Life Lessons from Children: Fall Down, Get Up and Don’t Stop Trying
I have had the privilege of watching several children grow into adulthood, and witnessing their transformation has been…
Articles by Teresa Wright-Johnson
The Importance of Cultivating Your Circle
Support is a crucial component in fighting chronic illness and adversity. Our humanity connects us and we thrive…
‘Patiently Awakened’ Explained: The Story Behind the Column
Someone asked me to fully explain the title of my column, “Patiently Awakened.” My column title provides a…
We Are Not Alone: Supporting Our Loved Ones as They Grieve Our Chronic Illnesses
Grief is something that we have all experienced. The process is a natural human response to tragedy and…
Intentional Living and Why Death Is Not My Greatest Fear
A couple of weeks ago I wrote a column regarding end-of-life decisions. The reality is that the…
MS, Chronic Illness and Motherhood: A Salute to Mothers
I am well aware of the importance of a mother, or a mother figure, and the significant role…
Chronic Illness and End-of-Life Decisions: Who are We to Judge?
For those who read my column, I am certain you can see I am an emotional writer. This…
Season of Spring is Analogous to the Cycles of Chronic Illness
This past week has been uplifting. The sun was out and the weather was enjoyable. Spring has officially…
Chronic Illness and Dating: the Benefits of Transparency
The dating process is the prerequisite to most serious relationships. We invest a significant amount of time to assess…
Ocrevus: FDA Approval Triggers Hope, Optimism — and Concern — Among MS Patients
The past few days have been remarkable in the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, with the U.S. Food and Drug…
The Detriment of Unsolicited Advice Regarding MS and Chronic Illness
I am sure many of us have had instances where someone “offered” their advice on what is the best…
My Fight Song for Multiple Sclerosis
Most of us have heard Rachel Platten’s Fight Song. It became an anthem for many people who…
Advocacy and Chronic Illness: Always Take a Proactive Approach
This was an eventful week. I was not feeling well and ultimately ended up in the hospital for a…
Overcoming Feelings of Self-Doubt Brought on by Chronic Illness
I believe myself to be a person with great self confidence. It was a long journey to arrive at…
Raising My Voice to Raise Awareness About MS
March is recognized by the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America as MS Awareness Month. Awareness is a vital component…
Time, Stress and MS: When Saying ‘No’ is Good for Your Health
Time. We all know it is important. Time is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the indefinite continued…
Beyond Valentine’s Day: The Importance of Expressing Love
Valentine’s Day is celebrated by many. We wait for this one day of the year to tell the ones…
Words of Wisdom Are a Legacy Worth Sharing: Just Hold On
The three words are powerful. My mother speaks them into my spirit frequently. She tells me to “Just hold…
A Father’s Sage Advice About MS: Take All the Time You Need to Grieve
MS is an onerous disease. There are times when I feel as if I am in the midst of…
‘It Could Be Worse:’ A Teachable Moment
Have you ever had someone tell you “it could be worse?” They are making a valiant effort to…
Preparing to Fight the Good Fight in the New Year
2017 has arrived. Welcome to a new year! First, I would like to say thanks for allowing me the…
HOPE — Having Obedience to Persevere and Endure
I was thinking of writing about another subject a few days ago and then, as usual, life happened. I…
The Verity and Power of Spoken Words
I had the pleasure of being invited to speak and share my story at an event this week. Although…
If You Don’t Know Me, Please Don’t Judge Me
Those of us with “invisible illnesses” are no strangers to this subject. Most of us have experienced situations in…
There are No Greater Words Than ‘Thank You’
Last week I wrote about surviving the holiday blues. This week I am going to focus solely on giving…
Surviving the Holiday Blues Requires Conscious Effort
We are officially entering into the holiday season. Thanksgiving is almost here and Christmas will follow. The stores are…
Sharing My MS Journey – Silence is Not An Option
Several people have asked me why I choose to publicly share my multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and experiences with chronic…
MS and the Art of Pretending – Beyond the Smile
This photo was taken more than a year ago and I remember it as if it were yesterday. There…
Stand in the Midst of MS
One of my favorite gospel songs is “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin. There’s a verse that says, “after you’ve done…
Matrimony and Multiple Sclerosis … in Sickness and in Health
“In sickness and in health.” These words are said by everyone embarking upon the exciting journey of marriage. Most…