Smiling Through the Storm

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Life is full of ups and downs. We all have experienced plans that have gone haywire, and curveballs thrown at us at the most unexpected of times. Everyone goes through tough times at some point in life, it is just the intensity, frequency, duration and type that differs. Always remember that it is alright to go through failures because failures are the steppingstones towards success. Instead of diving into despair and gloom, viewing challenges as opportunities to grow can transform your whole outlook on life. Below are a few thoughts that may help you during difficult times:

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Navigating Life with MS: Finding Growth in Challenges

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) comes with its own array of challenges and setbacks that can feel overwhelming at times. From unpredictable symptoms to navigating the complexities of treatment, these hurdles can seem daunting. It’s important to recognize that while these setbacks are very real, they do not have to define our journey. Effective strategies exist for managing these difficulties and finding ways to adapt and thrive. Setbacks can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose, showing that even in the face of adversity, there is always a path forward.

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Navegando por la vida con EM: Encontrando crecimiento en los desafíos

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Vivir con esclerosis múltiple (EM) conlleva una serie de desafíos y contratiempos que a veces pueden resultar agobiantes. Desde los síntomas impredecibles hasta la complejidad del tratamiento, estos obstáculos pueden parecer desafíos enormes. Es importante reconocer que, aunque los contratiempos son muy reales, no tienen por qué definir nuestro camino. Existen estrategias eficaces para manejar estas dificultades y encontrar formas de adaptarse y progresar. Los contratiempos pueden crear oportunidades inesperadas de crecimiento, resiliencia y un sentido de propósito, demostrando que, incluso ante la adversidad, siempre hay un camino hacia adelante.

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Learning from Emotions: Lessons from Holidays Past

Posted on November 18, 2024 by Dana Carney

Giving, thanks, joy, togetherness, festivities. If you were to see these words, you would most likely think of holidays throughout the year and perhaps picture a happy family, a crackling fire, and laughter from a Hallmark movie.

So, what happens during or after a holiday when you are left feeling defeated, overstimulated, or even just…empty?

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Navigating Life’s Difficult Times

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Courtney Merker

Life inevitably throws challenges our way, whether in relationships, careers, or health. The instinctive reaction to difficult situations might be stress, frustration, or even hopelessness. However, with a shift in mindset, these challenges can be more manageable and be an opportunity for strength and growth.

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Moments Matter

Posted on November 13, 2024 by MSAA

By Stacie Prada

Have you ever been in a mood and had something happen that changed it in a moment? It happens a lot, and some moments stick through the years.

I recall being at work years ago, and cheerfully saying, “Good morning!” They responded quickly and sharply, “What’s good about it?”

I don’t remember how I responded then, but I still think about how it startled me. I felt like I’d done something wrong, and I wasn’t sure what. My mood swiftly dropped from happy to resentful. This memory helped me learn the life lesson that we’re all living different experiences, and lots of interactions have nothing to do with us.

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Navigating Emotions During the Holidays

Posted on November 8, 2024 by Diana Cruz

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness. However, for many, it can also bring about a wave of negative emotions. Whether it’s due to the pressures of gift-giving, family dynamics, or the reminder of past losses, this certain time can sometimes feel overwhelming. As a person who tends to get overstimulated easily, especially around the many people and activities that accompany the occasion, I have compiled a few tips that may relieve negative emotions this season:

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Coping with Seasonal Change: Embrace the Shift

Posted on October 25, 2024 by Courtney Merker

As the seasons shift, many of us feel the ripple effects in both body and mind. Whether it’s the crispness of autumn, the chill of winter, or even the blooming spring, these changes often affect our routines, moods, and energy levels. Seasonal change can feel exciting or challenging depending on how it impacts us personally, but there are ways to embrace the transitions and even thrive through them.

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Fall Into Self Expression

Posted on October 21, 2024 by Diana Cruz

The change in season can bring about so many wonderful things, like the feeling of a fresh start, new experiences, and the opportunity to partake in certain activities that only occur during certain parts of the year – like pumpkin picking, haunted hayrides, and attending fall festivals. Although I am a big fan of season change and participating in its many exciting aspects, I can also fall into the feeling of decreased energy or motivation, under or over stimulation around the holidays, and fatigue from lack of sunlight or shorter days. When feelings like this arise, I find comfort in activities that allow me to express myself in new and creative ways. Here are some fall and winter activities that bring me joy that I encourage others to try!

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Coping with the Seasons: A Personal Approach to Change

Posted on October 18, 2024 by Claudia Chavez

Feeling the cooler air this morning made me realize that fall is officially here. It’s hard for me to tell sometimes because I live in a very warm climate. Who chooses to live in 110-degree weather, right? Like clockwork, I know I must take my winter clothes out of the garage and embrace the cooler seasons. As the seasons change, it’s not just the weather that shifts—our bodies and minds can feel it too. Whether you’re bracing for the heat of summer or the chill of winter, adjusting your routine can really help make the transition smoother.

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