This post about complementary medicine was initially published in October 2016. Its contents remain relevant to people with MS or any ailment. Some of the original content has been updated.  

Living with an illness, any illness, prompts you to find ways to feel better. If you have a headache, you take an aspirin. If you have high cholesterol, you take a statin. However, there are sometimes no simple solutions to alleviate your symptoms.

What do you do when you're desperate to step outside the box of conventional medicine to feel better?    

One internationally known neurologist and MS specialist guided his patients to think outside the box for years. Dr. Allen Bowling is a leading authority on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) applied to Multiple Sclerosis.  

Photo Credit: NeurologyCare.net

Dr. Bowling came onto my radar when I searched for more ways to live healthier. The diets I discovered for MS years ago didn't meet my expectations. Roy Swank promoted his extremely low-saturated-fat diet, while John McDougall advocated a low-fat "fad" diet.

They weren’t for me.  

I knew I didn’t want to rely solely on Solumedrol whenever I had an exacerbation; it was the only option at the time of my diagnosis. I wondered if diet, exercise, and a holistic health approach combined with traditional medicine would provide a healthier way of life.

Loyal readers know I was an early devotee of Dr. Andrew Weil's advice soon after my diagnosis. Weil focuses on holistic health and integrative medicine. I clung to him at the beginning of my MS journey.

Years later, I came across an article about Dr. Allen Bowling and his groundbreaking work in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). I needed to find out more.

When I had the chance to attend a symposium at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers' annual meeting, Dr. Bowling presented a topic titled "Expanding the MS Toolkit: Integrating Lifestyle Factors and Unconventional Medicine Into MS Clinical Care." I found it fascinating.

Bowling’s book “Optimal Health with Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide to Integrating Lifestyle, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine” synthesizes his decades of significant research, writing, and caring for the MS community.

Now, I use his book as a guide for healthy living.

This book is a dependable reference that can be used repeatedly. It serves as a comprehensive guide for better health for those living with multiple sclerosis (MS) or anyone interested in leading a healthier life.

Dr. Bowling was kind enough to answer a few questions. If you're looking for the key to mind, body, and spirit working in harmony, Dr. Bowling can help you open that door.    

How did you first become interested in integrative medicine? When did you decide to share your interest with the MS community?  

I first became interested in integrative medicine when I entered practice 20 years ago and realized that most of my patients were interested in this type of approach, yet I had received no education or training in this approach.

I began writing and speaking on the topic once I collected a small amount of evidence-based information in this area (a few months of work 20 years ago). I also began to incorporate it into my clinical practice.

What first concept caught your eye to learn more about integrative medicine?

What caught my eye about this approach (and was actually quite shocking!) is that it actually leads to a higher quality of care, but it is not the standard of care. It provides a higher quality of care because it includes conventional medicine, addresses lifestyle factors that may prevent many diseases and may be beneficial for MS and many other conditions, and provides evidence-based information about “alternative” approaches.

Were you influenced by anyone’s work in integrative medicine to help you decide to go in that direction?

Early in my work, few professionals genuinely used an evidence-based approach in this area—most of the available information was excessively negative or positive and did not include much evidence. In the 1990s, I was influenced by the work of Dr Edzard Ernst in the United Kingdom.

My patients generally did not find either of these extreme, non-evidence-based approaches helpful—they wanted the “real deal” information without spin or sugar-coating.

How do you explain integrative medicine to patients and why they’d benefit from incorporating it into their own lives?  

I explain to patients that there is evidence that conventional MS medications have benefits for modifying MS disease course and treating MS symptoms. Still, there is also evidence that exercise, diet, emotional health, tobacco use, alcohol, and other medical conditions have essential effects on MS and general health and, therefore, MUST be incorporated into the treatment plan.

In your experience, does any one “type” of MS benefit more from integrative medicine than another?

I think all types of MS may benefit from this approach. In the specific case of progressive MS, for which many feel the treatment options are limited, I would argue that many therapies, primarily integrative, are available and should be used.

What has been the biggest game changer in how patients view integrative medicine?

I think the biggest game changer is that people with MS and professionals are more open to this approach and that more evidence is available to support the safe and effective use of these approaches.

What diet(s) do you suggest for the MS community?

I doubt there will ever be one best diet for MS—I think we may find one diet that’s the worst for MS…the standard American diet. For diet, I recommend:

• A generally healthy diet—in keeping with Michael Pollan’s quotation, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Specific diets consistent with this include DASH, MIND, TLC, Weight Watchers, and vegetarian.
• Consider Vitamin D and B12 supplements if blood levels of these nutrients are low.
• Avoid or cautiously use most supplements---there are more than 200 supplements that raise concern for people with MS.
• Limit calorie intake to maintain a healthy body weight.

How much exercise do you recommend to patients?

For exercise, I also think that it is unlikely we will ever find the best program for people with MS. What I recommend is a personalized program that is enjoyable and generally has these features:

• 3-4 sessions per week, each lasting 30-60 minutes.
• 2:1 ratio of aerobic conditioning.
• Balance, stretching, and relaxation during or after exercise are fun!
• The exercise program should be developed in conjunction with a physical therapist for people with any type of disability.

Please explain your integrative MS model and the new MS care paradigm.

The new paradigm of care that I discuss is this integrative model applied to MS. I discuss in detail in my recent book, Optimal Health with MS. This approach utilizes conventional medicine as well as unconventional medicine and lifestyle strategies to treat MS but also to treat other medical conditions and maintain whole body health.

This approach has seven steps:

• Disease-modifying medication
• Symptomatic treatment—with conventional, unconventional, and lifestyle medicine
• Exercise
• Diet
• Personal and social well-being
• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Treatment and prevention of other medical conditions

What are your thoughts on medical marijuana for MS patients?

I think marijuana use needs to be thought through carefully for people with MS. As with any drug, one should weigh the risks and benefits of marijuana. Multiple studies in MS show that marijuana products may improve pain and one’s sense of muscle stiffness (spasticity).

Unfortunately, the products used in these studies are unavailable in the US, which leads to a challenge in relating these studies to day-to-day practice with products available in the US. Marijuana may interact with prescription medications and has possible adverse effects, such as addiction, motor vehicle accidents, dizziness, and impaired balance.

