Knowledge is Power, and so is Self-Advocacy

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Kate

Living with multiple sclerosis often means navigating a complex healthcare system, where self-advocacy becomes essential. Recently, I experienced firsthand how crucial it is to stand up for yourself in medical settings.

About 6 months ago, I made the decision to switch to a new neurologist, mostly due to the cost of my annual MRIs. I did my research and found an MS specialist 1.5 hours away and decided to give him a try. I arrived at the office, was pre-screened, and all seemed well until the doctor came in and I found myself being questioned and patronized in a way I have never experienced in a medical setting (or any setting really). Despite living with MS since 2016, doing well on the same DMT for 6 years, and working for MSAA for the past 3 years, the doctor asked me to justify my treatment and explain its benefits in detail before he was willing to continuing the conversation. I never received a physical examination, he never once asked about my lifestyle, and the entire interaction felt like a test. I guess I passed because he did end up ordering my next MRI and continuing with the same treatment path I was already on. The experience left me feeling unheard and disrespected.

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The Growth She Couldn’t Yet See

Posted on May 28, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

Once in a while, I face challenges that remind me just how much I’ve grown over the years. I’ve come to understand that challenges are actually opportunities for personal growth—and that some setbacks are blessings in disguise. Looking back, my younger self could never have imagined how resilient I would become.

She would be proud of how much my perspective has shifted as I’ve grown older and wiser. I used to cling so tightly to people, places, and things that I ended up suffocating the very opportunities life was offering me—to explore, to learn, and to flourish in unfamiliar territory. It was hard to say no to things that drained my energy and happiness. But over time, I’ve learned that while life can be unpredictable and full of obstacles, I have the power to choose my perspective. And today, I choose to believe in myself and trust that I can handle whatever comes my way.

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An Attitude of Gratitude

Posted on May 21, 2025 by Teena Palathanam

Life is one roller coaster of a ride. I realize that each life experience has a mix of emotions attached to it. At this point in life, I think I have experienced it all – anger, frustration, joy, happiness, embarrassment, peace, sadness, laughter, grief, and so forth. I have been overwhelmed many times, not knowing how to handle it all.

Having a good support system has always been my foundation, and it has helped me get through those tough times. I am proud of the little victories and the small successes that I have encountered in my journey through life.

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Learning to Love Yourself

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Teena Palathanam

I truly believe that the more I care about my needs, the more effectively I can take care of others around me. The more compassion I show myself, the more empathy I can show to others. This means that if I want fruitful relationships with others around me, the transformation must start from within me. Taking care of oneself is not selfish and it often translates to prioritizing yourself. Below are some things to keep in mind while learning to love yourself.

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It All Begins with You

Posted on February 22, 2025 by Diana Cruz-Beniquez

There are so many aspects of life that can continuously change: your job position, friends, family, romantic relationships, your environment. But there is one thing that always remains: You. We often forget that we have a relationship with ourselves and how we nurture that can affect many other aspects of our lives.

The relationship you have with yourself is one that you carry with you every day and everywhere. Your thoughts, emotions, sense of identity, perspective on yourself and your connection to the world will ultimately affect your perspective on life and the various situations and relationships you encounter. A positive relationship with yourself is the foundation to a positive relationship with the world and people around you. But how do you determine what type of relationship you have with yourself? By asking yourself a few questions, you may be able to weave together the bigger picture.

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Llenando su vaso: La importancia del autocuidado

Posted on February 19, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

El autocuidado es a menudo más fácil de decir que de hacer. Aunque en términos generales se refiere a las medidas que tomamos para mejorar o mantener nuestro bienestar físico, mental y emocional, a veces resulta difícil comprender realmente lo que implica el autocuidado y cómo nos beneficia. En esencia, el autocuidado consiste en satisfacer nuestras necesidades y cuidarnos para poder brindar lo mejor de nosotros mismos a los demás.

Comprender la importancia del autocuidado y su impacto en nuestro bienestar es vital. Me gusta pensar en el autocuidado como un vaso con agua: no podemos compartir de un vaso vacío. Cuando damos de nuestro vaso, agotamos nuestras propias reservas. Mejor enfoquémonos en llenar nuestro vaso hasta el borde con amor y cuidado, dejando que rebose. Al compartir desde lo sobrante, nos aseguramos de que nuestro vaso siempre permanezca lleno, y al mismo tiempo compartimos lo sobrante con los que nos rodean. Al hacerlo, creamos un ciclo sostenible de dar que beneficia tanto a nosotros mismos como a los demás.

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Five Simple Habits for a Fresh Start in the New Year

Posted on January 29, 2025 by Courtney Merker

A new year brings a sense of possibility – a chance to hit reset and realign with your goals and priorities. But making meaningful changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent habits can make a big difference over time. Here are five simple yet effective ways to star your year on the right note:

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Simplify Your Environment: A Productive Way to Kickstart the New Year

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Claudia Chavez

As we begin a new year, it’s the perfect time to declutter and simplify our surroundings to set a positive tone for the months ahead. Whether you’re aiming to be more productive, reduce stress, or simply create a more peaceful and organized environment in 2025, starting fresh can be a game-changer. A functional, accessible environment is especially important for managing daily challenges and maintaining independence.

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When Holidays Change

Posted on December 27, 2024 by Dana Carney

There are an endless number of events that can cause a change in holiday traditions. An impending move may mean it’s the last Christmas in a childhood home; circumstances can cause a change in who attends or who hosts the gatherings; or there could be a gradual shift in activities as abilities change. A change in tradition can bring heightened feelings of panic, insecurity, or worry – feelings similar to a huge change of plans, only multiplied by 100 because they were previously solidified by years of stability.

When things change, it is alright to feel those emotions, as humans thrive on routine after all! However, allowing it to affect your holiday and time with loved ones may lead to regret and negative memories of this holiday. The most important thing to remember is WHY you love certain traditions, and how you can continue those feelings when the “perfect situation” is unavailable. Do you love lighting the menorah because of the candles, or because your family is around you and singing in its glow? Do you love Christmas dinner because it takes you 6 hours to prepare, or because your nieces helped you in the kitchen and delicious food tastes better with loved ones?

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Smiling Through the Storm

Posted on November 25, 2024 by Teena Palathanam

Life is full of ups and downs. We all have experienced plans that have gone haywire, and curveballs thrown at us at the most unexpected of times. Everyone goes through tough times at some point in life, it is just the intensity, frequency, duration and type that differs. Always remember that it is alright to go through failures because failures are the steppingstones towards success. Instead of diving into despair and gloom, viewing challenges as opportunities to grow can transform your whole outlook on life. Below are a few thoughts that may help you during difficult times:

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