Author Archives: Angel Blair

About Angel Blair

My name is Angel Blair; I am a mom to beautiful twin girls and hold degrees in counseling from schools outside of the Philadelphia area. I’ve worked with the MS community in the past and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in helping others. I enjoy spending time with my family, writing, reading, and traveling. 

Happy New Year

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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!

Happy Holidays

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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.

Self Care

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“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.

Special Moments

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“Life isn’t a matter of milestones, but of moments.”

– Rose Kennedy

 “We do not remember days, we remember moments.”

– Cesare Pavese

There are many different types of moments we all experience throughout life. Some are good, some not so good, and some that remain with us for years to come. Our minds let us store these moments deep down in a place where we can retrieve them from time to time to recall how truly special the moment was. These moments will not look the same for everyone. The defining characteristic that makes these moments special is that they are different from someone else’s. They mark a time in our life that captivated us for one reason or another and helped define who we are, what we like, and what we believe to be special. So what are some of your special moments?

 

Getting Involved

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“To reach a port, we must sail—Sail, not tie at anchor—Sail, not drift.”

– Franklin Roosevelt

  “The ability to convert ideas to things is the secret to outward success.”

– Henry Ward Beecher

I remember when I was young and in school, there were always opportunities to get involved in something. Whether it was a sport or club, kids signed up to do almost anything, sometimes to get out of class, or just because it was a way to become a part of something outside of themselves. School was the entity that brought opportunities (although sometimes these were mandatory) for us to do good deeds; community service projects or some type of fundraiser to get involved with. I remember one year in school we had to go out Christmas caroling for canned goods, and though we couldn’t really hold a note, we actually collected a lot of cans! I was young but I still remember feeling good that we were able to accomplish something. But when we grow up and school is no longer the governing body that presents the opportunities to get involved, how can we still be a part of something greater than ourselves?

Nowadays there are so many ways for people to get involved. There are fundraisers, programs, events and activities for so many causes that allow people to be exposed to ways in which they can become a part of something bigger. I realize that sometimes there is hardly enough time in the day to accomplish what you set out to do, but why not become involved in something that isn’t expected? Do something that differs from your normal day to day routine and you have the opportunity to experience the sense of being part of something greater just by getting involved…

Relationships

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“It seems essential, in relationships and all tasks, that we concentrate only on what is most significant and important.”

– Soren Kierkegaard

Relationships have the capacity to be great. They can be fun, comforting, reliable, and strong. I think most of us would agree that while relationships can be wonderful, they can also be challenging at times, just like anything else. Any relationship, no matter the connection—spouse, significant other, parent-child, sibling, friend—each comes with its own benefits and struggles. I know that I can definitely bump heads with my mother from time-to-time on any kind of issue, but I suppose it comes with the territory.

I think that all of us, at one time or another, like to think that we can do everything on our own—to be independent from others so that we can show ourselves what we are capable of. But I believe it’s part of human nature to seek out connections, to find comfort and dependability in another being so that we can feel a part of something bigger. What do you look for in your relationships with others? What helps you make those connections?

 

 

Family

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“Let us make one point, that we meet each other with a smile, when it is difficult to smile. Smile at each other, make time for each other in your family.”

–         Mother Teresa

 “There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human, are created, strengthened and maintained.”

–         Winston Churchill

Sometimes they can drive us crazy. We can argue, bicker and disagree on just about anything. I remember one Thanksgiving where my uncle, who thinks of himself as a turkey specialist, complained of how the turkey looked undercooked. He argued with my mother (the cook) about it all day, and yet continued to eat piece after piece of it even before the rest of the meal was finished. Yes, our relatives can really have their moments. We find that they can be our greatest allies, and yet some days, present us with our greatest challenges. They are family, and as the saying goes, “can’t live with them, can’t live without them.”

But there can be moments of such love and warmth within a family that have the ability to trump unforeseen obstacles, lighten unbearable situations, and bring insight we may have overlooked. At the end of the day we are who we are, and reflecting on the love and support of our “family,” biological or not, can oftentimes help us to face an unpredictable day. Share some of your memorable family experiences and the moments that make you feel loved by those closest to you…

 

Gratitude

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“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”

– John F. Kennedy

 “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

– Albert Schweitzer

In life, there are many instances where good deeds often go unnoticed and the people who do these deeds can be overlooked. As we live in a somewhat “rushed” and hectic society, there are many moments that tend to slip under the radar as we hurry along to accomplish the day’s tasks. We can often ignore the things in life that are precious and valuable. It is not through personal fault that this occurs; there are simply not enough hours in the day to single out all of the privileged moments we experience.

But what if we did just that? What if we made time to think of all the moments, people, and interactions that we feel grateful for on any given day? Showing gratitude to the people in our lives that we cherish and to the moments that make life unforgettable has the capability to brighten our outlook, and make an otherwise “hectic” day seem gracious and special.

What are some things that make you feel grateful?

Exercise, Part II

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“Jogging is very beneficial. It’s good for your legs and your feet. It’s also very good for the ground. It makes it feel needed.”

~ Charles M. Schulz

”Never eat more than you can lift.”

~ Miss Piggy

Resolutions. Most of us have made them, and they commonly include some type of exercise plan. They usually occur in celebration of the start of a new year, to help mark new beginnings and make meaningful changes. Though we all know that resolutions may start off strong with promises, schedules and routines, they do not always last with the same enthusiastic energy. Compared to any other time of year, (Halloween resolutions are not that common), New Year’s is the identified time that marks the declaration of these resolutions, but who says they have to be created only when the clock strikes midnight?

As summer is slowly coming to a close, we are ready to embark on yet another season change. The fall brings relief from the heat but not the bitterness of winter, the start of a new school year for some, and another “beginning” for people to make changes. So as the weather gets cooler, perhaps it is time for those exercise resolutions to be resurrected, or made for the first time. Take advantage of the cooler weather by exercising outside, or enjoying outdoor activities without the overwhelming heat. What can we do so that exercise does not remain a forgotten resolution?

Exercise, Part I

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“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body; it is the basis of dynamic and creative intellectual activity.”

– John F. Kennedy

Exercise. Honestly, we know that not everyone likes to do it. The idea of exercising can make some of us cringe at times, but it plays such a crucial part in our health. We hear it constantly from all sources; the media and our doctors. We know exercise can be good for us, yet sometimes we resent it and try to avoid it at all costs.

So how can we warm up to the idea of making exercise a part of our regular routine? Here are some ideas to make exercise a little more bearable…and maybe even fun!

*Please remember to consult with your physician before taking on a new exercise routine*

  •  Exercise during the part of the day when you feel you have the most energy
  • One key word: moderation. Don’t overexert yourself; exercise at your own pace
  • Exercise with a friend or relative; this can make the time more enjoyable and fun
  • Listening to music while you exercise can be relaxing and entertaining
  • Pick an exercise that you enjoy; take a walk around your neighborhood, do water aerobics, take a dance class, practice yoga…

What are some ideas that you have to make exercise enjoyable?