By Angel Blair
When it comes to relationships, it’s important to surround yourself with people you feel comfortable with and enjoy being in the company of. The great part about this is that you can build your own community of people who appreciate, understand, and like you for you. At one time, community was only interpreted as the representation of your neighborhood or town where you live, but community can mean so much more.
Continue readingBy Dr. Eva Jackson
Have you ever wanted to free yourself from your daily routine, but an elaborate vacation was not within your budget? Maybe your family and friends do not have the time for a weeklong travel itinerary, or maybe you simply need a quick break without all the planning, packing, and expense that usually comes with traveling. Something unplanned can still feel refreshing, exciting, and meaningful. A staycation, a skill-cation, or even a bae-cation can all give you the feeling of taking a vacation without requiring you to go far from home. All these new terms for vacation can be included in the simple decision to slow down, step away from everyday stress, and enjoy a staycation.
Continue readingBy Stacie Prada
When looking for things to do in the summer months, I think of my favorite experiences and memories. Some were big, pricey events with lots of planning, and some cost next to nothing, were memorable for some reason, and were special for who I did them with.
This summer I’ll have close family visit me. Our primary goals are to spend time together and relax. Still, it’s the perfect opportunity to create an indulgent staycation for me and a fun vacation for them. They’ve already visited many times, so my goal is to do more of what we’ve enjoyed in the past and find new experiences for us to enjoy together.
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 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 Angel Blair
You are good. You are worthy. You are more than enough. You are you and that is perfect. These are affirmations that everyone deserves to believe and live by. But I myself have always had a difficult time believing in my value as a person and trusting that I am enough and deserving of all that is good in this life. Why is it sometimes easier to judge and ridicule ourselves, rather than celebrate who we are and what we’ve accomplished? Because we’re too hard on ourselves and act as our own worst critics. Because we think we need to be perfect. Nonsense. What we need to do is recognize the wins; the big, the small, and the in-between that’s made us who we are. We need to celebrate us.
Continue readingBy Nicole Robinson
Living with multiple sclerosis has changed the way I look at a lot of things, especially what it means to celebrate myself.
For a long time, I didn’t think of myself as someone who needed to be celebrated. I associated celebration with big milestones, big wins, or moments that everyone could see. But living with a chronic illness has taught me that some of the most meaningful victories are the ones no one else sees.
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.