Maybe You’re Already Doing It…

Posted on May 13, 2026 by MSAA

By Angel Blair

I think it goes without saying how important one’s overall health is. Though when we talk about health and wellness, we often just think of the physical aspects. But a crucial part of our well-being relies on mental health and wellness too, and these can unfortunately get overlooked at times. When thinking about wellness plans and regimens, mental health may not be considered a top priority or major piece of the puzzle. But it should, as mental wellness is just as important as other parts of our health system.

Nurturing mental health needs can be challenging at times, but there are ways to help improve it that may already be done in your day-to-day. It doesn’t always have to be a grand act or monumental feat that’s accomplished, but rather small gestures or behaviors done daily to foster good mental health. If I find myself overwhelmed or stressed, there are a few go-to acts that I engage in to center myself and to help refocus.

Continue reading →

Well Well Wellness

Posted on April 15, 2026 by MSAA

By Angel Blair

When it comes to wellness and how we take care of our minds and bodies, there’s definitely some leeway as to what works for each person and what type of wellness is being referred to. If we’re being honest, I was never a big fan of physical exercise and fitness for myself. Not that I don’t think it’s important, because it truly is. I just never had enough drive or motivation to stick to a particular exercise regimen. I don’t take physical wellness for granted or disregard it in any way. It just took me some time to realize that physical wellness is merely one cog that makes up the wellness machine.

Mental and emotional wellness are two other vital pieces in the realm, and I found that these are the ones I can get on board with. Without knowledge of it, I was fostering these facets of wellness with things that I do in my day-to-day. And they’re things that I enjoy, go figure! They may not be obvious examples of wellness but that’s the great part about this theory. It can look so different and represent various things to people. There’s no “right” way to achieve wellness goals. What matters is that they support your body’s needs and promote good health.

I’ve always enjoyed writing, ever since I was young. It helps me to process things and allows me a space to be creative and honest. I also love to read. This activity provides a quiet restfulness and a chance to slow things down. The other surprising endeavor that I found nurtures my personal wellness is cleaning. I know, it sounds odd and a bit atypical compared to other wellness activities. But there’s something familiar and relaxing about it. I like the feeling of accomplishment it provides, and it also lets me jam out to my favorite music.

Maybe these activities wouldn’t work for you, or maybe they would. You may already have certain routines or tasks that bring you joy, positive physical effects, or a sense of purpose and accomplishment. But you may not have realized that these satisfying ventures are concurrently supporting your personal wellness too. Perhaps because you thought wellness had to look a certain way. What a pleasant surprise!

About Angel:

My name is Angel Blair, I am a mom to beautiful twin girls and hold degrees in counseling from schools outside of the Philadelphia area. I’ve worked with the MS community in the past, and am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in helping others. I enjoy spending time with my family, writing, reading, and traveling.

Using Your Voice

Posted on March 18, 2026 by MSAA

By Angel Blair

It can be a truly powerful thing. Yes, sometimes it’s not easy. It can make you feel uncomfortable, unsure, and anxious. But eventually you find that it is absolutely necessary in order to take care of yourself and to put your needs first. It’s finding your voice and using it when situations call for it. It’s self-advocacy, and it is a crucial part of life. Advocating for yourself is a monumental task and one that elicits various outcomes and feelings. An admirable trait that when executed effectively, can evoke feelings of pride and content.

For individuals living with MS or another chronic illness, self-advocacy becomes a vital part of the disease journey. From diagnosis to treatment and care, speaking up for your needs, expressing concerns, and asking questions are necessary components to ensure quality care. There may come a time where you have to question a provider, seek another opinion, or say no in response to something regarding your health. These aren’t always easy to accomplish. But you’ll find that because you know yourself and your body best, it’s essential to make others understand what your needs are.

To do this you have to use your voice, even when others try to shut you down. Sometimes this can feel like a fight, and saying speak up is easier said than done. But if you don’t, you may end up questioning more things than you’d like and wondering how things could have looked differently. The MS disease course can be so unique to those affected that it requires individual accounts, personal perspective, and self-assertion when needed.

It’s hard not to question or doubt yourself if others protest or show doubt in you. It takes belief and faith and proves to be a job in itself. Having trust in the self-advocacy process is difficult. And though it proves to be a struggle sometimes, it’s worth the fight if it leads to what’s best for you and your care. Ensuring you’re being cared for in the best way possible is the ultimate goal and what you rightfully deserve.

About Angel:

Self-Connection

Posted on February 18, 2026 by MSAA

By Angel Blair

When we hear the word relationships we often think about the connections we have to others. Bonds with our family, friends, significant others, etc. So we tend to forget one of the most important but commonly overlooked relationships we have, and that’s the one we hold with ourselves. We work hard to maintain and foster the relationships that we have with other people in our lives, but the relationship we have with ourselves deserves the same attention and compassion. This is a concept that can get lost in the shuffle of juggling life’s demands, but it has earned the right to be found.

Continue reading →

Making Plans on Your Terms

Posted on January 14, 2026 by MSAA

By Angel Blair

I always considered myself a planner. I constantly made lists; I carefully thought out decisions, big or small, to get to the most optimal outcome. I loved comparing the pros and cons of possibilities for things to come. Though I have to say since having kids, the planner in me has changed a bit. I still try to plan and prepare the best that I can, but I’ve had to come to the very real fact that plans change – no matter how much you prepare otherwise.

Continue reading →

Time is Precious

Posted on December 10, 2025 by MSAA

By Angel Blair

Time flies. You can say that again, and again, and again. It’s hard to believe that the end of 2025 is upon us and a new year is right around the corner. The year brought many changes, as the years usually do in one way or another, and either for better or worse. With it also came the same reliable sentiment that life is unpredictable, and to expect the unexpected. How time is precious and fleeting, and to take advantage of life’s special moments as much as possible.

Continue reading →

FOLLOW MSAA ON: