Aging, MS, and the Questions We Need Answered

When I was 22 I was in a serious car accident that landed me in the hospital with a concussion and feet that were suddenly numb. I ignored the loss of sensation.

At 27, along with increasing numbness and weakness, I had a few other troubling symptoms. I finally consulted with a neurologist who quickly diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis.

In my thirties, I had more good days than bad.

In my forties and fifties, a few comorbidities reared their ugly heads. The difficult days now outnumbered the rest.

By the time I reached 60, MS had progressed incrementally, making life more complicated and frustrating.

This is my (very) brief MS story through the decades.

MS

Why am I condensing it? To illustrate a point:

At what age did I, and others like me, cross an arbitrary line in the sand that decides when people become "older?"

This is something that's been on my mind for quite a while and I'd like your honest opinion.

I'll wait for your response.

I can't remember when I started to become aware that people of my generation, living with MS, were being excluded in one way or another:

It's a fact that most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, so it stands to reason that the public face of the disease is often young.

Yet people over 60 must  be included in a fair and equitable manner. We don't suddenly stop having MS  and we certainly never stop adding value to the world.

We're still here doing what we always did, the best way we know how!

MS

When I noticed this change I unconsciously started feeling alone and bewildered. Who could I talk to who was close to my age and understood how I felt, and did they feel the same way? Most advocates I know are younger, and were diagnosed years after I was.

As unique as MS is to each patient, our experiences of being diagnosed and the initial medical advice we received are as different as night and day.

That's not a bad thing, just different.

I grew concerned that aging wasn't being studied or discussed by the medical, research, and advocate communities. So I thought I'd do a little research to learn more.

It made sense to start my research with the first MS organization I relied on after my 1986 diagnosis, in those pre-internet days.

Using "snail mail" I'd write letters filled with questions to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Their responses were always kind, caring, and helpful.

So I emailed their Chief Advocacy, Services and Science Officer, Tim Coetzee. He was more than generous, bringing me up to speed on how the Society was focused on aging and MS:

"At the National MS Society we believe no one should face MS alone, and we are focused on making sure every person touched by this disease can see themselves in the MS movement. We're committed to ensuring that we bring our entire MS community together, it is representative of all the various dimensions of diversity so that everyone feels at home and supported by their National MS Society." - Tim Coetzee 

With the information Tim sent, I not only learned a great deal but I began to feel a little less alone.

It also gave me hope that future generations won't have the kind of concerns I had.

As I was writing this post I happened to come across an interesting podcast by Dr. Barry Singer on aging and MS. (Dr. Singer is Director of the MS Center for Innovations in Care in St. Louis, MO, seen above working with me on a past MS brain health initiative). I recommend tuning in as he interviews two experts on the subject.

We still have much to learn about how aging affects patients, how people can live a better quality of life as they age, and to remind the world of the importance of inclusion.  

As I continue my journey to find other MS programs and research on aging I'll be bringing them directly to you as I find them. That's a promise!

Before I go here are the links provided by Tim Coetzee on behalf of NMSS:

MS through the ages
Struggling to stay standing
My own therapy
You want to know what?
Fighting for access
Blessings in miles and meters
Speaking out
Good companions
Finding gratitude
From visual to visionary
Meet our 2020 Inspiration Award winners
Summer at home
Black women with MS speak up
Obstacles to access
Gardening with MS
Still in charge
Others like me
Roll with it

Thanks for stopping by to read this post. I'm glad to have you here! Please feel free to leave your comments or questions below. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Have a peace-filled day!

MS Photo Credit: NMSS

When Life Clouds Your Path to Sunnier Days

I started writing this post about a month ago about exciting news in the MS world. But life (or should I say illness) got in the way.

MS

When physical pain knocks you off your keister everything else takes a back seat. 

The culprit in my little story is SIBO or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth. In basic terms, SIBO occurs when too many bacteria end up in the wrong place, namely the small intestine. SIBO commonly occurs when surgery or disease slows the passage of food and waste products in the digestive tract, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. It can often be the result of structural problems from several diseases.

There's a long list of possible causes that include low stomach acid, dysfunctional immune system (hmm), food poisoning, dysfunction of intestinal nerves, stress, and many others.

I had SIBO a few years ago and both times the pain was barely tolerable. It feels as if something is squeezing your gut while jagged edges stab at you. You want to scream in agony and pray for it to end.

Symptoms can include diarrhea, constipation, bloating, nausea, malnutrition, an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating, and unintentional weight loss.

This time I stupidly lived with the pain for months, thinking the cause was slow motility.  I figured it was one more issue I'd have to learn to live with.

But my gastroenterologist diagnosed SIBO, prescribed antibiotics (Xifaxin), and even though I'm on the fence on the benefits of probiotics I purchased some from my pharmacy.

So now I'm back to square one by following the Low FODMAP Diet as part of a comprehensive approach to getting rid of the bad bacteria.

