For the average person, catching a cold is a minor inconvenience—a few days of tissues and cough syrup before bouncing back to work. But for those of us living with multiple sclerosis (MS), the narrative is often drastically different. We know that a “simple” bug can feel like a seismic event. As one community member vividly shared, “mundane ailments can knock us down for the count.” What might be a fleeting annoyance for our friends and family can hit us with the force of a freight train, leaving us drained and vulnerable.
When living with a chronic illness like multiple sclerosis, building a community for yourself of people who truly get it is incredibly valuable. Having a support network in your life of people who are there for you in easy times and hard can make all the difference. A support network can be made up of neighbors, friends, and family members you see regularly. And, with the variety of digital options, your support network can easily be found in virtual forums, like MSAA’s My MSAA Community.
Setting goals is easy, but holding ourselves accountable is where the real work begins. We often imagine that achieving a goal is simply about motivation, but it also involves structure, self-awareness, and creating the right environment. Accountability isn’t about pressure or perfection; it is about building habits that support the version of ourselves we are trying to become.
The 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.
2025 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!
As we approach the season of giving, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) would like to bring special attention to the many wonderful community members that we serve. With our mission of Improving Lives Today, MSAA genuinely strives to advocate for and prioritize the well-being of all individuals who have been affected by multiple sclerosis. Over the years, we have collaborated with so many inspiring people, and we are honored to be able to highlight their stories.
In the spirit of the holiday season, we would like to share the heartfelt story of mother and son, Monica and Brian, who both live with multiple sclerosis.
“I’ve learned that in any situation, if you are not advocating for yourself, you’re not going to get anything. My name is Monica Proctor Wilson, and I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis on my 40th birthday after spending several years seeking answers to my symptoms. For four or five years, doctors kept saying that it was fatigue, and that I was overworked and needed to take a break. I believed it was multiple sclerosis, and I started asking about it. People would ask me, ‘Why would you want MS?’ I did not want MS. I just wanted to know what was going on with me,” Monica shared.
This easy and festive recipe for classic Holiday Rice Krispie Treats is a crowd pleaser. You can add fun toppings such as red and green M&Ms and holiday sprinkles or any additional toppings you might like.
Every year, the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) highlights the artistic talents of the MS community in our award-winning virtual Art Showcase. We have received many wonderful submissions from individuals with MS across the country and are delighted to invite the community to participate once again in MSAA’s 2026-2027 Art Showcase.
Now until January 9, 2026, individuals with MS are encouraged to submit up to three works of visual art along with their personal stories to be highlighted in MSAA’s 2026-2027 Art Showcase. We welcome various types of art including paintings, drawings, photography, and more. To participate, please visit MSAA’s Call for Submissions webpage, or email us at showcase@mymsaa.org.
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:
