Bristol Palin Reflects on Year-Long Facial Paralysis Journey
Bristol Palin has provided a heartfelt update regarding her ongoing facial paralysis, marking one full year since the mysterious health condition first emerged. The 35-year-old media personality, who recently reunited with her teenage son Tripp, took to her Instagram stories on Tuesday to share candid reflections about how her life has transformed over the past twelve months.
Medical Mystery and Personal Transformation
Despite extensive medical tests that revealed no clear answers, Palin's doctor believes she is experiencing a form of Bell's palsy. This diagnosis came after investigations turned up "nothing" while searching for explanations behind her persistent facial paralysis. The condition has prompted significant personal reflection and lifestyle changes for the public speaker.
While sitting inside a parked vehicle, the mother-of-three discussed what she described as "the ways that my life has improved since this happened." Palin revealed to her followers that she has consciously given "control back to God" and now places her worries "at God's feet." She explained this spiritual shift by stating, "I can't call myself a Christian and still try to control and be a perfectionist in so many areas of my life. So, releasing all that back to God has freed me up from so much."
Finding Strength Through Faith and Discipline
The health challenge has sparked what Palin describes as increased self-discipline and spiritual connection. "I feel like I have been able to practice so much self-discipline this last year," she shared. "And really hear God's voice and walk into that calling, so I'm thankful for that." This journey has also motivated her to adopt a healthier lifestyle, with Palin noting, "This has also forced me to live a much healthier life, be more concerned with what I'm consuming, what I'm doing everyday. And I'm very thankful for the path that has put me on."
Addressing the physical aspects of her condition, Palin demonstrated remarkable perspective. As she motioned to her face, she expressed, "And the vanity portion of it - I have never once acted like I was ever some smoke show. All my friends know that I am extremely humble. But something like this really does force you to find some sort of inner confidence that I am just so thankful for." She added positively, "I know that this just adds some character to my face. It could be way worse, but life happens quick, things change so fast. We just need to rely on God."
Recent Updates and Family Life
Palin's update comes after she briefly discussed her facial paralysis during a December Q+A session with Instagram followers. When asked "How's your face? Updates? Progress?" she shared a reel revealing it was day 323 of her face being paralyzed. Removing her sunglasses, she admitted "Not looking great" while demonstrating limited facial movement, particularly on one side.
The media personality explained, "This eye... I will eventually get Botox in it. It just gets so small when I smile or when I'm expressive at all." Despite the challenges, she maintains perspective, stating her condition "could be worse, could be better" while praising her "cute sunglasses."
During the Thanksgiving holiday last year, Palin spent time with her two daughters Sailor, 10, and Atlee, eight, whom she shares with ex-husband Dakota Meyer. She also shares son Tripp, 17, with ex Levi Johnston. In a video from that period, she showed off her holiday outfit while humorously adding, "And still a crooked face."
Progress and Gratitude
Eight months after initially opening up about her condition, Palin shared a more optimistic update in August 2025, revealing that her face was "slowly getting better." Throughout her journey, she has expressed deep gratitude to supporters, saying, "I'm so tired of talking about my face. It's so silly. But that's what I've learned the last year." She specifically thanked "everyone who has prayed over my face and who has helped me on this journey."
Palin concluded her recent reflections with a message of faith and acceptance: "Put things at God's feet and just trust that there is a purpose in everything. So I'm thankful for it." The media personality emphasized her focus on what she believes God has called her to do, stating she will "rely on truly who God has created me to be" as she continues navigating her health journey.