By the way, according to the Cleveland Clinic, up to 80% of people with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) have SIBO. And according to a study by the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research of the 6,132 individuals tested who have MS 28% of them also had IBS.

I'd say that's significant.

Bowel dysfunction is very common in people living with MS so having IBS was not a shocker, just another unwelcome guest.

Not surprisingly I had to resurrect my 35-year-old cane from the closet. The last two years of pandemic isolation, getting COVID, MS flares, looking for alternate housing, and boatloads of stress have taken their toll on my MS. Balance became an issue. Walking indoors in our small townhouse isn't a problem, but I rely on my cane when I take walks without my loving husband holding my hand.

So there it is, my explanation on why I haven't posted in a while. Now, onto the big news that I'm so thrilled about!!! Here's what I wrote in early February.

Drumroll, please!

MS

By now almost everyone in the multiple sclerosis community has heard of the recent findings that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may be the leading cause of MS! To say this is exciting news is an understatement.

For years we heard of a possible cause and effect relationship between EBV and MS but, like other theories, nothing came of it.

This time it's different. This time the study demonstrates the strongest evidence yet.

The study by Dr. Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard Chan School who is senior author of the study, suggests that most MS cases could be prevented by stopping EBV, so it follows that targeting EBV could possibly lead to finding ways to cure MS.

The breadth of this study was larger than ever before (which is what you want in any study.) Based on the analysis of serum samples taken biennially by the military of 10 million young adults on active duty, it identified 955 of them were diagnosed with MS while in service.

The risk of MS increased 32 fold after infection with EBV (yet not after infection from other viruses.) That's quite significant.

To read an explanation (in easy-to-understand language) on these findings please click here for Science Daily. To read the findings in full click here for Science, January 13, 2022.

I also suggest listening to Dr. Ascherio, author of the study, as he shares his findings with Dr. Barry Singer, Director of the MS Center for Innovations in Care at Missouri Baptist Medical Center,  on his podcast at MS Living Well. Click here to listen in.

If you're skeptical after hearing about EBV and MS because you were never diagnosed with EBV, think again:

An estimated 90% - 95% of adults catch EBV (also called herpesvirus) which is one of the most common viruses. EBV can cause infectious mononucleosis (mono) and most people won't experience any symptoms.

Did you just have an "aha" moment? I did after hearing about mono since I had it as a child. 

When I heard the news about EBV I was somehow reminded of the opening sequence of Mad Men where a man slowly free falls toward the ground. (I know it's a stretch but I can't explain our thought processes.) Now stay with me here.

The free fall reminds me of the elusive quest to find a cure for our disease. Down, down, down we go.

It begins with a diagnosis and the free fall of learning comes with living with this strange disease.

I think that's a fair (perhaps odd) comparison.

Over the years I've often felt as if I was living in a metaphorical free fall.

How many "cures" did I hear about? How many times was I urged to remove my mercury dental fillings? Or try bee venom therapy? Or use certain supplements?  Or try an expensive, controversial cure that the medical community never accepted but allegedly helped some patients (and splintered some in the MS community)?

Countless.

Let's hope these findings will ultimately lead to a cure. Can you imagine that?

*****************************************************************************

END NOTE: With all the turmoil happening around the world and the lives lost to Covid and other horrific events, I'm deeply grateful for the blessings I have in my life. I want to make that clear.

My story might sound trivial compared to those who've suffered great loss over the last few years. I'm deeply sorry for whatever you're going through.

There will be others who don't understand invisible illness and will hear my story as one long complaint. I hope someday you'll come to understand and believe me, along with thousands of others worldwide who live in the invisible illness community and struggle with pain and illness every day that the naked eye can't see.

We tell our stories to give others hope, empowerment, and inspiration. I hope by breaking myself open in this post I've helped even one person. 

Four Ways to Look for Inner Peace After 2021 and a Wish for 2022

As we wind down the year I wanted to say a few quick words.

The year 2021 was an extraordinarily difficult one. If you’ve experienced sickness, loss, or struggles of any kind I hope you’re finding your way through the darkness as best and as quickly as possible.

I know firsthand that COVID can linger physically and emotionally. With three vaccines on my side, it could’ve been much worse. I’m grateful for scientists, essential workers, and the people in my life who care about my welfare.

Four Ways to Look for Inner Peace After 2021 and a Wish for 2022

In 2021 I experienced unexpected sadness and disappointment and was desperate to find ways to cope. I made a commitment to:

What have you done to cope with the mental and physical struggles that’ve come your way this year? What’s worked? What hasn’t? What do you need help with? I’d love to hear your story and perhaps I can tackle some answers for you in a future blog post.

“When the soul becomes unburdened it's like a new saddle on a fresh horse. Suddenly the trail feels right again, and the strong horizon line in front of you as your turn becomes its own form of soothing medicine. Something of the sting and burn of the old poison may linger, but having crossed over from the Shadowlands into new open territory, one can almost pick up the scent of blooming flowers within. - from "The Bouquet of the Last Direction," The School of Soft-Attention” ― Hawk of the Pines (Frank LaRue Owen

That’s it for now. I told you’d I’d be quick! I know we’re all inundated at the end-of-the-year so I wanted to sneak in a quick hello and see how you’re doing.

