Having a child with an illness is any parent’s greatest nightmare. MS being an unpredictable and progressive disease can invoke a lot of emotions for the whole family once a diagnosis has been established. Hug your child from time to time and let them know that it is going to be okay. Give them the reassurance that you are by their side no matter what. Be your child’s greatest cheerleader and encourage them to continue with their regular activities to keep them engaged. Practicing physical activities, getting adequate sleep and following healthy diet patterns can have a huge impact on a child’s MS journey.
Continue readingAuthor Archives: Teena Palathanam
Ready, steady, go!
Every new year is a time to begin fresh and each day is full of endless possibilities. Set goals for yourself and strive to achieve them. Do not wait for the perfect moment to begin something. Take a leap in faith and everything else will align itself. Whatever direction life may take, prepare yourself to improvise every day. Below are some strategies that will help you stay on course:
Continue readingA New Beginning
The new year brings forth hope for the future. It motivates us to start the year with renewed zeal and enthusiasm. It is time to make resolutions and prepare for the exciting adventures and challenges ahead. While focusing on the resolutions, it is important that we set realistic expectations and remember to be kind to yourself while trying to achieve something.
Continue readingVermicelli Pudding
It is the time of the year when the heart is merry and the spirits are high. Time to eat a hearty meal and spread the good cheer. One of my favorite childhood memories was hanging the Christmas stocking every Christmas Eve and as expected Santa always delivered. Those where the times when the little pleasures of life, gave immense fulfillment.
Continue readingHappy Times
It is the time of the year when we have all these lovely holidays just round the corner. The time of the year when we get together with friends and family to share the cheer and joy. But with the holidays comes the stress of organizing, planning and attending parties. Getting through the store aisles can be daunting with a lot of last-minute shopping taking place.
Here are some tips to keep in mind while getting ready for the fun days ahead.
Continue readingRoll in Fall
Fall is a wonder of its own. One gets to enjoy the significant drop in the temperatures which is a wonderful respite from the sweltering heat in the past months. The kids are settled in their schools by now after the long summer break. It is also the season when daylight savings ends, and we fall in the cycle of shorter days and longer nights. College football is officially on and in full swing.
Continue readingTick Tock.. Tick Tock..
Time stops for no one. We often do not realize how fast the clock is ticking. But soon days turn to months and months to years and valuable time is long gone by. It is important that we use time wisely and set our priorities right. Here are some tips on how to accomplish your work and use time in the most effective way:
Continue readingZone out
In today ‘s fast paced and ever changing world, we are so focused on securing our place in the rat race that we forget to focus on the most important thing which is ourselves. It is so vital that we set time apart for ourselves to engage in pursuits that add value to life. I am sharing some tested and tried strategies that have worked for me:
Continue readingA memorable summer
Summer is officially on. One of the places that I try to visit every summer is the beach. There is nothing more peaceful than the rhythmic rush of the waves, the warmth of the sun, the cry of the sea gulls, the gentle breeze and the sand beneath your feet.
One of my favorite ones is the Ocean City Beaches in Maryland. Kids can be seen building sandcastles, collecting seashells, burying friends in the sand or splashing in the waves. While some folks may be lounging in the sun or picnicking, others might be surfing or having a beach volleyball game. This beach is well known for its old-fashioned boardwalk that have trams to transport you back and forth across the entire span. Besides enjoying the super convenient ride, one can hop out to visit the shops and grab lip smacking food at any restaurant along the way. For those who want to enjoy the full experience of the boardwalk or the beach, wheelchairs are a feasible option. Installation of ramps near the boardwalk, beach mats, handicap accessible public restrooms and paratransit services are some measures that are available to enhance the beach experience for individuals with limited mobility. I remember eating a scoop of ice cream as I marveled at the wondrous sand sculptures near the boardwalk. For those seeking an extra thrill and adventure, there is also an amusement park nearby with exciting and what I consider nerve-wracking rides.
It was a day filled with relaxation, fun and excitement. I watched the sun setting on the horizon as I strolled along the boardwalk for the last time with a content smile on my face. Until next time…
An Ode To Mothers
A picture does indeed speak a thousand words. This artwork by Mary Jane Q. Cross is a powerful depiction of the relationship shared by an aging mother and her daughter. It portrays the content smile on the mother’s face and the daughter’s gentle embrace but what is more evident is a bond that is built on friendship and trust. Like old wine, this foundation between mothers and daughters gets stronger and the hearts grow fonder as the years pass by.
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