If you're interested in learning more about Dr. Bowling, here's a blurb about him from the Yale School of Medicine's website:

When he returned to his native Colorado 20 years ago to treat people with multiple sclerosis, Allen C. Bowling, M.D. ’88, Ph.D. ’88 believed he was well prepared. After earning a medical degree and a doctorate in pharmacology at Yale, he completed his neurology residency at the University of California, San Francisco. He spent three years as a fellow at Harvard.

“I was thinking, ‘Wow! I have such a great toolbox for doing clinical practice at a high level.’ ” Before long, however, Bowling recognized gaps in his knowledge. “There’s so much I don’t know, so much I didn’t get, in more than a decade of training.”

This realization grew out of the nature of multiple sclerosis (MS): this disease of the central nervous system is incurable and unpredictable and causes a constellation of symptoms. Although his patients generally took conventional medications for MS, Bowling discovered that most were interested in how such lifestyle issues as diet and exercise affect the disease. More than half pursued strategies not dreamed of in the medical school curriculum: reflexology, removal of dental fillings, marijuana, magnets, pressurized oxygen, and prayer. However, at that time, there were no reliable sources of MS-specific information in these areas.

“I realized that the quality of MS care could be improved by providing objective information about the safety and efficacy of these lifestyle and unconventional approaches to people with MS and also to health professionals."

UPDATE: Dr. Bowling's website shows that his clinical practice is now closed. His legacy will endure through his work and the numerous books he has written. I'm sure he's doing something extraordinary wherever he is.

The post Why We Need to Look Closer at Complementary Medicine for Our Health appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

Ah, MS, you picked the wrong girl to mess with. I'm tired of dancing with you. I'll never allow you to take the lead.

(You can borrow my mantra if you'd like!)

The other day, I was thinking about healing emotional wounds from living with MS. The ups and downs of anxiety and stress can, at times, be overwhelming. Was it a coincidence that I stumbled on a quote by Lancali that perfectly describes healing emotional wounds while living with MS? Hmm.

"A chronic illness is not difficult to live with because it is endless. It is difficult to live with because it is unpredictable. But like grief, every flare ends, and though the looming threat is constant, you learn to live beside it. A shadow of mixed blessings. It does not heal as wounds do, but it teaches you of your own strength till you can wear it like a battle scar."

Life is inherently unpredictable, and we can never be sure about the future. Coping with an unpredictable illness like Multiple Sclerosis (MS) requires us to be emotionally prepared to face the challenges that come our way. It teaches us to be resilient and to develop coping mechanisms that help us navigate through the difficulties of life.

It's easier said than done, but I believe it's worth it if we can do this.

I shared a post on social media to create awareness about how it feels to live with MS (or any chronic illness) and the emotional toll of fighting everyday struggles. It caused quite a stir:

Allen Bowling, MD, PhD, MS Specialist—I interviewed Dr. Bowling about his book Optimal Health with Multiple Sclerosis: A Guide to Integrating Lifestyle, Alternative, and Conventional Medicine (click here to read the interview). I highly recommend reading this informative guide. It's one you'll go back to again and again.

The post How to Start Healing Emotional Wounds Despite the Unpredictability of MS appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

We're all metaphorically smacked around, burnt out, and emotionally raw from 2020. What a year it's been. What can we do to heal our weary souls?

How can we let go of what's toxic to us, hold on to what's been supportive, and move forward?

The year has been particularly challenging on my MS. The cold temperatures in New Jersey are more and more difficult for me with each passing year. More than the heat of the summer. Go figure.

Walking and climbing stairs has become more demanding, and the weakness and numbness in my lower limbs have increased.

Add into that some unexpected emotional wounds that are stressful and unrelenting.

I'm not complaining, I'm merely explaining.

When MS kicks my butt, which seems to occur more often as I age, I rely on my mantra:

"There's more right with you than wrong."  - Jon Kabat-Zinn

When we journal about our blessings the simple act of creating a "what I'm grateful for" list is a powerful and cathartic thing to do.

Try it! It really helps.

This is the journal I use, by Gabby Bernstein. I love it.

NOTE: My other mantra is the poem "She Let Go" by Safire Rose. I listen to it on my Insight Timer app. It helps me let go of what no longer serves me well.

Self-care has become an overused buzzword that pre-pandemic meant one thing but now means a whole lot more.

According to Dr. Rebecca B. Skolnick, co-founder of Mindwell, NYC:

“I think of self-care in various domains such as psychological, physical, professional, and personal,” says Dr. Rebecca B. Skolnick, co-founder of MindWell NYC and a licensed clinical psychologist. Maybe it’s a long run, a midday nap between Zoom calls, an elaborate home-cooked meal, or a pint of Halo Top in bed. Particularly right now, as we are adapting to new ways of living every day, we simply can’t put “self-care” in a box. And as we learn our current iteration of “new normal,” we need modes of refocusing on our wellbeing more than ever." (Refinery29.com, July 20, 2020)

If you feel burnt out, emotionally overwhelmed, stressed, or riddled with anxiety or depression try practicing one or all of the following:

• Meditation
• Scheduling alone time for yourself
• Breathwork
• Gentle yoga
• Walks in nature
• Tapping
• Reiki
• Diffusing essential oils with lovely scented oils
• Slowly counting to 10 while focusing on each number
• Limiting alcohol and caffeine
• Getting enough sleep
• Eating well-balanced meals
• Doing your best and knowing that it's enough

Here are a few articles to help you create your own self-care plan:

• Huffington Post - In 2020 Self-Care is Becoming a More Radical Act
  Mayo Clinic - Self-care During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  American Psychological Association - Self-Care Has Never Been So Important
  National Institutes of Health - Health Behaviors, Wellness, and Multiple Sclerosis Amid COVID-19
• I LOVED this article from Marie Claire - Download These Self-Care Apps When Everything Sucks

This year has been extraordinarily difficult. For the families of those who passed from COVID, their heartache is unimaginable. For those struggling with it now, or are dealing with financial, physical, or emotional problems, I send heartfelt healing prayers. I know that's not nearly enough but I hope it helps to know that others care about your well-being.

As we look toward 2021 there are no magic wands to make everything better. But I believe in the power that communities can bring. I've seen them work in the disability community. Even in our darkest hours, we know someone will always be there to listen, care, and take action.

For example last year I, and 140 other advocates from around the world, attended the HealtheVoices conference in Dallas in their "effort to further connect, support, and further empower the online health advocate community." We became a family and continue to be one to this day.

Unfortunately, since then a few attendees passed away. When we learned of their prognoses we rallied around them with love, support, kindness, and compassion. We inundated them with emails, cards, and calls. I know our devotion was important to them. Rest well, sweet, sweet friends.