I wish you a healthy, safe, and Happy New Year! Spread a little kindness and hope to those who are suffering. Our world could use a lot more tender loving care.

From our home to yours, I remain your friend,

Cathy

END NOTE: To find accessible locations (in general) in all major cities check out the user-generated database AXS MAP, powered by GoogleMaps API. The creator, Jason DeSilva, lives with primary progressive MS and his work has been profiled by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Oprah, and others, and was presented by Jason at the White House in 2015. 

The Lessons We Learned From MS, COVID, and Each Other

Welcome back to An Empowered Spirit! I'm so happy you're here.

After taking a break from blogging for nine months I'm back and it feels wonderful being here with you.

The past two years have been so crazy that we all needed a break of one sort or another, don't you think? Sometimes it feels like we're living in a Robin Cook novel.

cat with big green eyes hiding under a blanket

Wake me when it's over!

One of the lessons we learned from the pandemic is how crucial it is to have a safe place to be nurtured and cared for when the world feels cold and out of control.

After I was diagnosed with MS many years ago, I searched for the best ways to cope with my new reality. It took a while, but I started finding answers to what I needed. When I created An Empowered Spirit, I wanted to share these insights with you on what helped me feel less lonely and afraid. The most important first step was finding the right...

Community.

There's magic and power in finding the right community, where people feel safe to tell their stories and share their feelings. The right community can offer unconditional support and comfort, and when you find that it feels damn good.

multiple sclerosis community

The power of community is the comfort and unconditional support you find with others

This year marks the tenth anniversary of An Empowered Spirit! A lot has changed in the MS landscape since 2011. What hasn't changed is my continued commitment to being a reliable source for you for all things MS!

To celebrate our anniversary we've updated An Empowered Spirit thanks to a generous grant from the HealtheVoices Impact Fund. I'm deeply grateful to HealtheVoices and Janssen for their continued support and generosity.

Multiple Sclerosis Blog Anniversary 2021

When I received the grant it was the nudge I needed. I'd been feeling burnt out from blogging, lost, and wondering what I should do next. HealtheVoices unknowingly pushed me into the "stop overthinking everything and just do it" mode.

So I'm getting off my tush to move in new and different directions for the next ten (+) years.

Like Michael Fox recently said about his journey with Parkinson's, it gets tiring to constantly make lemonade out of lemons. I quite agree. At this point in my life, I see a lot of things about life and MS differently, so I'll be focusing on topics with a fresh perspective. What will they be?

Wait and see!
MS
I'm busy planning new content to serve your needs, in creative. inspiring, and informative ways.

In return, I'd appreciate constructive suggestions or thoughts on what you're interested in hearing about. You can leave a comment below or reach out via the contact page.

What's new on An Empowered Spirit:

The new design of the blog reflects my love of every type of flower. They are beautiful and thrive despite adversity, just like the MS community.

Sixteen peony bushes are part of nature and this blog

My father planted sixteen peony bushes along our driveway. Here they are for your viewing pleasure.

“Like wildflowers, you must allow yourself to grow in all the places people thought you never would.” – E.V. 

Cathy Chester - MS Advocate - New Blog Header

CLICK on the HOME, ABOUT, MS RESOURCES, PRESS, and CONTACT buttons located at the top of the page to find exactly what you need.

"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." ~ Khalil Gibran

Disability and multiple sclerosis accessibility tool

NEW! An accessibility tool is located on the top left corner of every page to make pages more usable for you.

My mission continues to be to empower, inspire, and educate the multiple sclerosis and disability community, and their loved ones.

Now onto a special SURPRISE to start the celebration! Here's my first interview to christen the new blog. Drumroll, please...

After being interviewed twice by MS advocate, actor, voiceover artist, writer, and rapper Damian Washington I turned the tables on him. I chose Damian because he's smart, savvy, and very funny.

As Damian says, if you have to live with an incurable disease you may as well hang out with the cool kids.  He's definitely a cool kid.

Damian soared to the top of the advocacy game at warp speed and recently won TWO awards from WEGO Health: Hilarious Patient Leader and Best in Show: YouTube. Let me know what you think about our conversation.

 

With a party hat on and a grateful heart, thank you for helping us begin the next chapter of An Empowered Spirit in the best way possible: together. I've been enriched and inspired by your company and hope to see you return again and again.

END NOTE: Thanks again to HealtheVoices for your leadership program that supports the work of online health advocates. Your dedication and commitment to us are deeply appreciated.

 

What Advice Can Twelve MS Advocates Offer Patients About Living with the Disease? (Spoiler: Plenty)

Can people living with MS still achieve a fulfilling lifestyle? The disease can be unrelenting and unpredictable by showing up whenever it pleases. How can you move forward after receiving such a devastating diagnosis?

