Last year, while wandering St. Augustine’s Nights of Lights, I witnessed something truly…um…festively unforgettable? Yes. Let’s go with that. There, weaving through the crowds of holiday revelers in a slightly unhinged, and somehow intact golf cart, was Scrooge, shouting insults at anyone within earshot and driving as if he’d just discovered the gas pedal. Naturally, I knew immediately: this was a Christmas experience I’d have to have a front row seat for next year.
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Today, Tuesday, December 3rd, MSAA honors Giving Tuesday – a global initiative that promotes generosity and community engagement for nonprofits and charitable organizations. Days like today are critical for MSAA, as they promote support of our organization so that we may continue to provide free programs and services to the MS community.
During this busy time of year, members of the MS community need MSAA’s help more than ever – from assistive equipment for safety and mobility, to support and resources through MSAA’s Helpline specialists. In addition, MSAA’s educational programs, publications, webinars, videos, and podcasts provide a great deal of information on a wide range of topics, from symptoms and treatments, to physical and emotional wellness, and so much more. Our mission of Improving Lives Today is ongoing, and it is made possible due to the generosity of our donors.
Giving Tuesday is the perfect time to make a meaningful donation to MSAA. Your gift truly helps to support those affected by MS. If you would like to make a donation today, please visit mymsaa.org/donate. We greatly appreciate your support!
MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Kristan Simmons as December’s Artist of the Month. Kristan is from Johnson City, TN.
“Jonesborough in the Winter”
Continue readingLife is full of ups and downs. We all have experienced plans that have gone haywire, and curveballs thrown at us at the most unexpected of times. Everyone goes through tough times at some point in life, it is just the intensity, frequency, duration and type that differs. Always remember that it is alright to go through failures because failures are the steppingstones towards success. Instead of diving into despair and gloom, viewing challenges as opportunities to grow can transform your whole outlook on life. Below are a few thoughts that may help you during difficult times:
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Vivir con esclerosis múltiple (EM) conlleva una serie de desafíos y contratiempos que a veces pueden resultar agobiantes. Desde los síntomas impredecibles hasta la complejidad del tratamiento, estos obstáculos pueden parecer desafíos enormes. Es importante reconocer que, aunque los contratiempos son muy reales, no tienen por qué definir nuestro camino. Existen estrategias eficaces para manejar estas dificultades y encontrar formas de adaptarse y progresar. Los contratiempos pueden crear oportunidades inesperadas de crecimiento, resiliencia y un sentido de propósito, demostrando que, incluso ante la adversidad, siempre hay un camino hacia adelante.
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Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) comes with its own array of challenges and setbacks that can feel overwhelming at times. From unpredictable symptoms to navigating the complexities of treatment, these hurdles can seem daunting. It’s important to recognize that while these setbacks are very real, they do not have to define our journey. Effective strategies exist for managing these difficulties and finding ways to adapt and thrive. Setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose, showing that even in the face of adversity, there is always a path forward.
Continue readingCaramel Apple Dip is an easy and fun recipe to make and add to your Thanksgiving gathering or Fall celebration. When I make this dip, everyone compliments me on how yummy it tastes. It only requires a few ingredients, and you do not need to use the oven. You can make it the night before and refrigerate, one less thing you have to worry about! Enjoy.
Giving, thanks, joy, togetherness, festivities. If you were to see these words, you would most likely think of holidays throughout the year and perhaps picture a happy family, a crackling fire, and laughter from a Hallmark movie.
So, what happens during or after a holiday when you are left feeling defeated, overstimulated, or even just…empty?
Continue readingLife inevitably throws challenges our way, whether in relationships, careers, or health. The instinctive reaction to difficult situations might be stress, frustration, or even hopelessness. However, with a shift in mindset, these challenges can be more manageable and be an opportunity for strength and growth.
By Stacie Prada
Have you ever been in a mood and had something happen that changed it in a moment? It happens a lot, and some moments stick through the years.
I recall being at work years ago, and cheerfully saying, “Good morning!” They responded quickly and sharply, “What’s good about it?”
I don’t remember how I responded then, but I still think about how it startled me. I felt like I’d done something wrong, and I wasn’t sure what. My mood swiftly dropped from happy to resentful. This memory helped me learn the life lesson that we’re all living different experiences, and lots of interactions have nothing to do with us.
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