I am excited to spend Spring preparing delicious salads for my family. I serve salads as a side dish most of the time but have been known to eat this salad as my main meal. It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator but never lasts that long in my house.
Ingredients
6 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup bacon cooked and crumbled.
1/2 cup sliced almonds.
1 cup cheddar cheese
1/4 cup red onion, chopped.
For the dressing
1 cup mayonnaise.
1/4 cup sweetener of choice.
1 tablespoon white vinegar.
salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Add the broccoli, bacon, almonds, cheddar, and onion to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweetener, white vinegar, salt and pepper together.
Add the mayonnaise salad dressing mixture to the broccoli salad and toss to combine. Coat evenly.
Spring holds top honors as the season of new beginnings for new growth, budding blooms and wildlife births. Spring marks the end of winter, although they often overlap in their weather shift competition.
January 1st rivals spring for a new beginning point as the first day of the first month, and it too may garner significance for its relationship to the last day of the prior year.
Waking marks the beginning of the day and end of overnight slumber. A new friendship, a health diagnosis, a life without someone exist in cognition as before and after a moment.
All are endings and beginnings.
Moments in time often pass without anticipation or awareness until later upon reflection and applied significance. Detecting these turning points in real time is infrequent not for lack of effort but for the constant stream of beginnings and endings.
Noticing and assigning purpose elevates common moments.
Foreseen, by happenstance, or noticed in hindsight, each ending lays foundation for a new beginning.
*Stacie Prada was diagnosed with RRMS in 2008 just shy of 38 years old. Her blog, “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” is a compilation of inspiration, exploration, and practical tips for living with Multiple Sclerosis while living a full, productive, and healthy life with a positive perspective. It includes musings on things that help her adapt, cope and rejoice in this adventure on earth. Please visit her at http://stacieprada.blogspot.com/
The world is once again changing, but this time it is changing for the better. This time, the world is offering new opportunities for a new beginning. Instead of writing my usual blog this month, I wanted to share an inspiring poem that really resonated with me. My heart’s desire is that you will also find it inspiring and encouraging as well.
Hop away from the old and hop to the new. It is always a good time to star anew, fresh air and new life. Leave to cold dead winter behind. Shed it like an old snake skin.
I know easier said than done. I face the “why bother” monster too. Spring feels magical. Embrace that magic. Before the suffocating, still summer heat, and bugs, enjoy the clean breeze and light air.
New beginnings don’t care where you plop them, but springtime seems to be good. Try a bit of exercise. Maybe some easy, gentle yoga? Maybe a few sit-ups. Maybe a pet is your new or perhaps something else. Organizing something to better suit your needs. Be open to anything being a new beginning.
A new hair cut is a refreshing way to mark a new beginning, even if it is crushed by fatigue. I think making plans is just as good as doing them. Trying is worthy for us. Daily unplanned obstacles are thrown at us, like an over filled water balloon.
I plan on getting some pink streaks in my hair this summer. If I can get it done, great. If not, no loss. I avoid appointments because I never know what MS will do. I am far from spontaneous and I hyper-plan. With MS, appointments often are commitments I avoid. MS requires flexibility. I am more set in stone, a “yes sir” kind of girl. MS is at odds with being raised a Navy brat.
So, plan your new beginning, but be flexible enough to change plans. MS is like chocolate in summer. Some days it melts on your hand and other days you have bad tremors and it melts in your hair. True story. Plan, but be flexible.
I like to see flexibility as plan B. Flexibility and spontaneity cause me anxiety. New beginnings are more like goals. I think any new good habit is a new beginning really. Self improvement is great. Self care is a great new beginning too.
Fresh flowers, for example, on my kitchen counter, all the time, was a new beginning for me. My allergies don’t really like it, but too bad. I enjoy fresh flowers, as my morning greeting. I just have tissues handy. New beginnings should be good. They may require a contingency or a strategy.
She is your mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin, or friend. She is a woman you have been able to rely on throughout your entire life. No matter the type of relationship, there are women we have been fortunate enough to have in our lives that care about us unconditionally. They support and motivate us to be better people and are our angels here on earth that we’re blessed to know. The women who influence our day to day should be celebrated, and Mother’s Day is a great outlet to do so.
The day doesn’t have to look a certain way either. If you’re celebrating someone who is not ‘technically’ a mother in the traditional sense, that’s perfectly fine and good! Mother’s Day is about acknowledging those who are significant to you. The women who’ve surrounded you with motherly qualities, kindness, compassion, and strength. Celebrate her. Talk to one another, visit if you’re able to, send a card or note, flowers or gift. Just saying thank you to her is a wonderful gesture.
I want to recognize that it may also be a day that is difficult for some. For those who have lost and mourned important women in their lives. Those struggling to become mothers or who have lost a child. The day may be one of remembrance and somberness at times. But it can also be a beautiful day where you can honor someone and recall fond memories. A day where you can hold onto hope that things may look brighter for future Mother’s Days to come. And to celebrate those in your life who have made a difference.