MS advocates on achieving a fulfilling lifestyle

Since March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month I thought it’d be the perfect time to ask twelve accomplished MS advocates (who I know and trust) to share their knowledge. In their own unique ways they shine a light for others to follow with the same courage and determination they’ve depended on for their own MS journey.

 

These advocates make it their mission to empower the community so that no one ever feels frightened or alone.

Their responses answer a single question that’s important for the newly diagnosed and anyone struggling with the disease. You’ll find powerful information in each response that you can rely on for years to come.

 

Please leave any comments or questions you may have and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Here we go!

 

[Oh, before you move on please click here to read why I’m thankful (yes, you read that right) for my diagnosis. It’ll lift your spirits and possibly change your perspective.] 

Advice for those newly diagnosed with MS

The question I asked each advocate: What advice would you give someone who is newly diagnosed, or is struggling with the disease, based on what you learned since your own diagnosis?

Caroline Craven

Diagnosed 2001
Learn more about Caroline on her blog The Girl with MS

Caroline Craven

Since my diagnosis in 2001, my awareness of being compassionate toward myself has increased dramatically.

In the beginning there was guilt, depression, and anger at what was happening to me. Why can’t I walk or see right now? Where is my once powerful, strong body and mind? But by learning to let go of my ego (not an easy thing to do!) and asking for help, my compassion toward my delicate new self developed.

In using these new self-care skills, I found ways to thrive in life. I still have bad days and symptoms are always peering around the corner. During those times I cradle my heart in my arms, give myself a hug, and remind myself that everything is going to be OK.

And hey, it can even become better. As we keep our awareness open, and love ourselves, remember, we’ve got this, it does not have us!

Damian Washington

Diagnosed in 2016.
Learn more about Damian on his YouTube channel “NoStressMS

Over the years of living with MS, one of the things that I’ve found to be most helpful is possessing the ability to give yourself goals to aim at, to achieve but also embody grace when you don’t exactly hit the mark. Each day is different, especially when it comes to symptom management, learning when it’s an appropriate time to try to stretch yourself beyond your current possibilities and knowing when it’s best to ease up on the gas and try again another time has been one of the most helpful components to my wellness.

 

Finding the balance between the two helps keep me fired up to try to achieve more, but simultaneously lets me feel the joy in small victories and have that joy sustain my hope during times when I cannot do all that I envision.

Damian Washington

Meredith O'Brien

Diagnosed 2014
Learn more about Meredith on her website meredithobrien.com and check out her new MS memoir “Uncomfortably Numb” available at Bookshop.org

Meredith O'Brien

Give yourself time to mourn this life-altering diagnosis and to adjust to the changes that accompany it. Be patient as you mentally and physically acclimate to the realities of your MS experience.

 

After being diagnosed, I tried to rush myself through this vital process, expecting my body to work the way it always had. When my MS symptoms prevented that from happening, I became angry with myself and wildly impatient with my body. I wasted precious energy which could have been directed toward healing.

If I was speaking with my newly-diagnosed self, this is what I would emphasize: give yourself time and be gentle with yourself at the beginning of this new chapter in your life.

Dave Bexfield

Diagnosed 2006
Learn more about Dave on his website ActiveMSers.org

Seize the day. No matter what MS throws your way, you’ll always be able to capture life’s sweet moments—those special times that overwhelm even this disease. Hold on to those—and never let them go.

 

And whether you are newly diagnosed or a grizzled veteran with this disease, I give all of my followers the same advice: be active, stay fit, and keep exploring!

Dave Bexfield

Jennifer and Dan Digmann, a/k/a "A Couple Takes on MS"

Jennifer, diagnosed 1997 and Dan, diagnosed 2000
Learn more about Jennifer and Dan at A Couple Takes on MS

Jennifer and Dan Digmann

Remember to keep moving, manage your weight, connect with others to find the credible information and support you need, and never give MS more credit than it deserves.

 

You are the strongest in this relationship!

Tamara Sellman

Diagnosed in 2013
Learn more about Tamara at tksellman.com, and check out her newly published book Intention Tremor now available here

You will have a much better experience living with MS if you can learn to become your own best advocate. This requires finding and using specific kinds of tools for navigating the entire healthcare system (including insurance, hospital departments, specialists, and ADA protections).

 

You can’t do this alone. But that’s okay…reach out to others (especially other people with MS) to learn “insider” tips and finding support from MS-related organizations. They are there in abundance.

 

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help and to demand answers from your healthcare providers. Seek out specialists who work with you as a team; avoid those who provide you with no options, who don’t listen to you, or who mock your efforts to self educate on the inner workings of MS. The best doctors appreciate patients who are willing to self educate because they seem them as empowered and treatable with better outcomes.

 

Being an empowered person with MS who practices self advocacy can make you a major force in the world! Don’t let MS stop you from being your own best self.

