Monday, January 20th will be observed as the MLK Day of Service for 2020 in honor of Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, this federal holiday is recognized as a national day of service.
Hundreds of thousands of people spend the third Monday of January every year volunteering and supporting causes they feel connected to, in honor of the lifelong work of Dr. King. Continue reading
Minestrone soup is perfect for any cold night in the winter. It’s one of my family’s go-to comfort foods. It is loaded with vegetables and is good for you, too. This recipe is easy to make in a crock pot and will keep you full for hours.
Ingredients: Continue reading
It’s hard to believe we’re through the thick of the holiday season and into a new decade already! 2020 brings with it the potential to try new things and gain new perspectives, or I like to think that it does. I’m not one for liking change or trying something new but I am choosing to alter my outlook in this new year. It’s just going to take some time and hard work. And even more patience.
I don’t typically make resolutions Continue reading
January is officially here. Wow! We are already in the year 2020, and do you know what that means? Tis the season of New Year’s resolutions. However, I’m still not over Christmas. I mean, I’m the person who would keep the Christmas tree up until March. Yep, I’m THAT person. I’m not kidding. My husband takes Continue reading
Who doesn’t love sugar cookies and fudge? Well now you can have both, mixed together. This holiday fudge recipe only requires 4 ingredients. Take a batch or two when visiting family and friends over the holidays, or just treat yourself!
Ingredients Continue reading
Ah, the holidays. It feels like they came around mighty fast this year—even quicker than years past in my opinion. My husband and I will spend this holiday season in a new home and with that comes the possibilities of new holiday traditions. I look back fondly with love and joy at traditions my family engaged in this time of year. I want to re-create those meaningful and festive times and also create new memories for years to come. Well, let’s just say that’s always my intention.
One tradition my family carried out when we were young was Continue reading
The holiday season is here, and what better way to embrace the holiday season than with holiday traditions. Holiday traditions, whether silly or sacred, can add special value to the holiday season and leave lasting memories that you will forever cherish. A holiday tradition that my family has is driving around our community to see all the colorful and brightly lit houses and we typically have holiday music softly playing in the background. My kids Continue reading
As the year comes to a close, MSAA would like to remind everyone about two important upcoming deadlines. The open enrollment period for Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace is quickly coming to an end. Continue reading
As the leaves change colors and fall off the trees and the temperatures drop, most of us cannot help but think of what makes us grateful. Gratitude does seem to go hand and hand with turkey and mashed potatoes and all the other holiday traditions. According to dictionary.com, gratitude is defined as “the quality of being thankful, readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.” Being part of the chronic illness community, I feel this is one of the loveliest qualities we possess and need to hold onto.
A Genuine Feeling
Gratitude outshines all other emotions. So much so that when you experience it, your smile and eyes shine with genuineness. Hopefully everyone has experienced this feeling at some point in their lives. Close your eyes and imagine one time when you were so thankful and genuinely happy. You may have smiled so hard that your cheeks had gone numb from being so overwhelmed from your love and joy. That moment may have been so touching that even still to this current moment, you cannot come up with the appropriate words to express your thankfulness or gratitude.
Daily Gratitude
I would like to think that most of us experience gratitude daily in even the simplest of things. Some of my daily moments of gratitude are from my dog Lacie, my nephews and family, and when someone holds the door for me. When that happens, I light up and will very excitedly yell ‘thank you!’ out of my appreciation for them and their small act. That moment will usually make my day, and the person may never even understand why I shouted thank you so quickly, but I hope they do.
Tracking Your Gratitude
If you wanted to, you could keep a little journal to help track and find what you are grateful for. In the morning you could write down one or more things you are grateful for or how you will make today great. You could even include a positive affirmation. During your nighttime routine you can write down a good deed or two that you did that day or even some great experiences you had. Of course, you can mix and match or find even more ideas online for doing a gratitude journal if it is something that interests you.
I wish you all the happiest and warmest of holiday seasons to you and your loved ones.
About Me
*waves* Hi MS community, my name is Kelly and I am an intern at the MSAA for the fall semester. I’ll be graduating in the spring with my Associates degree in Human Services. I’ve been disabled now for about 13 years, since I was 17 years old. I am a type 1 Diabetic, and have Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum, plus a few other diseases. I use a walker or cane daily. My hobbies include advocating for the disabled, playing video games, and lounging with my dog.
I think we can all agree pecan pie is a must on Thanksgiving. This pecan pie can be made one or two days ahead to make you holiday stress free. This recipe is unique and a family favorite!
Ingredients Continue reading