Wishing everyone a beautiful day filled with light and joy.
MSAA is proud to introduce the latest edition of The Motivator, now available in both print and digital editions! This edition’s cover story, “Finding Purpose in Life” discusses how the concept of Purpose in Life has been shown to dramatically affect one’s emotional, mental, and physical health.
Read an excerpt from our cover story below:
Finding a Purpose in Life is a deeply personal thing. For it to have optimal impact, it must be something that resonates for you – something that reflects your beliefs, your interests, and your goals. They key is knowing how to unearth it under the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
Make a list and check it twice.
Actually, make several lists…
What makes you happy?
What are your talents?
What can people learn from you?
What calls you to action?
Spend time with your answers. Perhaps your purpose in life is on one – or more – of your lists.
2. Thank-you notes.
Grab a pen and a piece of paper and write thank-you notes to the people who have made a difference in your life. Sometimes, in acknowledging those people and the impact they had on our lives, we find a desire to do the same for others.
Continue reading for more tips and check out the entire Winter/Spring 2021 edition of The Motivator on MSAA’s website today!
Each year, we feature the work of artists affected by multiple sclerosis in our annual MSAA Art Showcase, including highlighting one artist each month as our Artist of the Month. This month, we are proud to feature artist Tamara Darling of York, ME:
MSAA strives to be a leading resource for the MS community by Improving Lives Today through vital services and support – and we could not accomplish this without the help of our volunteer board members. MSAA’s Board of Directors is comprised of accomplished professionals from across the country who volunteer their time to further MSAA’s mission. Our ongoing series, Meet the Board, introduces you to our wonderful volunteer board members!
This month, MSAA is proud to highlight our newest board member Michael Schoenhaut and share his inspiration for joining the Board of Directors and future goals for the organization.
Professional Background: Michael Schoenhaut is a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager on J.P. Morgan Asset Management’s Multi-Asset Solutions team, based in New York. Mr. Schoenhaut is responsible for a global suite of multi-asset income strategies and is lead portfolio manager across the funds. He focuses on asset allocation, portfolio construction, manager selection, and risk management. He was previously a member of the SmartRetirement portfolio management team which was awarded the 2014 Morningstar U.S. Allocation Fund Manager of the Year for their efforts.
An employee since 1997, Mr. Schoenhaut has held other positions within Multi-Asset Solutions, including portfolio manager for GTAA and balanced strategies and head of quantitative portfolio management. Mr. Schoenhaut earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University and is a CFA charterholder.
What inspired you to join MSAA’s Board of Directors?
After my wife was diagnosed with MS seven years ago, we researched a bunch of organizations that supported patients and research efforts. She had been fortunate to have her MS under control, but we knew that many were not so fortunate. After finding MSAA, Gina Ross Murdoch – MSAA’s President and CEO – reached out to me and personally introduced me to the organization. We kept in touch over the years. Given my background in finance/investment, when an opening on the Board of Directors arose and Gina reached out, I thought it was the perfect way to utilize my professional skills to help a cause that was personally meaningful to me and my family.
What are your goals as an MSAA Board Member?
I would hope to make a difference as a Board Member. Whether that’s starting new programs, helping with existing ones, raising money, or getting to know the people we are serving, it’s all interesting to me. I will be on the Finance Committee and am happy to help MSAA where needed. In addition to the needs of the organization, my personal need is to be an advocate and supporter in the lives of our friends with MS. I hope that my knowledge of MS and passion for supporting others enables me to be a great Board Member and I look forward to the days when we can meet in person!
Editor’s Note: MSAA is extremely proud and honored to enlist the support of Michael Schoenhaut and all dedicated Board Members who volunteer their time, expertise, compassion, and leadership to help us achieve our mission of improving lives today for the entire MS community. We are very grateful for their service and look forward to their continued support as we strive to serve more people in more places than ever before. Thank you once again Mr. Schoenhaut!
For many people in the MultipleSclerosis.net community, Anita Williams’ article was a game-changer. Williams wrote openly and honestly about how this diagnosis affects her arms.
This is something that is not often talked about in the community. But it seems it should be. This article stirred the community, leading folks to realize they are not alone in facing this symptom.
To dive deeper into what this issue looks like for community members, we reached out on the MultipleSclerosis.net Facebook page. We asked, “Foot drop is a commonly discussed MS symptom, but what about arm drop?”
More than 400 people commented. Here is what was shared:
Understanding of the issue
An overwhelming number of folks with MS shared that they have arm spasms and lack of functioning in one or both arms. Many did not realize that other people with MS deal with this same problem. Several thought their arm problems were due to their physical jobs and not a result of MS. There is comfort in people knowing that they are not alone and in finding out the real cause.