Tamara Sellman

Teresa Wright Johnson

Diagnosed 2014
Learn more about Teresa on her website teresawrightjohnson.com

Teresa Wright Johnson

Teresa Wright Johnson

Take the time needed to process the diagnosis and learn all that you can.

 

Listen to your body and know you are your own best advocate.

 

Finally, always have hope.

Amy Gurowitz

Diagnosed 1988
Learn more about Amy on her website MS-LOL: Multiple Sclerosis a Life of Learning

I would recommend anyone who has been recently diagnosed to go slowly. When you are looking for information about MS don’t seek out too much.

 

Learning about this disease is so challenging because it is so variable. When you are newly diagnosed it is easy to get TMI (too much information) and feel completely overwhelmed.

 

We don’t need additional sources of anxiety, after all these are symptoms that may not ever affect you.

 

Reserve your energy, emotional and physical for more productive things.

 

Other people who mean well will probably say things to you that shake your ground. (They do to me even 33 years in.) Lean away from those comments and lean in to a person (or group of people) with MS who “get it” and will give you the support you need. There are many people you will meet who will be invaluable in this challenging journey.

Amy Gurowitz

Jodi Dwyer

Diagnosed 2008

Learn more about Jodi on her Instagram page at @thejodibean (and meet her adorable pup Finley, too!) 

I have SO much advice to give for someone who is newly diagnosed but I will try to keep it simple as to not overwhelm!

 

My best advice is to take things one day at a time especially because this disease can be so different everyday. Surround yourself with positivity. Stress feeds pain. The more stressed you are the worse you will feel. So surround yourself with a job that makes you happy (if you work), people who make you happy and hobbies that make you happy. I love my job and it fulfills me. I have an amazing family and friends who bring me joy. I’ve unfollowed people on social media who don’t bring me joy (the unfollow button is your friend!) I have many hobbies and when I have the energy I love doing them. From walking my dog (or cuddling my dog) to riding my bike, to binging a show on Netflix, baking, traveling and volunteering all make me happy. I know my time is valuable so I spend my time doing things I love. You should too!

 

Lastly, follow like-minded MS advocates/patients on Instagram and Facebook. Join MS Facebook groups that you find helpful. Read reputable blogs and websites for research and information. Make sure you have a partnership with your MS neurologist. This is key to making treatment decisions throughout your journey!

 

I could go on and on but those are the most important things that come to mind!

Jodi Dwyer

Jodi Johnson

Diagnosed 2008

Learn more about Jodi on her website, Edible Monster or on Instagram as @msjodijohnson or Facebook as Jodi Johnson

The advice I would give someone who is newly diagnosed would be to find an MS Center near them that specializes specifically in multiple sclerosis.

 

Of course I would reassure them that they will be able to handle anything and everything that comes their way and to never give up!

 

First things first though, when caring for yourself you need to find the best care and a place you are comfortable with for halting the progression of MS and being able to address your symptoms head-on as they come. A comprehensive MS center is generally proactive in symptom management as well as treatment.

 

Put your oxygen mask on first. Self-care in all aspects from exercise to your diet lifestyle to healthcare provide the best chance at living a full life with MS.

 

And always remind yourself, you can do this!

Jodi Johnson

Lisa Emrich

Diagnosed 2005
Learn more about Lisa at her active Facebook page

Lisa Emrich

After living with the ups and downs of chronic illness for decades, I’ve only recently learned a more important lesson.

 

No matter what has happened to you in the past or what you thought you could do or not do in the future, nothing is forever or unchangeable.

 

Each day, each week, each month, you make a gazillion choices. Make those choices with the unconditional love and support you deserve from your very first deep breath of the day to your final thoughts before sleep at night.

The Year 2020 Smacked Us Around: Time to Let Go, Hold On, and Move Forward

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?

smacked

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.

smacked

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:

smacked

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

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 Importance of a Sense of Community and Belonging in Polarizing Times

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:

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...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nine Ways We Can Tame Anger and Stress to Restore a Bit of Peace and Calm

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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…

How My Time of Brokenness Helps Me During the Pandemic

What word do you think Merriam Dictionary will choose for 2020? It's an impossible task to narrow down all the horrors taking place to a simple word or phrase. I chose a few possibilities below, but honestly, I could have done without 2020.

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For me, it's been a year of staying home for long periods of time, washing my hands with extra thought and purpose, and being overly concerned that my husband, as careful as he is as the sole errand-runner in our house, will bring invisible germs home.

But wait! These are the same issues that I and 61 million disabled adults in the U.S. already worry about. 

My diagnosis changed the way I had to live. Stress and germs can be catalysts for flare-ups. Fatigue, numbness, and weakness can keep me home for days on end. Bladder dysfunction triggers anxiety, embarrassment, and the possibility of infections. Spasticity forces me to include more electrolytes in my diet.

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When the pandemic hit it occurred to me that a window of opportunity might open up for the non-disabled community to better understand how the disabled community already lives. Avoiding germs, washing our hands, and staying far from coughs and sneezes is our way of life.

