Finding Invisible People: Nicolette Murphy
When Nicolette Murphy moved from London to Perth in early 2005, the one thing she noted was how the sky was so big and blue. To this day, that observation is still something she holds close and continues to be a constant reminder of her luck and the serendipitous factors that led her to Perth, her MS diagnosis and most recently, her inspirational autobiography within Finding Invisible People an anthology of short stories curated by Sally Newman.
How did you meet Sally and what led you to sharing your story?
I met her on a MSWA camp at Woodman Point over 10 years ago and were Facebook friends ever since. One day, she texts me out of the blue. She [Sally] did an 18-week course - we got together, and she said, ‘talk about this.’ Sally’s done it all - the publishing, printing, venue and mentoring. Everything. If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have done the chapter in the book. All I had to do was talk and type!
How do you feel having your story published?
I was so excited to be a part of it and get my story out. I don’t think my story is that special. When you read other people’s stories and their struggles, I was battling with that comparison. I knew I had a story, but I didn’t feel worthy to be in the book, because my whole thing is, ‘I’m alright’.
What was the process like retelling some of the events in your life, such as your MS diagnosis?
I got it all out, [recounting] the tough times and my collapse, that was probably the worst but then I made it really light after that. But, that one writing session, I did have a big cry. It was quite therapeutic.
How has MSWA featured in your life?
After diagnosis, the MS nurse came to my hospital bed and said, ‘we can offer help.’ Soon after, Nora [MSWA Community Support Worker] came, and then we were having meals prepped and in-home relief. She just received recognition for over 10 years of service. It’s incredible that we found her, like an angel.
I also have a Community Support Worker, Natasha, who comes on a Friday and we go to the Op Shops. We create an outfit, take a picture, and I post on Instagram. I feel so spoilt – MSWA come and support so I can do my hobbies.
You talk a lot in your book about not taking anything for granted. How do you focus on gratitude in your day-today life?
Gratitude came gradually. I think at my age, now I’m just grateful to see my son, I’m grateful just keeping it basic - it’s the little things. I open the blinds and look at the sky, blue and so vast. So that’s the most basic thing to me, to go out and have some sunshine. So, to be living here, I don’t take anything for granted. I’m so grateful.
In Finding Invisible People, Nicolette speaks further on her love for fashion, family, MS and her positive outlook in the face of adversity.
To read Nicolette’s inspirational story, plus hear from other people who live with an invisible disease, visit https://go.mswa.org.au/FindingInvisiblePeople to purchase or read a copy at your nearest MSWA service centre.
You can hear more from Nicolette via her Youtube @alrightwithms845 and on Instagram @myfashuntreasure.
