June 13, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 priceless. I haveĀ experienced extreme joy, sorrow, pride, and disappointment; all of the many emotions associated with life itself. However, what I find truly amazing is the innocence and determination of…
June 6, 2017 Columns 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 on relationships. Support may come in the form of family, friends, social services, groups and countless other methods. I have been fortunate to have an abundance of support for which…
May 30, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson ‘Patiently Awakened’ Explained: The Story Behind the Column Someone asked me to fully explain the title of my column, “Patiently Awakened.” MyĀ column title provides a brief description of what it means to me and my intentions for readers. I thought it would be best to elaborate in the column itself. Patient as a noun refers…
May 26, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 loss. It is often cyclical and traumatic. I have read and written various articles referencing the grief process. Discussions with my niece and my dear friend led me to…
May 16, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 time will come for every human being. This journey of life and chronic illness continues to teach me salient lessons. I have been asked numerous times if I am afraid…
May 9, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 she has in the lives of her children and community. I am blessed to have an awesome mother who has profoundly shaped my life. It is her love, guidance, patience…
April 25, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 is a difficult column to write. I have been thinking about end-of-life decisions for months. I am reminded of my mortality each time I visit the hospital and I’m asked…
April 19, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 arrived, and I was able to get out and really appreciate the nice days. I did not do much of anything, however, I was out and about. Easter Sunday was…
April 11, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 whether we are compatible with the person of interest. Dating should beĀ fun and we should look forward to future possibilities. For the past few days I’ve been thinking about dating…
April 4, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Ocrevus: FDA Approval Triggers Hope, Optimism ā and Concern ā Among MS Patients The past few days have been remarkable in the multiple sclerosis (MS) community, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approving Ocrevus to treat relapsing MS (RRMS) and primary progressive MS (PPMS) in the United States. Ocrevus ā adminstered intravenously every six months ā is the first drug…
March 28, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Detriment of Unsolicited Advice Regarding MS and Chronic Illness I am sure many of us have had instances where someone āofferedā their advice on what is the best way to manage our illnesses. They are not medical professionals and many of them don’t suffer from the disease themselves. They present their beliefs as scientific dogma, often referring to…
March 21, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson My Fight Song for Multiple Sclerosis Most of us have heard Rachel Platten’s Fight Song. It became an anthem for many people who struggle with illness and adversity. Fight Song has become one of my favorite odes. As a writer, I love to listen to the words of song lyrics. The music is…
March 14, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 couple of days. I had severe neck pain that radiated to my shoulder and arm. In addition, I woke up one morning with severe chest pains. I couldn’t determine whether…
March 7, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 this destination, but once I arrived I knew I was here. I realize that chronic illness doesn’t only affect us physically, it manifests in other ways, too. There are psychological,…
February 28, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 of any illness. We must actively engage to collectively congregate and support the cause by way of our time, resources and voices. We are seeking to make communities aware of…
February 21, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 progress of existence and events in the past, present and future regarded as a whole.” In simple terms, time is life in a series of moments. Regardless of what is…
February 14, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 we love how special they are. The proverbial Happy Valentine’s Day cards, flowers and candy will be given as tokens of love and affection. Although my husband and I are…
February 7, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 on.” My mother is a woman who has withstood many tragedies. Both my parents have. They’ve lost their children, cared for me as an ill child and they continue to…
January 31, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 a tsunami. Everything comes crashing in and all I want is a safe haven, a level of calm. The tsunami consists of depression, physical symptoms and the destruction of peace.
January 23, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson ‘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 comfort and console you. However, there is not much consolation in the words. They almost sound a bit insensitive. I have been told this several times. I think many people…
January 3, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 opportunity to share my MS journey with you. Your comments, emails and words of encouragement are appreciated. 2016 was an eventful year, indeed. I have learned much about the disease…
December 20, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson HOPE ā 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 learned of the passing of a former colleague recently. I did not know her well, but her spirit was infectious. She had been fighting colorectal cancer for 12 years. As…
December 8, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 I speak often, each encounter leaves me in awe. I am continuously reminded of the numbers of people with whom my story resonates. I also am cognizant of the lasting…
December 5, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 which we were judged, insulted and scorned based on people’s opinions and perceptions. We are told that we don’t look sick and we are placed in situations where we feel…
November 22, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 thanks. November 20 marked the 16-year anniversary of my second open-heart surgery. November also marks the second year of my multiple sclerosis diagnosis. As I reflect on my life, all…
November 15, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 filled with decorations. Holiday sales are advertised and children are excitedly preparing their Christmas lists. In addition, we will receive, and may even send the proverbial āHappy Holidaysā greeting cards.
November 8, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Sharing My MS Journey ā 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 illnesses. Some ask in admiration, stating how they wish they were comfortable enough to also do so, while others ask in judgment and condemnation. I have been told that people…
November 2, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 was so much going on behind the smile captured in this picture. Smoky Robinson serenaded about āthe tears of a clown.ā I definitely played the role of the clown that…
October 25, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Stand in the Midst of MS One of my favorite gospel songs is “Stand” by Donnie McClurkin. There’s a verse that says, āafter you’ve done all you can, you just stand.ā My spirit reacts to this song each time I hear it. It satiates my soul. I love music and believe it is a gift.
October 18, 2016 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson 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 are in love, excited about the future and hopeful they have found their happily ever after. Many of us repeat the words “in sickness and in health” without much thought,…