We can all build powerful communities to battle the angst of our struggles. Together, we can solve so much.

Many people are feeling lonely and isolated, especially during the holiday season. Sprinkle some kindness by sending a card, text, or making a phone call to brighten someone's day. Click here for a few ideas on random acts of kindness.

My deepest thanks to ALL of YOU for following me on my journey via An Empowered Spirit. I'm deeply grateful for your kindness and thoughtful comments that always touch my heart.

It means so much to know you're with me. It's been 9 years now!

I hope I've inspired, educated, and empowered you to live a joyful life despite living with chronic illness.

My wish for you is that 2021 will be a year of good health, inner peace, much joy, and in-person hugs! Don't you miss those?

Please stay safe.

NOTE: Please seek professional help if you experience depression or thoughts of suicide. 
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 800-273-8255

The post The Year 2020 Smacked Us Around: Time to Let Go, Hold On, and Move Forward appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

As we lumber through the difficult, polarizing days of 2020 I'm reminded of the last time Americans faced this much turbulence.

It was 1968 and the United States had a president with low approval ratings, the war in Vietnam had no end in sight, Olympic athletes protested racial injustice, two shocking acts of violence took the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert F. Kennedy, feminists protested misogynistic attitudes toward women and bitter divisions between citizens threatened to rip the social fabric of our country apart.

We lost a deep sense of community that year. What I mean by community is when people support and share their experiences and struggles out of a deep concern for others. Community is what builds lasting relationships and provides us with a strong sense of belonging.

In 1968 the black clouds of turbulence and trauma were tearing our communities apart. In 2020, here we go again.

“We were born to unite with our fellow men, and to join
in community with the human race.” – Cicero

Growing up in suburban New Jersey I was keenly aware of current events but like most nine-year-olds my world centered on school and social activities. The headlines of 1968 seemed far removed from my hometown, my neighborhood, and from me.

I grew up in a neighborhood built during postwar America when families moved from cities to the suburbs. When I look back it reminds me of the childhood scenes in "It's a Wonderful Life." There were plenty of children close to my age and we often played outdoors together. In summer it was kickball or kick-the-can and in winter we took our Flexible Flyers and metal saucers to the top of the hill for the thrill of sledding down several adjoining backyards.

The only instructions from our parents was to be home before dark.

Our childhood was a unique and idyllic one that helped us establish important values of a lifetime - kindness, integrity, truth, fairness, decency, trust, and cemented bonds of friendships that have lasted for sixty years.

“The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers, and cities; but to know someone who thinks and feels with us, and who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, this makes the earth for us an inhabited garden.” ― Goethe

Not everyone grew up in a neighborhood like ours and I'm cognizant of that. The values I learned all those years ago are ones I've leaned on in my darkest days. This year I've needed them more than ever.

As the nation faces four simultaneous crises: a pandemic, economic upheaval, systemic racism and social injustice, our country is fractured between blue and red, left and right. Such division hasn't occurred since 1968 and this state of affairs is troubling.

I wish I had a magic wand to heal the world. I'd return a strong sense of community to reignite moral and ethical values. I think it's what we need.

Our deeply divided country is lashing out from the anger and frustration we feel. Can we ever heal and rebuild trust in each other? Can we pause and open our hearts to someone else's point of view? Can we begin the difficult task of constructive conversations with people of differing views? Will our dire situation remain unsolvable?

I'm not happy with the cancel culture but I'll admit to unfollowing people who refuse to wear masks and tell others to do the same. I unfollow those who are mean, violent, or spread fear, hate, or lies. I don't want them at my table.

Alan Alda, who now focuses on communication skills through his Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Book University, is quoted as saying the following:

"Trust...is the essential building block of any good conversation, especially with someone who may not be on the same page. 'You're not going to have trust if you assume, before you even start, that this person is beneath contempt,' he said. Think about 'what ways this person is not your enemy' and even 'in what ways you're very much alike.'" ~Alan Alda.

Our negative emotions are unhealthy and need to be tamed for the sake of wellness. How can we do that?

As I thought about writing this post it occurred to me that the lessons I learned as a patient are applicable to everyone this year:

• Listen to your body. If you experience unusual symptoms such as pain, bowel or bladder dysfunction, extraordinary fatigue, or cognitive dysfunction, it could be a cry for help. Contact your medical team.
  NOTE: This is for COVID and non-COVID related issues.
• Manage stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety can cause many physical and emotional symptoms. Look for ways to tame them, such as meditation, walks in nature, breathwork, yoga, t'ai chi, laughter, exercise, connections, journalling, the proper amount of sleep, healthy eating, learning to say no, finding creative outlets like singing or painting, or seeking professional help.
• Keep your distance. In a pre-COVID world, the MS community knew to stay away from people who were sick. Today we must all stay at least six feet from others in order to do our best to stay healthy.
• Maintain relationships. We nurture our relationships because we all need human connections. There are many benefits to staying connected such as lowering anxiety and depression, regulating emotions, higher self-esteem and empathy, and improving the immune system. By neglecting connections you're actually putting your health at risk. One plus one can equal a whole.

In a pandemic world, here are a few ways to maintain a sense of community:

Social isolation. Social isolation is a real problem for many people. Consider calling someone who lives alone. Drop off a meal, send a text, write a letter, send flowers. Remember to ask how someone is feeling and if they need anything.

Stay connected. Social media can be many things but in the age of emotional devastation and uncertainty, it has the potential to create connectedness. It can integrate the elderly and vulnerable populations into everyday lives. It can create sustained, engaged concern for the wellbeing of others.

Join a group. During the pandemic, there are many ways to find others with similar interests. I've taken online yoga classes, meditation, and wellness classes, art museum tours, and group business coaching events. All were interactive and held on Zoom. I found them easy to maneuver, pleasurable, and they helped ease stress and anxiety.

Zoom or FaceTime: I've reacquainted myself with old friends and relatives I fell out of touch with by using the Zoom app. It's been a lot of fun with tons of laughter, and very gratifying. Now that we have more time for ourselves it's the perfect time to schedule a session with those you've been thinking about.

To paraphrase a quote from the Talmud:

Whoever destroys a soul it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life it is considered as if he saved an entire world.

With the upcoming holiday season let's remember that being kind to even one person can help save the world. Let's do our best to build a sense of community, one kind word at a time. Let's get started...

