The word “mother” can suggest various definitions. Being a mother implies embodying the role of a parent or guardian, while the act of mothering implies providing nurture, affection, and comfort. The word “mother,” whether it be the noun, adjective, or verb, captivates endless emotions and interpretations, all individualized to one’s experience.
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 Karen Bloom as May’s Artist of the Month. Karen is from Kendallville, IN.
Continue readingWe are living in a fast-paced world and to fit ourselves in society, we dive right into the whole rigamarole often forgetting that stressing over something that we cannot control is not going to improve the situation. Everyone has their threshold of handling stress. When you start noticing subtle signs like changes in appetite, breathing, energy levels, sleep, etc., that is your body’s signal to slow down. Don’t let stress take control over your life, rather figure out ways to combat it. It is rather easy to get overwhelmed, so the next time you feel bogged down by stress, keep these tips handy:
Continue readingBy: Stacie Prada
April is National Stress Awareness Month, and it’s a perfect reminder for me to check in with my stress level. It’s an extra busy month for me each year meeting professional and personal commitments while accommodating my health needs.
I recently did a 15-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout, and I followed it with a guided meditation of the same duration. When I found myself needing more willpower to stay engaged during the meditation portion than I needed during the high-exertion portion, it occurred to me I really needed to work on calming my mind more.
Continue readingStress is unfortunately inevitable. We all can experience stress in some form, and it can manifest itself into physical and further emotional distress as well. Multiple sclerosis patients especially can experience stress or anxiety when it comes to managing their diagnosis. Managing stress is important for MS patients to help prevent relapses and to strengthen their immune response.
“Our anxiety does not come from thinking about the future, but from wanting to control it.” – Khalil Gibran
To better manage anxiety and stress, a great place to start is with our thoughts. Often, our thoughts and worries lead down a deeper hole of anxiety. Take a minute to think about the top stressors in your life right now. If your mind goes to the “what-if,” then begin to shift it to the “what can.” The “what-if” is what easily spirals our thoughts. Focusing on what can be done about it in the here and now is a more productive way of thinking. We also forget to think about what is the best thing that can happen!
Continue readingBy: Brittany Quiroz, “A Hot MS”
I have sort of programmed myself to have a respect for the natural order of things in life. I’m one of the believers that everything happens for a reason. We are given life, and we do our best to milk every second out of it. Obstacles are inevitable. It’s a natural part of the cycle of our time here on earth. I can’t help but think that my difficult walk-through life with obstacles far from the norm contributed to my diagnosis with multiple sclerosis.
There’s so much scientific backing to show how when our body goes into a fight or flight response, that it has a substantial effect on our nervous system. When we continue to put our bodies into that sort of space, eventually it can take a medical toll on our bodies.
Continue readingHaving supportive connections is vital for coping and managing the daily struggles that come with MS. Establishing those connections early can greatly impact your well-being, especially during difficult times in your MS journey. Below are ways to make those connections that will help a great deal in feeling empowered and more confident to cope with challenges:
Support groups can be a powerful tool as they can help you not feel lonely while navigating through the different facets of your MS journey. They can equip you with information, knowledge, and support. You can also find friends for life who share similar interests and passions as yourself. Such social networks provide a safe space to interact and learn from other MS warriors through their personal experiences and feedback.
Continue readingMS Awareness Month is here and it’s crucial to acknowledge the unique challenges faced by individuals living with MS. From unpredictable symptoms to treatment decisions, individuals with MS navigate a complex landscape filled with uncertainties and obstacles. In light of these challenges, promoting both competence and confidence is essential for managing the condition and maintaining overall well-being.
Continue readingMSAA 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 Leidy Burgos as March’s Artist of the Month. Leidy is from Philadelphia, PA.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a complex and often misunderstood diagnosis that affects millions of people worldwide. Despite its prevalence, there are many misconceptions surrounding MS that can impact the lives of those living with the condition. Although I personally do not have MS, I’ve worked closely with individuals over the years who live with MS, and I’ve learned and observed firsthand the challenges they face and how unpredictable the disease can be. A saying I’ve heard that stuck with me is, “Multiple sclerosis is like a fingerprint”. This saying speaks to the fact that every person’s journey with MS is unique and looks different for every person. There are so many misconceptions surrounding MS and I’d like to dive into what I wish others knew about the disease with the hope of fostering understanding, compassion, and support for those navigating life with MS.