By Dr. Eva Jackson
This month, the search for balance feels deeply personal. After a fall filled with family responsibilities, medical appointments, meetings, volunteer work, and the changing weather, I have often felt stretched beyond my limits. Each obligation matters, yet together they can consume my days and leave little room for me to pause, breathe, and care for myself.
So much of my time and energy go to the people I love. Caring for my family is meaningful, but too often I place my own health and wellness at the bottom of the list. I know I am not alone. Many caring people unconsciously put others first because selflessness feels natural. But when we continually neglect ourselves, even love can become exhausting.
I am learning that setting boundaries is not selfish; it is necessary. When possible, I reserve certain days for specific responsibilities and protect time for rest. Living with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis means that everyday tasks, including cooking, now require more time and energy. I still try to prepare a family meal at least once a week, even though a dish that once took 45 minutes to an hour can now take several hours—especially when it includes special sauces. That experience reminds me that balance is not about doing everything I once did. It is about honoring what my body needs, giving myself grace, and recognizing that caring for myself allows me to keep caring for the people I love.
One Small Step to Finding Balance
Before the holidays arrive, do yourself a favor: choose a day of the week to dedicate to the things that make you happy. Whether you go to the movies alone, go shopping (you can actually spend the day shopping online if you like), try out a spa close to you (I like cryotherapy), or take a few hours to sunbathe in your yard or deck (watching and listening to birds’ talk can be relaxing). But learn to appreciate and celebrate you!
Remember the 6 Cs of mental toughness and resilience I discussed in my May blog. Coping (learning to practice self-care), courage (learning to take action in protecting yourself and your health), care (ensuring that you maintain a healthy attention to you and what makes you happy), connection (continue to stay grounded in your relationships with family and friends), community (continue to stay connected to your community), and compassion (in choosing a healthy balance in your life, you learn to develop and practice self-compassion). Remember that you can use the 6 Cs to help inspire balance in your life.
Start before the holidays with one small, deliberate step. Protecting even a few hours for yourself can become a powerful habit—one that restores your energy, strengthens your resilience, and brings greater balance to every part of your life. You deserve a place on your own priority list.
About Dr. Eva Jackon:
Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.