The post The Importance of a Sense of Community and Belonging in Polarizing Times appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

I took a de-stress break from blogging because my brain was yelling, "Stop the world, I want to get off!" Is yours screaming that too? This year will go down as one of the worst, if not the worst, the world has ever known.

An Empowered Spirit - Image for - Nine Ways We Can Tame Anger and Stress to Restore a Bit of Peace and Calm

Everything that's happening around us has taken a devastating toll on our psyche, and the stress of it can make living with chronic illness a complete and utter nightmare.

My body's been rebelling in ways that if I didn't notice I'd be a complete idiot. Over the years I've paid a heavy price by ignoring unusual symptoms. Our bodies are brilliant machines designed to tell us if something is wrong.

Listen closely to yours.

Since the pandemic began have you experienced anxiety? Stress? Depression? Aches and pains? Unrelenting fatigue? Lack of focus? Unusual bowel or bladder dysfunction? Loss or increase in appetite? Lethargy? Insomnia?

If you have you're not alone. I hope you take time for some self-care. We're being hit from all sides in 2020 and if you don't address your physical and emotional needs things can get pretty messy.

As we crawl through 2020 the trick is to learn the best way to survive. Staying as healthy as possible is the most important goal you can have.

When anxiety and the madness of outside forces gnaw at my spirit I do what I always do. I turn inward. Since March I realized how much I needed to reclaim whatever inner peace and calm I lost, so I looked for ways to work on the three C's I felt I needed most:

Calm. Clarity. Confidence.

It's so damn hard to rise above the brutal noise of 2020 while avoiding the dreaded coronavirus.

Here's how I'm trying to fight the insanity and recapture some calm, clarity, and confidence:

Reading - I'm reading more, which I find difficult to do these days. Scattered thoughts creep in to distract me. Power on, I tell myself. Power on.

I'm currently reading two books:

1. Triggers: Sparking Positive Change and Making It Last by Marshall Goldsmith
2. Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty.

⇒⇒ SIDENOTE ⇐⇐
Both books were recommended by my heart-centered business mentor and amazing human being Sarah Walton. I signed up to join her workshops/groups because I want to find a new direction in my advocacy work.

Sarah helps women entrepreneurs realize their goals while leading with compassion. As her tagline says, "I put more money in the hands of more women." 

She, and the group of women I met through her, entered my life at exactly the right time. During the pandemic. They supported me when I needed it most and provided a safe place to fall, one filled with compassion and creativity. I found a new sense of purpose and clarity for the work I do.

Now I have a new group of friends along with a sense of belonging, something that was woefully missing from my life. But that's another story... 

You can check Sarah out and what she offers for women by clicking here.

Gone are the days when businesses are solely about the bottom line. Meaningful businesses should also be about the heart.  

Friends for over 50 years!

Community - As I mentioned above, I found a remarkable community through Sarah. I've always found comfort, solace, and lots of laughter in the company of women friends. It's important to nurture our relationships! I believe this so much that I've written about it several times.

During the pandemic, it's particularly important to have a community to lean on, one where others have your back, and you have theirs.

If you have 1, 2, or even 3 good friends, you are truly blessed. I know I am...

Meditating - I meditate every night for at least 10 minutes using the free Insight Timer app. My favorite meditation is a poem I share at the end of this post.

Yoga - I finally returned to the practice of gentle yoga when one of my dearest friends offered to conduct Zoom sessions with me. She's an amazing instructor who knows exactly what I need. My creaky joints are sore but I don't care. I'm deeply grateful for every stretch. And for my friend.

Exercise - I'm devoted to taking daily walks on flat nature trails, legs permitting. I've gained weight during the pandemic, some of it due to MS flares, and I'm determined to lose weight and feel better at the same time.

Whether I can walk 5 or 55 minutes the sense of accomplishment lifts my spirits. Keep going! Keep going!

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - I'm doing my best to allow negative thoughts to flow through me by replacing them with positive ones. I learned this years ago in therapy. It really works for me. You can click here to learn more about CBT.

Letting go of anger and resentment- It's important to let go of anger and resentment as much as we can. With all that's looming over us, it's not only a tall order - it's a humongous one!

When I hold on to anger and resentment (and honestly, who doesn't?) anxiety and stress appear at my door.

We have to let go for the sake of our physical and mental health. I'm working on it with a combination of CBT, meditation, and keeping busy with projects and hobbies.

I want to live as joyful a life as possible. How about YOU?

Fighting fear- Fear in the time of the coronavirus is real and can't be wished away. Staying on track with social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing my hands helps me feel I'm doing all I can to keep me and my family safe.

Fear also appears when seeing and hearing about others who don't take the virus seriously. It frightens (and bugs) the hell out of me. Are you taking precautions?

Everyone living with an invisible illness knows that just because something is invisible, like the coronavirus, doesn't mean it isn't real. Think about that.

I hope you find some peace and calm in the midst of this storm. Let's all hold onto hope and faith that we will get through this.

Before I go, I'd like to share a poem by Safire Rose that I found on the Insight Timer app mentioned above. I meditate on it over and over again. The words bring me a sense of calm and inner peace.

I hope it does the same for you. 

She Let Go

She let go. Without a thought or a word, she let go.

She let go of the fear.

She let go of the judgments.

She let go of the confluence of opinions swarming around her head.

She let go of the committee of indecision within her.

She let go of all the ‘right’ reasons.

Wholly and completely, without hesitation or worry, she just let go.

She didn’t ask anyone for advice.

She didn’t read a book on how to let go.

She didn’t search the scriptures.

She just let go.

She let go of all of the memories that held her back.

She let go of all of the anxiety that kept her from moving forward.

She let go of the planning and all of the calculations about how to do it just right.

She didn’t promise to let go.

She didn’t journal about it.

She didn’t write the projected date in her Day-Timer.

She made no public announcement and put no ad in the paper.

She didn’t check the weather report or read her daily horoscope.

She just let go.

She didn’t analyze whether she should let go.

She didn’t call her friends to discuss the matter.

She didn’t do a five-step Spiritual Mind Treatment.

She didn’t call the prayer line.

She didn’t utter one word.

She just let go.

No one was around when it happened.

There was no applause or congratulations.

No one thanked her or praised her.

No one noticed a thing.

Like a leaf falling from a tree, she just let go.

There was no effort.

There was no struggle.

It wasn’t good and it wasn’t bad.

It was what it was, and it is just that.

In the space of letting go, she let it all be.

A small smile came over her face.

