A Letter to a Friend: So You’ve Just been Diagnosed with MS…

Posted on March 24, 2025 by Courtney Merker

Dear Friend,

I’ve been thinking about you so much since you shared your recent diagnosis of MS. I know this probably feels like a lot – like the ground has shifted under your feet – and I wish I could be there in person to give you the biggest hug. Since I can’t, I wanted to write you this letter instead.

I don’t have all the answers (who does?), but I want to share a few things that I’ve come to learn about MS. Just remember, you are not alone. Not now, not ever. I am here for you, and so are your closest friends and family.

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A Love Letter to My Younger Self

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Emily

By: Emily Carlin

Understanding life with a chronic disease diagnosis is a long-term experience. For me, it took years to come to terms with the fact that I have MS. The journey was not easy but looking back I am proud of myself for how I handled that situation so early in my adulthood.

For some background, I was 23 when I was diagnosed with MS. Unfortunately, I am very familiar with how this condition can impact your life, as some of my family members have lived with MS for many years. To write this piece, I’m going to take you on a little journey with me. Join me as I take you back to the time when I was first diagnosed as I pretend to take myself out for coffee as the 35-year-old woman, wife, and mother I am now.

I asked my younger self out to coffee. She showed up with glowing skin, long hair, vibrant, and full of life. She was also well rested (darn, I was jealous of that, being I’m now a mom of two toddlers). She asked me how my day was going with a cheerful smile. I paused for a second, I looked right in her eyes and told her she was beautiful before I answered. I softly smiled, and told her my day was going well, but I had some things I’d like to share with her.

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Nurturing Love for Yourself and Others

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Courtney Merker

Love, like any living thing, needs nourishment. Just as plants require water, sunlight, and care to grow, our relationships – both with ourselves and those around us – thrive when we invest time, attention and kindness. The way we treat ourselves often reflects in how we show up for others, and vice versa. When we nurture love within, it naturally extends outward, strengthening our bonds with the people with care about.

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Learning to Love Yourself

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Teena Palathanam

I truly believe that the more I care about my needs, the more effectively I can take care of others around me. The more compassion I show myself, the more empathy I can show to others. This means that if I want fruitful relationships with others around me, the transformation must start from within me. Taking care of oneself is not selfish and it often translates to prioritizing yourself. Below are some things to keep in mind while learning to love yourself.

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It All Begins with You

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Diana Cruz-Beniquez

There are so many aspects of life that can continuously change: your job position, friends, family, romantic relationships, your environment. But there is one thing that always remains: You. We often forget that we have a relationship with ourselves and how we nurture that can affect many other aspects of our lives.

The relationship you have with yourself is one that you carry with you every day and everywhere. Your thoughts, emotions, sense of identity, perspective on yourself and your connection to the world will ultimately affect your perspective on life and the various situations and relationships you encounter. A positive relationship with yourself is the foundation to a positive relationship with the world and people around you. But how do you determine what type of relationship you have with yourself? By asking yourself a few questions, you may be able to weave together the bigger picture.

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Filling Your Cup: The Importance of Self-Care

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

Self-care is often easier said than done. While it broadly refers to the actions we take to improve or maintain our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, truly understanding what self-care entails—and how it benefits us—can sometimes feel elusive. At its core, self-care is about meeting our needs and nurturing ourselves so that we can show up fully for others.

Understanding the importance of self-care and its impact on our well-being is vital. I like to think of self-care as a cup of water: we cannot pour from an empty cup. When we give from our cup, it depletes our own reserves. Instead, let’s focus on filling our cup to the brim with love and care, allowing it to overflow. By sharing from the overflow, we ensure our cup always remains full while still nurturing those around us. In doing so, we create a sustainable cycle of giving that benefits both ourselves and others.

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Five Simple Habits for a Fresh Start in the New Year

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Courtney Merker

A new year brings a sense of possibility – a chance to hit reset and realign with your goals and priorities. But making meaningful changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time. Here are five simple yet effective ways to star your year on the right note:

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Simplify Your Environment: A Productive Way to Kickstart the New Year

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to declutter and simplify our surroundings to set a positive tone for the months ahead. Whether you’re aiming to be more productive, reduce stress, or simply create a more peaceful and organized environment in 2025, starting fresh can be a game-changer. A functional, accessible environment is especially important for managing daily challenges and maintaining independence.

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A New Chapter

Posted on January 24, 2025 by Teena Palathanam

The wheel has spun again. Lying ahead are 365 days filled with possibilities to make life better for us as well as for those around us. These are a few things I plan on doing differently to be more effective and productive this year:

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