Perhaps our communities will forge a bond as we focus on taking care of ourselves and each other while remaining cautious about a world that offers hidden dangers.  

That's my hope.

After my diagnosis, it took me years to feel pride in who I was. Declining countless invitations and living life at a slower pace made me feel broken. But adversity often hands us silver linings, and mine catapulted me into a new direction. I began to dig deep, working hard on my inner self. I wanted to let go of the burden of negativity that crept in with MS. The self-doubt, loss of confidence, and negative self-image. I didn't want to go through life this way.

The work was hard but it helped me realize that I am enough just as I am. I wasn't broken because of an invisible illness. I was completely whole within my abilities. Robert Frost was right:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
.
I'm strengthened and emboldened by the cards I was dealt. The lessons I learned over the years are the ones I lean on to help me survive the horrible crises we find ourselves in. One day at a time.
.

Courage. Resilience. Determination. Kindness. Mindfulness. Faith. Hope. Joy. Compassion. Love.

These are my guiding principles.

July is Disability Pride Month. I never wanted a disability but it's part of who I am. It's my story. The picture isn't always rosy. There are dark days and overwhelming struggles. But in the end, I choose to rely on counting my blessings, living in gratitude, and holding my head high. It might sound ridiculous or too "woo-woo" but it's what works for me.

I hope you'll choose to do the same. I wish you peace and good health. Please stay safe.

Namaste.

How the Chronic Illness Community Can Raise the Voices of the Unheard

This blog was created almost ten years ago to be a voice for the multiple sclerosis and chronic illness community with the mission to inspire, educate, and empower every visitor. At this moment my heart is heavy. I can’t find the right words to say.

We’re all struggling as we mourn the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and many - too many - others before them.

The black community has been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Wearing masks to protect their health and the health of others has made them feel particularly vulnerable to racial profiling. 

Everyone has the right to peacefully protest. Everyone has the right to use their voice to express what they believe is right. 

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Those of us in the chronic illness community know what it’s like to feel marginalized and invisible. Our voices are often silenced by the majority of louder voices.

Through it all, we’ve stood strong in solidarity for a common cause. 

Now it’s time for us to stop, listen, and learn from the black community. We need to ask uncomfortable questions and speak out against oppression, systemic racism, and hatred. 

We should ask ourselves what do we need to learn? How can we support the black community? What actions should we take to bridge the gap of understanding, intolerance, and compassion?  

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

By now you might be thinking this is getting too preachy, that the focus of this post is inappropriate for An Empowered Spirit. I have to disagree. It’s been my hope that you trust me to show you how to live a positive life despite broken brains, broken bodies, or broken spirits. 

Together we’ve learned the importance of allowing hope, love, compassion, grace, and integrity into our hearts. We’ve learned how crucial it is to reach out to others to help them heal.

Our community knows what it’s like to demand respect and dignity from those who show us none. We understand the importance of demanding equality where there are great inequities.  

We can spread messages of inclusion, equality, and human rights. We’ve done it before and we can continue to do it again and again, now more than ever. 

Suffering is an invitation to compassion and healing. Let’s use what we learned from our own lives and invite the best within us to help others.

We are listening, We are learning. We can create an anti-racist world where everyone is truly on an equal playing field. Black lives matter. Let the positive change begin.

How Ten Remarkable Women Can Give YOU Courage and Support During the Pandemic

I'm always astonished at the courage and indomitability of the human spirit. I first learned the true meaning of courage in 1986 when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I met fellow patients struggling with the disease in unimaginable ways, yet they remained positive and generous to others in our community.

I'm reminded of their strength now, during this pandemic, as I watch ordinary people performing extraordinary acts of selflessness and courage.

It's true that not all heroes wear capes.

I wasn't concerned when I learned I'd have to stay home to flatten the curve. Staying home isn't unusual for me. When you live with MS you can be homebound whenever the disease acts up.

But the pandemic is unfamiliar territory that feels surreal and abnormal. Although I work mostly from home my instincts tell me to reexamine my business goals in preparation for a new reality.

The world is hurting and I'm looking for ways to stretch my wings to advocate for a wider audience within the chronic illness community. I want to go beyond the work I already do as a writer, speaker, consultant, and patient leader.

How can I find a new idea?

I began working with the multitalented and deeply compassionate business mentor Sarah Walton. Sarah is teaching me the importance of growing my business by not only focusing on making money but to also think, feel, and act with my heart. These two parts make one powerful, compassionate whole.

I jumped full steam ahead by joining her heart-centered business boot camp and monthly membership group.

Now I ask myself:

How can I best serve others? What can I do to offer kindness, empathy, compassion, and inspiration? How can I teach what people need to know? How can I offer support and courage to heal a patient's heart to feel anxious and alone? Who needs me most?

"God provides the wind but man must raise the sails." ~St. Augustine

Through Sarah, I was fortunate to meet a group of savvy, intelligent women entrepreneurs. Their hearts lie in their businesses. That's evident by the passion and devotion they dedicate to their craft and to the world around them.