A light breeze blew through her. And the sun and the moon shone forevermore…

The post Nine Ways We Can Tame Anger and Stress to Restore a Bit of Peace and Calm appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

I borrowed the title of this post from Thomas Paine, one of the most influential activists during the American Revolution.

I held off writing about the current pandemic because the amount of information we're ingesting changes so quickly. My usual positive slant on life and living with MS won't cut it this time. What we're facing now is scary and unprecedented in modern times.

My focus remains the same, to educate, inspire and empower you as much as possible. And if there's one thing I hope you come away with after reading this post (despite it being so cliché) is that we really are in this together.

It's our responsibility to not only help ourselves right now but also help others whenever we can.

It's an anxious time to be alive with the rampant spread of coronavirus affecting our world. The growing number of people testing positive, many losing the battle, turns normal everyday stress completely on its ear.

Now it's a whole new ballgame. I think from here on in we'll be referring to our lives in terms of of pre-virus and post-virus.

Disputes on who's responsible for COVID-19 or what steps should have been put into place prior to it seem senseless right now. Our main focus is fighting the monster that's destroying thousands upon thousands of lives, and following mandates to stay home, practice physical distancing, and washing our hands often to "flatten (or crush) the curve."

The World Health Organization (WHO)  recommends the following:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water (Author's Note: For at least 20 seconds or the length of time it takes to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY) or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
• When coughing and sneezing cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or tissue. Discard the tissue in the trash.
• Keep at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, particularly those who are coughing and sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with your hands.
• Practice food safety by using different chopping boards for raw meat and cooked foods, and wash your hands between handling them.

Here's a good video to learn how to properly wash your hands:

And an excellent video on safely unpacking grocery items at home during coronavirus:

Here are a few extra precautions for people living with MS:

• The MS International Federation (MSIF) issued guidelines for people with MS, mostly on the continued use of disease-modifying therapies (DMT). They advise that if you're on a DMT and are either exposed to COVID-19 or test positive for it to contact your neurologist or other medical professionals.
• Dr. Barry Singer in his blog, MS Living Well, offers advice on immune status AND age and disability:
• IMMUNE STATUS : "Many multiple sclerosis medications could put a person at increased risk of serious complications from coronavirus infection including pneumonia or even death. All FDA-approved medications to change the disease course of multiple sclerosis impact the immune system. As a consequence, your ability to fight the viral infection may not be as robust. Many MS medications have been studied to make sure that people can still mount an immune response to new virus while the medication is being taken. Ocrevus, Gilenya and Mayzent have been associated with an increased risk of respiratory infections in clinical trials and might make MS patients on these medications at increased risk of coronavirus complications.   Lemtrada and Mavenclad could also potentially put people with MS at higher risk of serious complications during the year after the last treatment course.  Whether Tecfidera, Vumerity or Tysabri treatment would impact susceptibility to coronavirus complications is unclear.  Teriflunomide is likely low risk for increased complications.  Copaxone and interferons (Avonex, Betaseron, Extavia, Plegridy and Rebif) are likely quite safe as well.  NEVER STOP YOUR MS MEDICATION ON YOUR OWN SINCE COULD LEAD TO PERMANENT SEVERE DISABILITY. ALWAYS CONSULT WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS BEFORE MAKING TREATMENT DECISIONS.
• AGE and DISABILITY: Elderly patients are at greater risk of death.  Overall, the risk of death is estimated at 2-3% of infected COVID-19 patients.  People with MS with higher levels of disability such as with moderate to severe weakness in arms and legs may be more vulnerable to coronavirus complications."
• It's important to learn the difference between immunomodulating and immunosuppressing drugs and which one you're currently on. According to Gavin Giovannoni, MBBS, Ph.D., “Unless you are on interferon-beta [Avonex, Rebif, Betaseron, Extavia], glatiramer acetate [Copaxone, Glatopa], or teriflunomide [Aubagio], the so-called immunomodulatory therapies, your immune systems are likely to be compromised and hence you are at risk of getting more severe COVID-19 infection or secondary complications of an infection.”

Mental Health

It's common to feel a range of emotions in light of the virus. Fear, anxiety, depression, and sadness can hit you like a ton of bricks and there's nothing wrong in admitting this is happening to you. Join the club! We're living in unchartered territory so go easy on yourself if your mental health is off-kilter. If you find it's uncontrollable more often than not consider seeking professional help from a qualified therapist via Skype, Zoom, FaceTime, etc.

Here's an informative resource and information guide from The National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and a link to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information sheet on stress and coping during COVID-19. I urge you to take a look at both.

Here are 5 quick tips to protect your mental health from UC San Diego Health:

Ways to Help Others

I found this article from The Idealist filled with great ideas (including links) on how to help others throughout the pandemic. During World War II citizens provided supplies to American and Allied troops by contributing to the war effort through rationing consumer goods, recycling materials, purchasing war bonds, and working in war industries.

This is our World War II. Here's a list of nine ways The Idealist advises we can help one another:

Check on your neighbors.
Explore ways to connect and volunteer virtually.
Waste not, want not (as in shopping for necessities.)
Give blood.
Make a donation.
Be a Leader.
Find your local mutual-aid network.
Remember those who are still out there on the front lines.
Take care of yourself!

Some Self Care Videos

We need to continue taking care of our bodies as we hunker down in quarantine. Here are a few videos to make it easier for you:

To wrap this up here's something I wrote this weekend and shared on social media. I pray the virus never pays you or your loved ones a visit, and that you're safe at home with people you love. Now more than ever we need each other. Blessings to you, always. Namaste.

It's an anxious time.
A time that tests our faith.
And the truths we tell ourselves.
So feed yourself with love. Buckets full of love.
❇️
We need to stay aware of what's going on around us.
And heed advice from experts in medicine and science.
❇️
Turn inwardly to discover what feeds your soul and act on it.
You don't need to be constantly productive.
Like cleaning every closet, writing a first novel or working diligently on a daily planner.
❇️
Trust your instincts.
Weed out inner chatter.
Keep the faith.
Stay strong.
Eat healthy.
Lean on others.
Call someone you haven't spoken to in awhile.
Plan a Zoom call with old friends.
Check in on the elderly, immunocompromised or those feeling lonely.
Take a physical distancing walk.
Snuggle with pets.
Watch a good movie.
Listen to music.
Read a good book.
Journal.
Meditate.
❇️
Stay well. The world needs you.

