I have always been a fan of organization and routines. Staying organized and up-to-date on my to-do list makes life feel manageable and productive. Having a good routine has always provided a sense of structure and control, even more so during busy seasons. But there have been plenty of times, especially as a remote worker, where my routine has felt extremely repetitive, unamusing, and tiring. When this feeling begins creeping up, it personally becomes essential to step away from my day-to-day norm and do something less traditionally productive. But first – it’s important to recognize your emotions and the signs of burnout approaching.
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Reclaim Your Power
Being diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disorder comes with many challenges- one of the most common and often more difficult is learning to become your own advocate. More often than not, the people and healthcare professionals I encounter are not familiar with my condition, which frequently means they do not know the symptoms that accompany the diagnosis and the treatment options that work best for me. This is when speaking up for myself becomes vital.
Continue readingKnowledge is Power, and so is Self-Advocacy
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.
Continue readingThe Growth She Couldn’t Yet See
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.
Continue readingAn Attitude of Gratitude
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.
Continue readingLearning to Love Yourself
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.
Continue readingIt All Begins with You
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.
Continue readingLlenando su vaso: La importancia del autocuidado
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.
Five Simple Habits for a Fresh Start in the New Year
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:
Continue readingSimplify Your Environment: A Productive Way to Kickstart the New Year
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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