Learning from Emotions: Lessons from Holidays Past

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

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

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

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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Morning Pain and MS

Navigating pain is a consistent challenge with multiple sclerosis (MS). Nights are often not restful. Many with MS wake in pain. It is challenging to move first thing in the morning. 

MultipleSclerosis.net members recently engaged in a discussion about morning pain. Here are some of the insights they shared.

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Barbara Dixon – November 2024 Artist of the Month

MSAA features the work of many talented artists affected by multiple sclerosis as part of our annual MSAA Art Showcase. Each month we share these artists’ inspiring stories and beautiful artwork with you as our Artist of the Month. This month, we celebrate Barbara Dixon as November’s Artist of the Month. Barbara is from Woodstock, GA.

“Pensive Child”

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(Not So) Scary Stories

….based on totally true events (probably) from multiple eyewitness reports and personal experience.

Gerard had a rough day.

Physically and mentally exhausted, he pulls into the parking lot of the grocery store. He has been putting off this errand all day but after finally running out of enough necessities, he felt forced to make his stiff body drive the 10 minutes down Old County Road. Despite the neon “Open” sign blazing brightly in the window, not one vehicle was parked in the large lot. The overhead light flickered ominously as he tentatively walked through the automated doors of the store.

Time stopped. He closed his eyes as he accepted the horror in front of him.

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Recipe of the Month: Hocus Pocus Halloween Punch

This easy 3 ingredient Hocus Pocus Halloween Punch recipe is great to make for all ages. Only takes a few minutes to prepare and is perfect for watching the classic Hocus Pocus movie! Happy Halloween!!

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Ask the Expert: Sleep Issues

Featuring Barry A. Hendin, MD 

MSAA’s Chief Medical Officer 

Headshot of doctor Barry Hendin, chief medical officer for MSAA
Barry Hendin, MD

Question: What types of problems most often interfere with sleep for individuals with MS?

Answer: High quality sleep is generally recognized as an important health benefit for everyone, and this is especially true for people with MS. Poor quality sleep can increase MS symptoms such as fatigue, pain, daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and depression, as well as difficulties with memory and concentration. Unfortunately, more than half of those with MS have some kind of a sleep disorder or sleep dysfunction, which is a higher proportion than for those in the general population.

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Coping with Seasonal Change: Embrace the Shift

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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