By Angel Blair
Let’s be honest – most of the time, it’s difficult to balance all the tasks everyday life requires. Finding time to complete a to-do list, work, and handle other daily activities can be daunting, and sometimes too much on the mind and body. We all encounter this pressure, and life just continues to dole out its expectations and duties. So how do you find that balance of taking care of yourself and completing what’s to be done?
Continue readingLife can be overwhelming at times, but finding the right balance can help you stay healthy, grounded, and in control. There are a few practices that I try to follow to maintain that balance, while recognizing that things will not always go according to plan.
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Todos conocemos esa sensación. Mira el teléfono móvil y ahí está: ese pequeño ícono rojo de la batería que le avisa que la batería se está agotando. Sabe que tiene que recargar el móvil, pero aún le quedan sitios a los que necesita ir, cosas que necesita hacer y mensajes que responder. Así que sigue adelante y espera que la batería aguante solo un poco más. Nuestra energía puede funcionar de manera muy similar.
Continue readingWe all know the feeling. You look at your phone and there it is: that little red battery icon letting you know you are running low. You know you need to recharge, but you still have places to go, things to do, and messages to answer. So, you keep going and hope the battery lasts just a little longer. Our energy can work much the same way.
Continue readingThere are versions of myself hidden everywhere: in the back of closets, in drawers, in storage bins I’ve never unpacked because some part of me was unwilling to let go. I’ve kept old clothes that no longer feel like me (and certainly don’t feel good on), photos I should have deleted years ago, and gifts tied to people I’ve long since outgrown, held onto out of nostalgia mixed with a fair amount of guilt.
Overall, I’ve always been someone willing to purge things that no longer suit me, and I’ve done it regularly over the years. But even now, there are still plenty of things sitting around that I know I no longer need and will never use. Things I’ve kept because they belonged to another chapter of my life. Another version of me.
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.
Continue readingWhether it is related to work, relationships, health, circumstances, or lifestyle changes, stress has become a normal part of life for people of all ages. Stress is the body’s natural response to external pressure. While it is normal for stress to come and go, problems begin to arise when it becomes constant and lingering.
Here are some ways to take care of your mental health by making subtle changes to your routine:
Continue readingBy Nicole Robinson
Living with multiple sclerosis has taught me a lot, especially when it comes to protecting my mental and emotional well-being.
When I was first diagnosed, I didn’t have it all together. There were moments of confusion, frustration, and a lot of questions about what my life would look like moving forward. While I still don’t have all the answers, I’ve learned that small intentional habits can make a big difference in how I show up each day.
Continue readingBy Stacie Prada
Last year, my naturopath suggested I take deep breaths each day, and I agreed it would be good for me. I approached it like a prescription and made sure to do it. I followed guided meditations, and they were fine. I’d set a timer and count deep breaths in and out to meet the goal. It seemed good for me, but I didn’t love it or look forward to it.
Then I had an “aha moment.” I’ve long wanted to improve my singing, and I realized I could make progress with singing AND practice breathwork in a way I’d enjoy.
My inspiration was a music app. It would allow me to do breathwork and improve my musical knowledge and skills. Most importantly, it could be fun. I’ve now been doing singing lessons for a few minutes each day for 22 weeks. Because I want to keep my streak, I make sure I do it every day. I love that it’s a bite-sized daily commitment, and it’s doable.
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