, but enough to make a difference. NMOSD can feel overwhelming, but the solstice teaches us to look for and cherish every sign of progress, no matter how modest, that pain and guilt can diminish with time. By embracing the lessons of the solstice, we can acknowledge the darkness without letting it define us.

Instead of dreading it, I choose to see the winter solstice as an opportunity to reset. A chance to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the months ahead. I remind myself that, just as the Earth tilts back toward the sun, so too can I tilt my mind toward positivity, possibility, and better health.

NMOSD is a lot like winter. It can be bitterly cold, harsh, and relentless, but it also has beauty and calmness, with the white winter snow like a blank slate of possibility. Just as winter demands layers to keep warm, NMOSD requires layers of care that include medication, mental health strategies, and the unwavering support of loved ones. Whether we like it or not, NMOSD slows life down, much like the hush of winter. It’s in that quiet where I discovered what truly matters — patience, gratitude, and the beauty of small victories.

If you’re in the midst of your own longest night, know this: Healing is not linear, but every step matters. You matter. Winter isn’t forever; the season will give way to spring.

Note: Neuromyelitis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Neuromyelitis News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.