The post These are the Times That Try Men's Souls appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

This post is part of a paid collaboration between myself and Novartis. All opinions expressed are, as always, completely my own.

Living with multiple sclerosis (MS) is like riding a roller coaster: the ride is long and unpredictable, there are tremendous ups and downs, and you can experience physical or emotional distress without warning. 

Since I was diagnosed back in the 1980s, I’ve written many articles on the importance of nurturing relationships, and for good reason. It’s a fact that our lives are richer and healthier when we have the love and support of others. But when you live with a chronic illness like MS, cultivating close ties is even more important. The unpredictability and unrelenting nature of the disease can be scary and overwhelming. Having someone stand by your side during your darkest hours can boost self-worth and help you cope with any traumas that come your way.

Strong connections of unconditional caring and compassion can reduce anxiety, stress, depression, and feelings of loneliness. They help you manage the unpredictable and often frustrating road you’re traveling. 

Unfortunately, relationships often suffer when illness strikes. For example, soon after my diagnosis, I volunteered as a support group leader. When I entered the meeting room I noticed that half of the women sat in wheelchairs. During the meeting, I found that many were filled with anger, their spouses having left them or verbally abused them after they were diagnosed with this debilitating disease. It also became apparent that the women were upset that a newly-diagnosed patient thought she could help them, and I can understand why. They suffered heart-wrenching hurt and humiliation based solely on their disabilities. Having just been diagnosed, I was not yet equipped to lead them.

Since then, I’ve heard many stories of abandonment, neglect, or abuse. It’s a double-whammy to receive a devastating diagnosis and then be deserted by a loved one. There’s a deep sense of loss that leads to feelings of betrayal, doubts about one’s self-worth, and other emotions that can darken one’s mental health. 

It’s tricky to maintain healthy relationships while living with an unpredictable illness. 

Patients like me who live with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) endure symptoms that wax and wane and are not always apparent to others. It is challenging. Yet those with progressive MS face hurdles that are very visible and even more formidable. Those with progressive MS depend on the assistance of a cane, a walker, or a wheelchair to remain ambulatory; this requires tremendous patience and understanding from a care partner. 

It is common for those with advanced MS to lose partial or full use of their hands and or legs. They require assistance with their activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, eating, shopping, toileting, incontinence, paying bills, managing money, and using transportation.¹ Such patients experience a significant loss of independence. 

Social activities for those with progressive MS present accessibility issues that need to be addressed to ensure a fun and safe way of life. 

These quick examples illustrate some of the obstacles that people with progressive MS, as well as their partners, face in their relationships. It’s challenging to build a united front under such changeable circumstances. From personal experience, I can say that it’s more than worth it. 

The power of relationships for people with MS lies in agreeing from the start to effectively communicate each other’s needs. Using good listening skills to problem-solve, addressing conflict resolution whenever necessary, and proactively managing a partnership is at the core of healthy relationships.

For a relationship to survive, the parties must voice their feelings and opinions in a constructive and loving way. This requires mutual trust, honesty, and unconditional love. Here are some tips:

• Grieving - There is a sense of loss when one partner is no longer able-bodied. Acknowledge all stages of grief together to avoid unnecessary resentment or irritability.   
• Communication - It’s important that everyone agrees to have open, honest and candid communication. Allow the other person to speak freely, without worry or anxiety about any judgments, and a willingness to discuss tough issues such as new symptoms, scheduling and attending necessary doctor appointments, and even give some “tough love” if the patient refuses to accept their new reality. If necessary, seek professional advice from a psychologist, neurologist, or spiritual counselor.
• Plan - Spend time discussing how to move forward after a diagnosis, taking into consideration issues that may include naps, pain, bowel or bladder needs, travel challenges, finances, and living wills. 
• Encourage - It’s wise to have someone outside of the relationship to talk to, either alone or together. That person should be a good listener and one who will pose questions that will help patients and their partners confront their doubts and their fears. That person must also be nonjudgmental, trustworthy, and willing to maintain confidentiality.
• Defining the relationship – Never let MS define your relationship. Yes, it’s time-consuming to live with advanced MS and it can be overwhelming. That is why it’s important to find ways to laugh together, to schedule a time for fun, and to be spontaneous. Find a passion to follow together, or devote time to watch a favorite show or listen to music. Focus on something other than the disease. You might consider using a journal to schedule blocks of time to devote to this important part of the day.
• Mantras - Look at one another and out loud repeat that you are both valuable, you matter, you are wonderful, and you are loved. Find a way to reinforce the values and feelings that brought you together in the first place.

Living with MS is never easy. There are times when the disease can be overwhelming. That’s why we need to surround ourselves with people who love us best.  

Nurture your relationships. They are the golden light no matter how dark the storm. 

 Reference

  (1) National Multiple Sclerosis Society. MS Symptoms. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms. Accessed December 26, 2019.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
East Hanover, New Jersey 07936-1080   ©2020   Novartis 3/20 XSM-1378606

The post The Power of Relationships When it Comes to Advanced MS appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

It’s that time of year again, when the days get shorter and the changing seasons place people at a higher risk for SAD, or seasonal affective disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) SAD is a type of depression that waxes and wanes with the seasons and typically disappears when spring and summer arrives.

{There are several ways to combat SAD that I will list at the end of this post.}

There are other contributing factors to SAD that are particular to the chronic illness community. 

Despite the beauty of changing leaves and the magic of freshly fallen snow, I’m tired of living in colder temperatures. I’ve been talking about moving to warmer weather for so long that I sound like a broken record. The problem boils down to finding a job elsewhere for my husband. We are boomers, so that's easier said than done.

Starting with a dream I had about palm trees when I was 10, after my first visit to Florida, I’ve longed to live where I could see them each day. All year I could be brightened by the sight of beautiful tropical flowers and the sounds of birds and crickets. That would make me happy.

Very happy. At long last.

Do you agree with my reasons for disliking fall and winter, mostly due to my MS?  

