Learning to Celebrate Myself

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By Dr. Eva Jackson

Like many people, I was raised to believe that pride and boasting were wrong. As an adult, however, I am learning that recognizing my accomplishments is not the same as bragging. No matter how big or small the achievement is, I am learning to celebrate doing a good job.

For me, being kind and doing good comes naturally, but I am realizing that it is also important to celebrate myself. Sometimes that means simply giving myself credit, patting myself on the back, or treating myself to something special just for being me. I am learning that self-celebration is not about putting myself above anyone else. It is about acknowledging my efforts and my growth and giving myself permission to feel good about the progress I have made.

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A Worthy Celebration

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By Angel Blair

You are good. You are worthy. You are more than enough. You are you and that is perfect. These are affirmations that everyone deserves to believe and live by. But I myself have always had a difficult time believing in my value as a person and trusting that I am enough and deserving of all that is good in this life. Why is it sometimes easier to judge and ridicule ourselves, rather than celebrate who we are and what we’ve accomplished? Because we’re too hard on ourselves and act as our own worst critics. Because we think we need to be perfect. Nonsense. What we need to do is recognize the wins; the big, the small, and the in-between that’s made us who we are. We need to celebrate us. 

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Be an Advocate 

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Being an advocate means making your voice heard and making it matter. Many people believe they cannot influence the world around them, but advocacy proves otherwise. It allows individuals to speak up about the common challenges people face and to call attention to issues that require change. Advocacy is about creating positive changes and improving lives every day. This is particularly powerful in the world of MS since advocacy can bring about major policy changes and individual empowerment. 

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Celebrating The Small Wins: A Letter to Myself in Motherhood

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Five months ago, I became a mom. Five months ago, my world shifted in ways I could never have fully prepared for. My days became measured in feedings, naps (if I’m lucky), diaper changes, and the sweet smile that lights my daughter’s face. My priorities have drastically changed and become rearranged, yet my heart somehow expanded beyond what I thought was possible.

Motherhood so far has been beautiful. But it has also been extremely difficult. And lately, I am realizing that both of those things can be true at the same time.

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Letting Go as an Act of Self-Celebration 

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There are versions of myself hidden everywhere: in the back of closets, in drawers, in storage bins I’ve never unpacked because some part of me was unwilling to let go. I’ve kept old clothes that no longer feel like me (and certainly don’t feel good on), photos I should have deleted years ago, and gifts tied to people I’ve long since outgrown, held onto out of nostalgia mixed with a fair amount of guilt. 

Overall, I’ve always been someone willing to purge things that no longer suit me, and I’ve done it regularly over the years. But even now, there are still plenty of things sitting around that I know I no longer need and will never use. Things I’ve kept because they belonged to another chapter of my life. Another version of me. 

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Navigating Relationships and Friendships When Living with MS

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Living with MS brings many unexpected changes. While much focus is placed on physical symptoms, one of the biggest impacts of MS can be on our social circles. Relationships, marriages, and friendships might undergo a massive shift after a diagnosis, though everyone’s journey looks different.

People from the MS community have shared their raw, realistic, and hopeful experiences regarding how multiple sclerosis has reshaped their connections with others. Their stories show both the potential hardships and the relationship wins of navigating these shifts.

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Learning to Celebrate Myself in the Quiet Moments

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By Nicole Robinson

Living with multiple sclerosis has changed the way I look at a lot of things, especially what it means to celebrate myself.

For a long time, I didn’t think of myself as someone who needed to be celebrated. I associated celebration with big milestones, big wins, or moments that everyone could see. But living with a chronic illness has taught me that some of the most meaningful victories are the ones no one else sees.

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Chris Pero – MSAA’s June 2026 Artist of the Month

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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 Chris Pero as June’s Artist of the Month.  Chris is from Portland, OR.

Ocean’s Ember
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May is Mental Health Month, but Mental Health Care Never Ends

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By Monica Proctor Wilson

During National Mental Health Awareness Month, I reflected on how I first learned about the importance of mental health care. Growing up, I often felt misunderstood emotionally, but I did not know that therapy or emotional support were even options of assistance. In many black communities, especially during the 70’s and 80’s, mental health was heavily stigmatized, so I quietly carried out my struggles alone. Everything changed when I entered college and discovered counseling services on campus. For the first time, I felt understood and realized caring for my mental health was just as important as caring for my physical health. I hid going to therapy from my family until I was in my 30’s because I feared judgment. Today, I openly recognize mental health therapy and emotional wellness as necessary parts of living with multiple sclerosis.

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