By Nicole Robinson
Summer looks a little different when you are living with multiple sclerosis. The heat, the fatigue, the unpredictability of symptoms – it all factors into how I plan, what I commit to, and how I protect my energy while still enjoying the season. Over the years I have learned that a meaningful summer does not require a big budget or an ambitious itinerary. It requires intention. And a little planning ahead never hurts either.
Continue readingBy Angel Blair
Continue readingIt’s that time of year again— the peak of the summer months is upon us. For those living with MS affected by the heat, staying cool becomes top priority. And for individuals on a budget, summer planning can require some creativity and thinking outside of the box. But there are ways to try and enjoy the season while being cost efficient and budget savvy. It’s about finding what works for you!
By Samuel Fitch
Having fun in the summer does not have to mean spending hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a fancy vacation, cruise, amusement park, or long-distance trip. Those things can be wonderful, but they are not the only way to make meaningful summer memories.
Sometimes the best kind of summer is a simple staycation right where you live.
Continue readingBy Dan and Jennifer Digmann
The mid-summer scent of grilled hot dogs hung in the air as the sun started setting and we twisted open another ice-cold beer.
Stadium organ music playing “Charge” faded into the background as our friend Erica asked Dan for another bag of Cracker Jack.
Welcome to an evening on our back deck.
Continue readingBy Stacie Prada
“The reward of a thing well done is having done it.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sure, Ralph. Sometimes, having something done well is enough. It’s a relief to have it off the to-do list. It’s not nagging at me, and I’m not stressing about doing it anymore. But sometimes I still need acknowledgment for my hard work. A quiet nod or smile to myself in recognition: a star or smiley face drawn in my journal.
A lot of living with multiple sclerosis for me is invisible, and the effort it takes to prevent or delay physical decline is huge.
Continue readingBy Samuel Fitch
I have no problem admitting that I enjoy recognition. I also know I can be a shameless self-promoter at times. But when it comes to the MS community, celebration feels different.
For me, celebration is not about pretending the hard days do not exist. It is about recognizing the small victories that often go unnoticed.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
Like many people, I was raised to believe that pride and boasting were wrong. As an adult, however, I am learning that recognizing my accomplishments is not the same as bragging. No matter how big or small the achievement is, I am learning to celebrate doing a good job.
For me, being kind and doing good comes naturally, but I am realizing that it is also important to celebrate myself. Sometimes that means simply giving myself credit, patting myself on the back, or treating myself to something special just for being me. I am learning that self-celebration is not about putting myself above anyone else. It is about acknowledging my efforts and my growth and giving myself permission to feel good about the progress I have made.
Continue readingLiving with MS brings many unexpected changes. While much focus is placed on physical symptoms, one of the biggest impacts of MS can be on our social circles. Relationships, marriages, and friendships might undergo a massive shift after a diagnosis, though everyone’s journey looks different.
People from the MS community have shared their raw, realistic, and hopeful experiences regarding how multiple sclerosis has reshaped their connections with others. Their stories show both the potential hardships and the relationship wins of navigating these shifts.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
One of the most meaningful quotes I have read this year is, “Nothing amazing happens inside our comfort zone.” When you first hear that tests confirm a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, your reaction may be shock, confusion, or disbelief. These are normal responses to news that can change the course of your life.
Over the past few years, I have spoken with many other MS warriors about the day they were diagnosed. Those diagnosed early often describe the experience differently from those diagnosed in later stages. I am among those who received a late diagnosis. Looking back, I realize my emotions followed a pattern similar to Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s 1969 theory, the “Five Stages of Grief.” While the experience of living with MS is distinct, it often echoes a comparable emotional journey. I describe that journey as the 6 C’s of Mental Toughness and Resilience.
The 6 C’s are Coping, Courage, Care, Connection, Community, and Compassion. Here is a brief look at each stage.
Coping – This stage often carries you through the emotions commonly associated with grief, from denial and anger to eventual acceptance. For some, this process may be brief; for others, it may take much longer. I spent much of this stage feeling angry after investing significant time, money, and energy searching for answers. Even so, I remain grateful for the care team that helped guide me through the process and supported me along the way.
Courage – For many people, asking for help requires real courage. Using an assistive device or relying on others for support can also be difficult steps to take. Courage means weighing the risks and choosing what best protects your health and safety. As difficult as it may feel, using a walker, cane, or scooter can be a powerful act of strength rather than a sign of weakness.
Care – MS requires ongoing care and consistent attention. Keeping a health journal can help you prepare for appointments and communicate more effectively with your care team. Because many people with MS experience cognitive and memory challenges, having written notes can be especially valuable.
Connection – Connection reflects the relationships you maintain with family and friends. Strong, genuine bonds can make a meaningful difference throughout this journey. Support from the people closest to you can provide both stability and encouragement when you need it most.
Community – If you have not joined a support group, I strongly encourage you to consider it. Your MS community can offer meaningful relationships, practical resources, and a sense of belonging. No one should have to navigate this journey alone.
Compassion – The final stage of mental toughness and resilience is developing the compassion, knowledge, and clarity to support someone else living with MS. At this stage, your experience can become a source of strength and encouragement for others.
As an MS warrior, I hope everyone can move through these stages of mental toughness and resilience with strength, confidence, and hope.
About Dr. Eva Jackon:
Hello. My name is Dr. Eva Jackson, and I am currently a guest blogger for MSAA. I completed a Doctorate in Management, Organizational Development and Change at Colorado Technical University in Denver, Colorado. My academic background also includes a Master of Science in Leadership and a Bachelor of Art in Social Services from Belhaven College in Jackson, Mississippi. I have previously co-owned an event planning, catering, and decorating business called NikLiz Designs with my husband of 31 years Tim Jackson. After being diagnosed with MS, my career path changed, but I continue to provide management consulting services. In addition, I participate in crafting activities and volunteer as a Peer Connections Leader and an MS activist for the National MS Society.
By Samuel Fitch
When people hear the phrase “mental health,” they often think of major life changes, complicated routines, or dramatic breakthroughs. My experience has been much simpler.
For me, strong mental health is often built through small habits repeated consistently; habits that help me stay grounded before the demands of the day begin competing for my attention.
Living with multiple sclerosis has taught me how quickly your mind can drift if you’re not intentional. Some days bring fatigue. Other days bring stiffness or frustration. And if I’m not careful, my mind can start running toward questions about the future that don’t have answers yet.
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