• Longer hours of darkness
• Layers of clothing, such as sweaters, gloves, coats, scarves, hats and boots
• Fear of falling on ice (especially black ice) and slippery snow
• Walking in frigid temperatures
• Knowing that cold weather can aggravate those living with respiratory, circulation and cardiovascular illnesses, psoriasis, arthritis, asthma, migraines and other illnesses 
• Cold weather has the ability to cause flares for people living with chronic pain and autoimmune diseases
• Issues of mobility. It's more difficult to maneuver tricky walkways
• I miss the sounds of spring and summer, birds and crickets in particular. Nature is peculiarly silent in the winter
• I miss the colors of flowers and leaves on trees. When tulips arrive in the spring it’s like I stepped out of a black and white movie and into a colored one

As promised here are a few ways you can try to beat SAD this fall and winter according to a CNN article “Helpful Tips to Combat Those Seasonal Blues” (Allen Kim, November 3, 2019):

• Wake-up Lights - Aside from taking supplements of Vitamin D to balance the loss of sunlight hours (speak with your doctor to find out what dosage is best for you), a wake-up light can simulate a sunny room despite waking up during the morning hours of darkness. Amazon offers over 10,000 of these useful lights. If you think one might help you, check it out.
• Smart Homes - Simple devices such as Google Home or an Alexa enabled device, plus some smart light bulbs can brighten or dim the lights in your home. You can change the colors of lights and set timers to help you fall asleep or gently wake up. This sounds a bit extravagant, but if you wish your home was “SAD friendly” you may want to consider this. 
• Light Therapy Boxes - I’ve been saying for years I want to purchase one of these. One friend swears by them, and I’ve heard anecdotally they’ve helped many others. The boxes emit light to simulate outdoor lighting. According to the CNN article as little as 30 minutes a day can do the trick.
• Weighted Blankets - I’ve been hearing a lot of positive feedback on these within the disability community. This special blanket combats insomnia as well as anxiety by simulating a hug, decreasing cortisol levels and easing the mind and body. It’s low cost and low risk so why not go ahead and try it?

Life is a gift and we should make the most of it. Chronic illness can sideline us but we must soldier on as best as we possibly can. If there's an opportunity to manage what’s in our control, I’d say it’s well worth the try, don’t you? 

“Life keeps throwing me stones. And I keep finding the diamonds.”
– Ana Claudia Antunes  

NOTE: Please seek advice from a qualified therapist if your struggles with SAD last days at a time or if you feel you need extra help. Don't go it alone.

The post How to Fight SAD in the Fall and Winter Seasons appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

Dear Reader:

Welcome back! I am so happy to see you here. If you don't mind I'd like to get right into a few things I want to say to you. Here goes.

I've been feeling very strange about writing blog posts less frequently. It doesn't sit well with me. When I created An Empowered Spirit in 2012 I envisioned publishing weekly blog posts and that's what I did for quite a while.

Truth be told I'm a slow writer who methodically checks and re-checks my work. Creating posts that grab readers enough to want to come back again and again was a huge undertaking and a lot of pressure.

I loved every minute of it.

I was new at blogging and social media felt like a foreign language. But it was full steam ahead and I learned as I went along, determined to empower and educate as many readers as possible.

As time marched on I decided to change the direction of my path. I felt the need to do more than write for my blog, so I became a regular contributor for some MS and health-related outlets.

But I still felt something was missing. I wanted to stretch my advocacy wings as much as possible beyond writing. So I was tickled pink to be invited to sit on several patient panels and to lecture to some able-bodied audiences. I have some future projects I'm working on as well.

I also decided to resume work on a book I started writing five years ago.

So here's my point, what I want to say to YOU. I want you to know that no matter where my work appears it will always reflect the mission I originally promised to YOU, the readers of An Empowered Spirit. After all, we started this blogging journey together so I feel as if we're old friends having an ongoing conversation.

I promise to use my voice as loudly as possible to advocate for better health and to provide readers with information they can trust, and inspiration they can count on.

I care about you. I am grateful for you. I love hearing from you.

Don't worry, I'll still be blogging right here, only not as often. And when I do you can be sure it'll be something of particular interest to you. YOU are my main focus.

I wanted you to know.

Now it's your turn to speak up. Please leave a comment about what issues you'd like me to write about. What are your concerns? What interests you within the MS community and outside of it as well? What makes you anxious or provides you with great joy? What are you hoping for, aside from a cure? What would you like to know more about regarding MS? Are there any new developments you have questions about? Share your thoughts in the comment section and I'll do my best to address them.

So here we go! Let's straighten our sails together as we take each day as it comes. We are resilient. We are courageous. We are strong. We are in this together.

Big hugs and warm friendship~

Cathy

NOTE: Here are some of the places where my work appears or has appeared in the past. Enjoy!

• MultipleSclerosis.net
• Multiple Sclerosis News Today
• Mango Health
• Blog Injury Radio: Me and MS - Living with MS in Midlife
• The Huffington Post
• Everyday Health
• Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) Loneliness vs. Feeling Alone
• MS Connection (the blog for National Multiple Sclerosis Society)
• MSPals.org
  
• YouTube - What I Wish I Knew
  
• YouTube - Cable TV "In Focus: Families Living with Illness"
• YouTube - Interview with Dr. Mary Ann Picone on Vitamin D Deficiency

The post Dear Reader: I Have a Few Things to Say appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

After speaking with several people in the multiple sclerosis community who were experiencing a particularly difficult year I wondered what I could do to help them. Their self-esteem was plummeting and they were questioning their place in the world. Despite several constructive conversations, it occurred to me they are enough exactly as they are. 

Simplistic, I know, but very powerful.

I sat down and wrote the following for them. It must have hit a nerve because it drew a lot of attention throughout social media. And not only from those living with MS.

Can you guess why?

No one escapes this life without facing hurdles. We all have struggles and sometimes they feel insurmountable. On those days we need someone to remind us that we are perfect just as we are. 

That includes YOU. Yes, YOU!

Living with a disability can sometimes make you less productive than you want to be.

You are enough.

The post You Are Enough Exactly As You Are appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

Sometimes when I’m busy working on an article or doing research for my personal use I come across a piece of news, an interesting tidbit or a website or blog I think deserves extra attention. I want to share what I found with my readers but I’m not quite sure how to present the information in a cohesive way. The list isn’t linear, they’re a conglomeration of facts and ideas that are interesting and worth noting. Read on to see what I found.

Hope Beyond Illness  -  A Guide to Living Well with a Chronic Condition by Shulamit Lando is a gripping memoir. Shulamit Lando recounts her experience with Multiple Sclerosis, MS, a serious, debilitating, and allegedly incurable disease. She describes how she refused to let conventional medicine dictate its depressing message to her and how she used her body and her mind as a healing laboratory to combat the illness. After every chapter, valuable tips give you the most effective tools from different therapeutic approaches. Through her guidance and experience, you learn many ways to deal with overwhelming feelings and be able to allow calm and healing into your life. (Taken from Amazon.com)
NOTE: The views of this author are not necessarily the views of AES. 