Sarah, and all the women in our group, have been a great gift to me during the pandemic. It's no coincidence that I found them at a time when I'd need them most. It's been such a joy and a blessing.

I'd like to introduce you to ten sensational women. I believe their businesses (many offered online) can benefit everyone in the disability and chronic illness community as well as people outside the community. Here are the businesses you'll find: 

Hold onto your hats because here we go!

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Sarah Walton is a business mentor who’s been featured on The Today Show, speaks at women's conferences all over the world, and has helped hundreds of women start and grow businesses they LOVE. Originally from Salt Lake City, Sarah spent her 15-year corporate career in New York City, navigating the male-dominated world of tech, managing a P&L worth hundreds of millions of dollars, working closely with Marianne Williamson, mentoring dozens of women, and balancing motherhood at the same time.  

She’s the creator of The Money Mindset Course, an interactive course designed to transform your relationship to money, her Heart-Centered Business Bootcamp, an online program for aspiring entrepreneurs and The Manifest Mastermind, a 9-month personal and professional development experience. 

Sarah has become the go-to source of inspiration, no-nonsense teaching, and practical integration for women in business. 

She’s created a successful business and now speaks across the nation, offering her courses and workshops, which are designed to put more money in the hands of more women.


pandemicMarla Sacks is a yoga and meditation instructor and Conscious Connections Course creator. She works with her body on a daily basis to bring her state of mind into spiritual balance. Marla brings gentle kindness and compassion to others with a calm presence.

Allergic histamine reactions, rashes, autoimmune disorders, and Lyme Disease are a few of the challenges that remind her how even in darkness, in the midst of chaos and commotion, it's your birthright to do what it takes to find your center and bliss. "I'm sensitive to your aches, pains, and discomfort be it from an emotional or physical situation."

The Action Bliss Charity method that Marla provides offers students, teachers, wellness practitioners, and therapists a peaceful toolbox to tap into, even in the calamities that arise on any given day. Meditations guide students to access their own intuitive mind. The PSYCH-K/MEDITATION/PRIVATE WELLNESS healing sessions I offer are customized for individual and group settings.

For more info, go to www.marlasacks.com
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Rama Ginde: I offer virtual and in-person cooking classes. I am also the course creator of "The Ultimate Guide to Plant Powered Cooking In A Instant Pot." (Author's Note: A smash hit!)

You can find me cooking with children. experimenting with new recipes, dancing to Zumba, and taking long walks!

My website is www.wannabeechef.com

Take a look at my video for a taste of what I do!

 

 

 

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Karen Foote is the owner of Rebalance Reiki and Massage LLC in downtown Westwood NJ. She is a Reiki Master Teacher and Intuitive Healer who loves to bring peace, balance, and insight to her clients and students. Whether you come for a class or a healing session, you’ll have her full attention and she'll do her best to send you off better than you came in. Helping to open up your awareness and deepen your spirituality is her goal!

 

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Business: Clara Wang Photography

Websitewww.clarawangphotography.com

Social Mediawww.instagram.com/clarawangphotographywww.facebook.com/clarawangphotos 

Area of Expertise: Product + Branding Photography. Creating brand images and visual content for product-based businesses. Product images that sell and position makers, designers, and their brands above the crowd.

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Beautiful photograph by Clara Wang

Bio: Clara Wang is a product and branding photographer, and founder of Clara Wang Photography. Previously, Clara spent over 12 years as a specialist in the hotel and travel  womenindustry, managing consistent excellence, product quality, and people skills. She strongly believes it’s the little things that create a flawless experience. Today, she weaves her love of photography, branding, and product styling together to deliver the highest-quality photos for her clients to use in all of their marketing efforts. She uses her visual storytelling expertise to help women business owners create a powerful connection with their customers— branded images that beautifully set their products apart from the crowd and build trust with their audience. When not shooting in her studio, you’ll find Clara savoring delicious foods in restaurants or her own kitchen, watching rom coms on Netflix with a glass of wine in hand, or traveling on another global excursion with her husband and 2 boys.

Martha J. Fickinger
Style Venture, Inc

I’m a Partner at Peach, a lifestyle apparel company. Our mission is to help women thrive.pandemic

Our clothes transition easily for gym, work, and play. We use premium technical fabrics that are washable, stretchy, and travel friendly. We incorporate sustainable and upcycled fabrics in each collection. Our inclusive size range runs XXS-XXL.

Our virtual gatherings are a fun way for a group of friends to socialize while seeing the clothes. We ship everywhere in the USA, and we offer easy free returns.

https://www.discoverpeach.com/t/featured/spring-20-collection

 

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Business name: Margaret ("Peggy") DeLong, Psy.D. - Licensed Psychologist
Website: https://drpeggydelong.com

Dr. DeLong is a licensed psychologist known as The Gratitude Psychologist. She helps people live their best lives by teaching methods of cultivating joy, resilience, gratitude, and meaning. She does this in several ways: 1) "Come Alive with Dr. Peggy" - Her affordable happiness and personal development monthly membership ($5 first month/ then $24/month), 2) individual support/counseling, 3) speaking, 4) books, 5) bracelets.
"I feel better already." - Most frequent sentiment after a new client's initial contact with Peggy.