“I completely understand this kind of pain and, before reading this article, felt I was alone. It is comforting to know that I am not.”
“For the longest time, I thought I knew no one with arm problems like mine.”
“I thought it was just me who dealt with trouble in my arm.”
Dropping things constantly
For many community members, this shows up as dropping things at unexpected times. Many with MS cannot trust themselves to hold anything – coffee, keys, or even a baby. Some have adjusted by buying things that can withstand being dropped, like protective cases for cell phones.
“I hate dropping things.”
“I have been using plastic dishes for a very long time. I drop things more and more.”
“I will never have a phone without an Otter box and insurance on it thanks to this.”
Dealing with limited functionality, especially when arms are overhead
This issue can affect someone with MS by making it difficult to raise their arms overhead for more than a few moments. This can make it a challenge to blow-dry hair or put away groceries. Some community members do chores in short bursts with lots of breaks so their arms do not get tired.
“I cannot raise my arm all the way up.”
“I get where my fingers get stuck and I cannot move them. It actually hurts I have to pry them apart with my other hand.”
“If I hold my arms up, they start feeling weak.”
Having the problem only on one side
Many who deal with these symptoms find that only 1 arm is affected. The good news is that this leaves 1 arm with full function. But this also means learning how to work with 1 reliable arm. Some learn to use their non-dominant arm, which takes some getting used to.
“I have learned to do most stuff left handed, except writing.”
“Happens with my right hand and arm. Most of my issues are on my right, dominant, side. I cannot keep track of how many cups of coffee I have spilled because it is ingrained into my brain to use my right hand.”
We want to say thank you to everyone who shared for this story. Thank you for being a part of this community and showing so much support for one another.
It was November 2019, and my life was extremely challenging. I was struggling to find a balance between working and parenting my two-year-old toddler. I questioned myself at every turn. Being a first-time mother, I was very unsure of myself. Plus, I was still experiencing a case of post-partum depression. I was not handling all the stress well. Weeks later, I woke up with blurred vision in my right eye – this was the beginning of my symptoms. By the end of December 2019, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS). I am sure that my high stress levels led to my initial MS symptoms.
Stress is something that everyone experiences. But managing a chronic illness can add even more. Unchecked stress can lead to various physical and mental symptoms. Some of these symptoms are chest pain, anxiety, headaches, depression, high blood pressure, and panic attacks. Stress management can provide healthier methods to cope with stress. Here are some stress management tips that I use.
Take care of your body.
You only get one body in this life; it’s essential to take care of it. Your body will give you signs when you are overly stressed. There are many different ways you can take care of yourself. Exercise is a great way to relax your mind and body—the endorphins from exercise can relieve stress and pain. I bought an exercise bike for my home. I try my best to exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Also, a well-balanced diet is another way to take care of yourself. Since my diagnosis of MS, I switched to a gluten-free diet. I have found that this diet has helped reduce my symptoms. Before making any changes, consult with your doctor first.
Relax your muscles.
I have noticed that my body gets taut when I am stressed. During overly stressed moments, I experience muscle spasms. One way I keep my muscles loose is through massages. COVID has prevented me from going to a spa to receive a massage. I purchased a massage gun, and it is a game-changer. It can be painful sometimes because of the intensity of the massage gun. Another quick way to relax your muscles is taking a hot shower/bath.
Grounding techniques.
According to Dr. Sarah Allen, “Grounding means to bring your focus to what is happening to you physically, either in your body or in your surroundings, instead of being trapped by the thoughts in your mind that are causing you to feel anxious.” My therapist recommended trying grounding techniques when I feel stressed or anxious. I have found these techniques to be very helpful for calming myself down. Here are the following techniques I do:
Deep breathing
Take a sip of cold water
Focus on listening to my surroundings
Recite lyrics to one of my favorite songs
Think about everything I am grateful for
Countdown backward from ten
Finding a hobby.
A hobby is an excellent way to occupy your mind. Find something that interests you or keeps your hands busy. My hobby is coloring; I have found a color by numbers app for my phone. Also, I purchased a paint by numbers kit that comes with an easel, paint, paintbrushes, and canvas. I think these kits are great because you get everything all in one; something to occupy the mind and hands and beautiful pictures that look lovely once completed.
Life is full of stressors, and chronic illness can only make it more challenging. Stress management strategies can help reduce stress-related symptoms and maintain a quality of life. Be mindful of taking care of your body through exercise and a well-balanced diet. Grounding techniques can be helpful for self-calming. Plus, finding a hobby can occupy your mind and keep you relaxed. Overall, stress can be detrimental to someone with a chronic illness. Remember to keep your health a priority!
*Moyna John is a multiple sclerosis advocate and freelance blogger. She is passionate about adding representation within the MS community, creating space for Black MS warriors, and empowering modern women to live a purposeful lifestyle outside of chronic illness. Visit her website or follow Moyna on Instagram.