Shift.ms is an informative, independent and supportive social network that was founded by people living with MS for people with MS. They help thousands of people around the globe. Recently Shift.ms began offering MS Reporters, videos of citizen journalists who are trained and matched with experts and influencers to conduct interviews of special interest to the MS community.

I am enamored with Shift.ms, and thought their MS Reporter Aoife did a fine job interviewing Professor Helmut Butzkueven, Joint Director of the MS Service at The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Director of the MS Service at Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, Australia on how people with MS can more effectively communicate their needs to their neurologist. This is a topic that comes up quite often so I thought I’d offer this interview here.

 Do you have a question you'd like answered by an MS Expert? Click here.  

Bladder issues? It can be quite difficult living with urinary urgency, but discussing it? Yikes! Peeing here, peeing there, accidentally peeing everywhere is embarrassing, mortifying, humiliating, take your pick.  

Here are the pearly words of Dave Bexfield as he lays out a few rules he lives by when it comes to urinary urgency. Using his usual good sense of humor this video will entice you to check out his blog, ActiveMSers: Staying active with multiple sclerosis.

The Dream Team of neurologists at a Q&A answering our questions! Here’s an interesting roundtable discussion, Compass to Care, an educational seminar produced by MS Views and News. Moderated by MSVN founder Stuart Schlossman, this roundtable was a Q&A with three highly-respected neurologists, Dr. Daniel Kantor, Dr. Aaron L. Boster and Dr. Samuel F. Hunter. They answered such questions as:

• • MS today versus years ago, can you talk about any progress and share what you find most remarkable in treatment options and diagnostic tools?
  • Can you talk about the prevalence of MS and how that fits into our population?
  • Do men get MS "stronger" than women or vice versa?
  • What would a perfect comprehensive care team look like?
  • What are your recommendations to patients with regard to setting goals and priorities in both their personal life and in personalizing their treatment plans while living with MS?
    

MS Views and News - I’ve known Stu Schlossman, founder of MSVN, for a long time and I've watched him work tirelessly to create his educational platform that’s helped many MS patients and their loved ones in a variety of ways. I highly recommend taking a look at what MSVN has to offer :

MS Views and News Programming

The mission of MS Views and News is to provide education, advocacy, and services which empower and enhance the quality of life for the MS community. We have been able to measure the effectiveness of our programs through thousands of program evaluations and communicative emails and feedback from people living with MS and care partners stating that our programs have directly impacted them in positive ways.

MS Views and News receives financial support through charitable donations which support ongoing programming and services:

Live MS Educational Programming: MS Views and News provides free live educational events ( averaging 42 yearly) open to the MS community nationwide. These empowering educational programs bring multidisciplinary MS care providers together in one setting to bring our audience up to date and needed information about living strong and informed with MS.

eNewsletter: The MS Views and News Newsletter- "MS in the News" is received by over 25,000 readers monthly and provides comprehensive up to date information keeping our audience informed and engaged. A current view of this e-Newsletter is found here.

Online Learning: Live online webinars serving over 300 individuals impacted by MS monthly. Our live interactive online webinars allow the MS community to learn, share and interact with MS professionals from the comfort of their home.

The MS Views and News YouTube Learning Channel: With over 180,000 views to date MS Views and News continues to professionally video record the live educational events. This archive of educational topics provides our audience with an A-Z of living with MS. From symptoms management, pediatric MS and family life to the newest breakthroughs in research and medications, the Learning Channel brings it to our worldwide audience. 

Social Media community:  Through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram MS Views and News serves as a vibrant hub engaging the MS community. Together thousands receive daily uplifting posts and updates in the MS world.

• https://www.facebook.com/msviewsandnews/
• https://twitter.com/msviews_andnews
• https://www.instagram.com/msviewsandnews/

To support the work of MS Views and News, please click here.

You may also want to read:
Feeling Invisible Doesn't Have to be a Lifelong Battle
The Female Painter Who Faces Life's Challenges Through Her Art

That’s it for now! I’ll be back again with more tidbits for you. In the meantime please let me know what you think about what I’ve offered here - I’d really like to know! Have a great, empowering day.

The post Five Pieces of Information I Found in My Search for a Better Life with MS appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.

I know it's been awhile since I wrote in this space but I needed to take a step back for a bit of a breather. We all deserve breathers once in awhile, so I guess it was just my turn.

As 2017 comes to a close I think back on all that's happened. It's been a pretty crappy year.

As I type these words I think about the challenges I faced that helped me grow in new and different ways. Like a baby taking its first steps, I am walking in unchartered territory. It's scary, hopeful and disarming.

I never liked making resolutions for the new year, but when the clock strikes twelve on New Year's Eve I'll say a prayer for a kinder year.

Here are a few things I'm hoping for. Perhaps you are too.

Love - To be surrounded by those who love me whether I'm well or not and understand that looking good doesn't necessarily mean wellness.

Friendship - I've been blessed with incredible friends who I love dearly. I hope none grow tired of my need to cancel, sometimes at the last minute. This year I canceled almost a dozen social and business engagements. I hope that number changes. I miss socializing with good friends and attending important professional conferences and events.

Wellness - This is an overused term, yet it's my goal and I'll do whatever it takes to make it happen. A new gastroenterologist, acupuncturist, and nutritionist will help me find my way.

Kindness, Compassion, and Forgiveness - When someone isn't in my corner I want to remember to keep kindness and compassion in my heart. I want to forgive those who've been unkind. The only way to inner peace is to forgive others and to forgive yourself. If everyone on the planet did this our world would be a better place.

Move forward - I want to keep my eye on the prize of happiness, both personally and professionally. Releasing what hurts from the past helps you step more easily into the next chapter. As for grief, that's a process that takes as long as it takes. It's different for everyone. To that end, things will never be the same. Still, we have to keep moving forward to successfully survive. That is the goal, to survive.

"Forget what hurt you but never forget what it taught you."~Sharon Adler

Gratitude - I am grateful for the unconditional love and support of my friends and family. I am grateful for every reader of my blog. I hope the experiences and information I share gives you a chance to stop, think, and be motivated to be your own best fabulous self.

Thank you for being a lovely part of my life and for following me on my crazy journey. I wish you a joyous, healthy and prosperous 2018! Peace and good health to all.

The post As The Year Ends There's Something I Need To Say appeared first on An Empowered Spirit | A Life with Multiple Sclerosis.