Attitude of Gratitude

Posted on November 18, 2019 by MSAA

By Scott Cremeans

I am a ridiculously nice man. I know this. Until… The following is a true story.

My Google Home device: *ding* I have a reminder for Scott
Me: Hey, Google, what’s up?
My Google Home: I have a reminder called you have a doctor’s appointment in 4 days.
Me: thank you, Google.
My Google Home: thank you for thanking me. I guess we are in a thanks loop…

I think I broke my Google home device.

I believe that the key to happiness is genuinely twofold. First, you must Continue reading →

Expressing Gratitude to Cope with Stress, Build Relationships, and Help Myself

Posted on November 15, 2019 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

It’s the morning of my MRI scan and neurologist appointments. Leading up to them, I’ve anticipated needing to seek support and to allow myself time to process whatever I learn today. I tell myself that test results don’t change how I’m doing. They just give me more information to consider.

The rub is that I anticipate being sad with any possibility today. I feel worse than I did earlier this year. Eight months ago, I learned Continue reading →

The Great Benefits of Being Grateful!

Posted on November 13, 2019 by Selena Fisher

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and it is a wonderful reminder to give thanks! Giving thanks is a great way to invest in your own well-being. Sounds odd doesn’t it? How can giving thanks be an investment in your well-being? Here’s how…

DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE HEALTH BENEFITS THAT COME WITH BEING GRATEFUL?

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS?

Continue reading →

Thank You for Robbing Me

Posted on November 8, 2019 by MSAA

By Lauren Kovacs

Wow, hard to be thankful when MS is a greedy robber. MS has taken so much from us MS folks. The line of…”it could be worse” is never, ever to cross anyone’s lips.

That being said, it is important to find things daily to be thankful for. No matter how small. From those who are in pain and bedridden to the newly diagnosed. Bedridden folks might be thankful for sheets. Others might be thankful for being able to still walk.

Find anything. There are days when Continue reading →

Putting the ‘tude’ in Gratitude, (in a good way)

Posted on November 6, 2019 by Angel Blair

With the arrival of November, we’re coming to that point in the year where we have ample opportunity to show kindness and gratitude towards others. Yes, there’s no question that this should be done all year round. But the holiday season evokes this notion even more so and individuals really embrace the concept of gratitude.

Honestly, sometimes it’s hard to be grateful. When life feels like its constantly pouring down on you or pelting lemons at your head, it’s a bit challenging to find things to be grateful for. This is normal. It’s only human to feel Continue reading →

Deborah Casteel – November 2019 Artist of the Month

Posted on November 1, 2019 by John MSAA

Each year, MSAA features the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis in the annual MS Ability and Four Seasons Art Showcases, including highlighting one artist each month as our Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature Deborah Casteel of Marysville, WA:

“Red Sky at Morning”

About the Artist

“When I was 26 years old, was when I first heard the words multiple sclerosis from an optician. I still didn’t paint again until like 8 years ago when I started attending an unstructured painting class, just to get me started again and see if I could paint again. I still go when I can and have met many good friends there.”

Read more and see additional works from this artist and others at mymsaa.org/artshowcase.

Meet the Board – Audrey Allsopp

Posted on October 30, 2019 by MSAA

MSAA strives to be a leading resource for the MS community by improving lives today through vital services and support – and we could not accomplish this without the help of our volunteer board members. MSAA’s Board of Directors is comprised of accomplished professionals from across the country who volunteer their time to further MSAA’s mission. With our ongoing series, Meet the Board, we hope to introduce you to our wonderful volunteer board members!

This month, MSAA is proud to highlight our newest board member Audrey Allsopp. Continue reading →

Vacation Options for People with MS

Posted on October 28, 2019 by MultipleSclerosis.net

Heat will do it. Being unable to get around easily will do it. For so many people living with Multiple Sclerosis, there are many reasons to think twice about going on vacation. It can seem like too much work for not enough payoff.

But everyone deserves a vacation.

To find out how the Multiple Sclerosis community is finding ways to vacation that truly work, we reached out on the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page. The question we posed to the group is: “Are there any vacation spots that you would recommend as being ‘MS-friendly?’”

Almost 50 of you commented, sharing Continue reading →

It’s in the Contract

Posted on October 25, 2019 by MSAA

By Doug Ankerman

Mental wellness? Wait. When given my MS diagnosis years ago, all talk centered around the physical side. No one mentioned anything about the mental challenges of MS.

For this reason, I renege my contract with multiple sclerosis! (Wish it was that easy, right?)

Fact is, in my experience, mental wellness is WAY harder to manage. I have AFO’s to help with foot drop. A rollator to Continue reading →

Deciding What I’ll Do and How Much I’ll Do for My Best Health

Posted on October 23, 2019 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

In true keeping with not quickly remembering the lessons I’ve already learned, it took me a few months of building frustration before seeing a situation I’m experiencing as something I could approach differently.

I volunteer for our local self-help group, and increasing work and personal health demands are making it harder for me to continue doing everything I’ve done for the past six years. I’d asked for volunteers to help. Some stepped forward and I appreciated their help, but still I felt responsible for more than I can continue.

I was getting frustrated, and resentment was building. I was getting Continue reading →

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