I have realized that every time I go to a doctor’s appointment, I walk in already feeling guilty — mentally preparing to defend myself, almost expecting judgment. Before the doctor starts asking about my exercise routines and eating habits, I am literally saying in my mind, “Guilty as charged”. But guilt doesn’t move us forward. Conscious choices do.
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Speaking up is so important for anyone going through a chronic illness like MS. Being a self-advocate while going through MS can be so challenging, as individuals going through MS are often misunderstood. This misunderstanding often stems from the invisible nature of MS. To further add to this issue, symptoms greatly vary among individuals. Many individuals face a lack of empathy from loved ones who cannot fully grasp and understand what these individuals are physically, mentally, and emotionally going through.
Being a self-advocate while living with MS can bring about a whole new perspective of this illness by instilling empowerment and awareness among MS individuals. Through your self-advocacy efforts, people around you can learn to be more sensitive and empathetic about your situation. Here are some strategies to effectively become a self-advocate for MS:
Continue readingKindness is something we encounter more often than we realize. At some point, each of us has been at the receiving end of someone’s patience, and those moments stay with us. When we choose to be kind, we keep that ripple moving forward. What makes kindness such a powerful virtue is that it costs nothing, carries no expectations, and does not require grand gestures or public displays. In fact, it is usually the small, random, and quiet acts that brighten someone’s day the most. Life is short, and choosing kindness is one of the simplest ways to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Sometimes it is as easy as holding the door for someone, letting a parent with restless kids go ahead in line, or offering a smile when someone looks overwhelmed.
Continue readingThe wheels have turned again, bringing us to the beginning of a brand-new year. This is the perfect time to reflect on the past year and identify the changes one would like to make this year to bring more growth and fulfillment to their life. Setting resolutions for yourself can give a sense of accomplishment and boost your self-esteem when positive results are achieved.
Continue reading2025 has been a memorable year. As the year sped by, it is worth reflecting and remembering both the good and the bad moments. It gives me an opportunity to assess the flaws on my side and a chance to examine the areas I can possibly improve for the next year. Looking back, it was a year filled with interesting experiences and valuable life lessons.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve been reminded of this year is the importance of holding onto hope, even when everything around me feels overwhelming. Hope means moving forward one step at a time, celebrating small victories, and embracing setbacks as part of the journey toward the life you envision and the goals you want to achieve. It is a calm assurance that, no matter how bleak things may seem at times, there is always light waiting at the end of the tunnel.
Looking back on this year, I am grateful for the opportunities I got to learn and grow personally as well as professionally. I am grateful for the family that stands by me and appreciative of friends that value our connection. I have come to accept the fact that life is most fulfilling when it is welcomed with open arms, irrespective of the countless obstacles along the way. As I navigate this journey, it continues to be unpredictable and exhilarating at the same time. Here’s to moving onward and forward!
Proper sleep is a quintessential part of functioning optimally. The average adult needs at least 7-8 hours of proper sleep. A loss of sleep can interfere with an individual’s ability to function at their full capacity, as it can lead to issues like confusion, irritability, exhaustion, and lack of energy. An individual with MS may often have issues with sleeping soundly. In addition to the general discomfort that they commonly experience, sleep disturbances can create havoc in a person’s body who has this condition.
Here are some tips to keep in mind that might help you get more shuteye when you hit the bed:
Continue readingSelf-expression is a tool that can unleash your creativity in a unique way. It is not just a way to beat your internal stress; it is a self-defense mechanism that is powerful and can reveal a lot about our inner selves. Everyone has a unique way of expressing themselves and the best part of self-expression is it does not have to be perfect. I serve as a primary example of that. From that statement, I mean that I am no artist, but I like to draw and paint for fun. Art is therapeutic for me in more than just one way. For me, it is all about self-care and there are so many reasons why I enjoy the process. I like the sound of my sharpened pencil grazing on my paper. I like how I can translate my thoughts on a blank canvas. I like to see how different colors mix on a palette to create different shades. It helps me to relax and distract myself from a continuous string of thoughts crossing my mind. I find happiness in the fact that I was able to dedicate some quiet moments to myself. I like to use Paint-by-Number art, which are DIY structured painting kits. They are pre-designed with pictures and come with easy-to-follow instructions. It is great option for beginners who would like to experiment with colors and art.
If you are looking for a new hobby, try to explore different avenues that spark your creativity. Origami, pottery, sculpting, crocheting etc. are great mediums for artistic expression. Whatever you decide to do, feel free to express yourself in ways that speak volumes and give yourself permission to try something new without judgement. Nurture your passions and discover more about yourself each day.
As Albert Einstein once quoted — “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
As the school year has officially started, going back to school can be stressful for some families. Students may be battling stresses associated with academic performance, peer pressure, social anxiety, etc. On the other hand, parents are anxiously hoping that their children will have a productive year at school. It is important to set realistic expectations for your child and be prepared to anticipate challenges along the way. If you are a parent with MS, fatigue and exhaustion can hit any time. Planning and being organized is the key.
Here are some tips that can help alleviate stress associated with the transition back to school:
Continue readingAn individual going through a chronic illness like MS may be hit with a multitude of emotions like loneliness, helplessness, confusion, anguish, anger, and sadness at different points in time. The uncertainty associated with MS can be immensely stressful. Having a support system, whether it be friends, family, coworkers, or therapists, can help you navigate through the toughest times. Reaching out for help from your support network is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows that you have a strong support system to back you up in hard times. Below are some tips to build a strong and thriving safety net:
Continue readingLiving with MS comes with a unique set of challenges. Heat intolerance can cause setbacks that can lead to a lot of discomfort for those experiencing it. Hot weather can exacerbate MS symptoms and lead to potential flare-ups. As the core body temperature increases, one may notice increased fatigue, weakness, changes in vision, tremors, and more. Heat-related changes are usually temporary and could get better as the body cools down.
Below are some strategies to beat the heat and manage symptoms:
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