About Angel Blair

I am a Client Services Specialist here at MSAA. I hold both a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Counseling from schools outside of the Philadelphia area. I love reading, music, movies, and writing. And one of my most favorite places I've traveled to is Disney World!

Thanks Mom…

She brought you into this world. She changed diapers, fed you, and most importantly, coddled you when you needed it most. She watched you grow up; through years of school plays, sports games, dances and recitals. She held your hand to keep you safe. She offered a shoulder to cry on when things didn’t go right. She gave advice and words of wisdom, even when it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She could be tough at times but only to help keep you in line. She always seemed to know when you were lying or trying to hide something. She listened to your stories, goals and hopes for the future. She tried to be a role model in hopes that one day you would offer the same guidance to your children. She raised you to take advantage of opportunities and make your own mark on the world, similar to the one she made by bringing you into it.

So this Mother’s Day, think of the things she did to help you grow and learn in order to become the person you are today. Maybe it was not a mother but with the help of a grandmother, an aunt, or a sister that you were able to grow surrounded by such care and devotion. Remember these moments of influence and care and not just on Mother’s Day, but every day. And remember to say “thank you.”

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Celebrating our Earth…

What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is an event that occurs every year to promote and encourage environmental awareness and protection. It is a day to appreciate and conserve energy for our environment for future generations. On Earth Day you can get involved in the world’s efforts to protect the environment, just by making a few changes in your daily routine…

Here are some ways in which you can help conserve energy, not only for the environment but for yourself too!

For the Environment:

  • Turn off the lights! If you’re leaving the house, shut the lights off, this will help conserve power and energy and it will reduce your energy bills, too!
  • Don’t leave the water running in the sink when it’s not being used
  • Remember to recycle!
  • Keep your refrigerator/freezer doors closed to conserve power, especially when putting groceries away
  • Walk or ride somewhere…If you’re able, walk or ride a bike/other device to the day’s destination instead of driving your car; this can help reduce air pollution
  • Volunteer! Join the community to plant trees, flowers, or to recycle and help raise awareness for the environment!

For You:

  • Conserve your energy! Because fatigue is very common amongst those with MS, try to save your errands/activities for parts of the day when you have the most energy. For more information/tips on energy conservation, see the MSAA MSi Online Video Energy Conservation and MS at: https://mymsaa.org/manage-your-ms/videos/staying-one-step-ahead-4/
  • Stay cool! Summer is almost upon us, so staying cool can help you conserve energy and help you perform the day’s tasks. Consider the MSAA Cooling Equipment Distribution Program to help you stay cool this summer, https://mymsaa.org/msaa-help/cooling/
  • Enjoy the environment… Getting outside to garden or partaking in volunteer opportunities can help you enjoy what the earth has to offer and acts as a way for you to get involved in a meaningful activity!

So what will you do to commemorate Earth Day?

 

 

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Let’s Go Outside…

So we’re coming up on that time of year again, where winter will be a memory and the times give way to the arrival of spring! Though some areas across the country are still experiencing the last remnants of winter, spring is upon us and we can start going outside again without the harsh and bitter cold, and perhaps before the hot and humid summer feel…

How do you like to take advantage of the nice weather? Perhaps you have a certain activity you like to do outdoors when the weather permits? Well, if you’re looking for something to do outside, here are some ideas to celebrate the end of winter!

*Please remember to consult with your physician before taking on any new exercise or physical routine*

  • Take a walk- If able, taking a stroll around the neighborhood with a friend or relative can be an enjoyable and relaxing time to chat and get some exercise
  • Like to garden? The winter months were definitely not kind to plant life, so planting some fresh flowers and vegetables can add rejuvenation to the ground after the harsh cold
  • Attend a sports game- do you have a friend or relative who plays in a little league, or someone who plays in a sports league for fun? Going to a game can be relaxing and entertaining and a way to enjoy the sunshine!
  • Like to read? Sitting outside with a good book or magazine can provide a chance to enjoy the change in weather

So what are some of your favorite outdoor activities?