Margaret ("Peggy") DeLong, Psy.D.The Gratitude Psychologist
908-672-6344; peggydelong@comcast.net

 

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Laura Platt
My business name is Fox & Fairy
FoxandFairyStaging.com

Instagram @fox.and.fairy

I offer home staging, design, and organizing services. Most of my services can be offered virtually - they're all listed on my website. I also offer feng shui and energy clearing. I've put together a fun & informative Zoom presentation on Feng Shui for your home office. If you have a group that would enjoy the presentation, let me know! I'll be presenting for our BIG pod on May 13th - hope you can join in.

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Sarah Coniglio is a social impact photographer whose mission is to travel the globe telling stories and finding non-profit organizations to partner with in providing photography and consulting services. With travel being predominantly halted during this uncertain time, Sarah has come up with an engaging way of staying connected with clients and followers as she shares parts of her past travels.

In Sarah’s words: During this pandemic, I've been doing a weekly Zoom call to highlight various places I've traveled to all over the world to give people an escape from being stuck indoors. This includes penguins of Argentina, monkeys around the world, a safari in Kenya, butterflies of the Americas, and more! Recordings are available on my YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN-TMeNg3jup6p72K_Ynn7Q) and are perfect for children! All photos highlighted are available for purchase and for a limited time, I am offering a free custom photo puzzle with a print purchase.

Be sure to subscribe to Sarah’s newsletter - https://www.projectwonderfull.com/home/#newsletter and get a free penguin photo notecard!

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Gabriela Vivas  -  (Don't miss her "try before you buy" offer at the bottom of the page!): Our store, Dparz Shoe Boutique is located in Ridgewood, New Jersey. What makes us unique is that each shoe is uniquely made in only nine pairs and with 100% authentic leather material. What adds an exotic edge to each shoe is that they are all made in Brazil specifically by the hands of two designers - Tanara and Raphaella Booz. In fact, Gabriela, owner of Dparz, travels to Brazil twice a year to meet with the designers and customize a shoe collection that caters to the wonderful women who shop at Dparz. This is why our motto, "Made for women, by women", holds true to its name. We stand for nothing less than to make women feel confident in whichever one of our shoes she chooses to conquer the world in.

The pandemic has impacted us tremendously. As a small business, we look forward to meeting our customers personally and have the privilege of helping select and shop their favorite styles. Our store offers a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, something not many shoe companies have.

Reflecting on our motto, “Made for women, by women,” we are using this time to inspire women to remain positive and strong, aiming to spread encouragement and optimism through our social media pages @Dparzshoes sharing activities such as cooking tutorials, gardening tips, and DYO facial masks. Not only do these small activities provide a source of entertainment, but they inspire our customers to bring their family together and promote a sense of unity and connection during this difficult time.

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We have been supporting our Community  “Oasis-A Haven for Women & Kids.” This charity has enabled us with the opportunity to donate 150 pairs of shoes to those in need. As well Ladies Savant Foundation Mother's Day project for Saint Joe's Hospital on the NICU floor. Dparz will be gifting a pair of shoes to ten mothers who have been affected by Covid-19, and twenty gift cards for each of the remaining mothers.

As well each day, we are promoting one strong woman. We are having our valued customers, friends, and family share short videos relaying positive messages, and telling us how they shine their light during this difficult time. We are hoping these simple messages can help one another remain in high spirits during this difficult time.

This Month of May, we are also launching another promotion that allows customers to buy a gift card of $100, and receive an additional $25 gift card on us. This is the perfect treat for Mother’s Day.

With our location being shut down due to Covid-19, our store has moved primarily to online shopping, denying our customers the experience of browsing our collections in person at our store. Despite the current circumstances, we have been working on developing better online engines to make shopping on our website an enjoyable experience for our customers. A new program we are excited to launch is entitled “Try before you Buy.” This program will allow our customers to try out up to four pairs of shoes with only a $15 deposit. Because we are unable to offer our customers the opportunity to try on our shoes in-store, we want to bring that experience into their homes in an easy and affordable way. We believe that our Try before you Buy program will offer the next best thing to our customers.

We recognize and understand this is a difficult time for everyone. At Dparz, we are striving to do all we can to make things a little easier for our customers. Dparz is not just a shoe boutique, it is more than that. Dparz is a lifestyle that promotes confidence for all women. This is what identifies us and separates us from competing brands. We value individuality and uniqueness, and it is our pleasure to cater to that for all of our wonderful customers.

https://dparz.com/blogs/blog/try-before-you-buy

Dparz Shoes
12 S Broad St Ridgewood, NJ 07450

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These are the Times That Try Men's Souls

 

pandemic

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.

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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:

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:

 

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.

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