 

 

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Women of Today

As we celebrate the month of March as Women’s History Month, it’s hard not to think of the differences between the women of yesterday and today. Not to say that ideals or values weren’t the same, or that one group is more superior to the other, but of the advancement and overall change that has occurred in the world around us that differs so drastically from the past. As a woman of the past, can you imagine not being able to vote for the President? Or not wearing pants because it was assumed that all women should only wear dresses and skirts? It’s hard to believe how far we’ve come in society in comparison to a whole other world of the past where women were seen in such a different light.

I think as society continues to shift and progress from years past, women will continue to have even stronger voices and values within all aspects of life. Could you imagine going from not being able to vote for President, to having the opportunity to potentially become the President? Astonishing…

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A Bit of History…

The month of February is known to be a truly significant time within our calendar year. It is not only famous for highlighting the celebration of love and romance, but more so for the celebrated significance of African American History. It is a time designated to reflect on the historical figures and moments that have impacted our world in truly significant ways. Celebrating cultural history can influence individuals to stop and reflect on a more diverse and complete national history. Observing significant historical figures and events that have occurred throughout the years can be an educational and treasured experience. It is important to know that celebrating and embracing our Nations diverse history is not something that needs to be highlighted just for one month, but instead throughout the year.

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Let’s Just Stay in Tonight…

With the demands of today’s society we constantly find ourselves on the go. Always trying to complete some type of task or activity that’s required of the day, we sometimes run out of hours to set aside for the special people in our lives. We become busy with many other things so it’s easy to lose track of the time to spend with the significant other in your life. Making time for each other in a busy world is key. Continuing to go on dates, finding time to spend together, or even having a simple conversation can make each counterpart feel special and appreciated within the relationship. It doesn’t need to be something extravagant. Spending the night in just relaxing and watching a movie can be a perfect opportunity to share special moments together. It’s not the activity that’s important; it’s the simple act of being together that signifies affection.

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Self-Awareness

So we’ve again encountered the infamous month of January, a time well known for resolutions and changes that people promise and strive to achieve to mark the beginning of a new year. Individuals find themselves embarking on new exercise regimens, dietary guidelines and lifestyle changes that they hope to keep for the duration of the year. With these changes comes a responsibility of self-awareness; to know and understand one’s limitations and to remain accountable for self-care. It is difficult at times to try and keep track of your activities and the goals you set for yourself. Perhaps for this new year you can keep track of these things in a notebook or journal to help stay in tune with the plans you made for yourself for the upcoming year…

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Happy New Year

We are once again encountering the start of a new year, signaling change and new beginnings for time that lies ahead. For many people this time of year brings promises, expectations, and resolutions for change to make the new year ahead a hopeful one. Whether it’s modifying your daily routine or making a promise to set aside more quality time with loved ones, the start of 2013 brings with it the possibility of change and hope in a world full of the unexpected. Making changes that will impact life for the better is a resolution for this new year. Wishing only the best for all in 2013!

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Happy Holidays

It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us, bringing times of celebration and joy to rekindle holiday feelings that make the season unique. Regardless of one’s traditions or religion, we gather together this time of year to celebrate love, new hopes, and remembrance of times past. It is a time to remember those we hold dear to our hearts and to join with them to celebrate the magic of the season—the lights, sounds, and feelings that make the holidays truly special in their own way. Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!

Be sure to read the next MSAA Conversations blog posting scheduled for Wednesday, December 26th, 2012.

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Self Care

“First say to yourself what you would be;

and then do what you have to do.”

– Epictetus

Throughout any given day, we all put things off; we tell ourselves that some things are ok to wait until tomorrow and we often lose track of time just trying to finish yesterday’s tasks today. Most of the time these “things” that we push to the side and put off for another day are self-fulfilling tasks; doing something we enjoy, accomplishing an activity we’ve been “meaning to get to,” but haven’t had the time or setting aside time to process the day’s events. We become lost in taking care of others and performing certain goals that we lose the time encouraged for completing our own goals.

Is there something you’ve been telling yourself you would do “when you have the time?” Perhaps one of the goals you set for the day should be making time for yourself. Write down that story you’ve had in your head, watch the movie you’ve wanted to see or get in touch with the friend you’ve been meaning to call. If you don’t take the time to encourage self-care activities that you want to do, you may find difficulty performing the tasks you have to do.

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