January 9, 2018 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Feeling Good and My Jar of Happiness “It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day and I’m feeling good.” As I am writing my column this song is playing in my head. I enjoy listening to Nina Simone because her voice is…
December 25, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson My ABCs of Gratitude: Reflections of an MS Warrior (Continued) In last week’s column, I shared what I called my ABCs of gratitude. In the past few days, I’ve had to revisit my list several times. This was a distressing week. Even more perplexing is my inability…
December 12, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson My ABCs of Gratitude: Reflections of an MS Warrior Gratitude is defined as the quality of being thankful; a readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. By definition, we can infer that, in addition to it being a quality, it is also an act. Gratitude…
December 5, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Treat Others as You Wish to Be Treated: An Open Letter to Our Spouses and Partners My journey in life has allowed me to connect with and meet people from all over the world. For this, I am blessed. I’ve met many diagnosed with MS and other chronic illnesses. All of our experiences are…
November 21, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Still, I Am Grateful and Giving Thanks I can’t believe Thanksgiving is only a few days away. Time truly passes quickly. The holidays are bittersweet for me; I experience both joy and unrest. I believe there are others who can relate. The holiday season…
November 14, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Awe of Autumn: Welcoming Change , Spring has always been my favorite season. There is something about flowers blooming, grass growing and the germination process that invigorates me. Spring reminds me that a new season is coming and it ignites hope. I am…
October 31, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Invisible Illness Awareness: The Struggle Continues Last week was Invisible Illness Awareness Week, which ran from Oct 14-20. Awareness weeks are designed to bring attention to certain conditions, issues and situations. They are directed at creating consciousness and disseminating information. Sadly, invisible…
October 24, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Smiling With Intention: Counting Blessings Although a smile costs nothing, it can be just what a person needs. Many have encouraged me throughout my life with a smile, thus teaching me how powerful the act of smiling can be. Someone complimented me…
October 10, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Chosen Ones We are familiar with the “why me” moments? I reference this often because it is a recurring subject in the lives of people with chronic illness. As a little girl I’d ask my parents why my heart is…
September 26, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Retreating from the Noise: the Importance of Peace Our world is chaotic right now. I literally have to disengage from social media and periodically turn off the news just to rejuvenate my spirit and find some peace. It is difficult to remain positive in a pessimistic…
September 12, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson MS, Chronic Illness and Strength: When Courage Is Silent Courage is a recurring theme in my column. Many of us are familiar with the cowardly lion from the Wizard Of Oz. The lion itself is an animal known for its strength, beauty and valor. Thus, to…
September 5, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson We’re Still Here We celebrated my dear friend’s pastoral anniversary on Sunday, and the service was dynamic. Although I do not want to make this column a religious sermon, I hope to use the message from the guest speaker to inspire…
August 22, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Heart of It All and Healing from Within “The very beating of your heart has meaning and purpose.” This is a quote from Andy Andrews in “The Butterfly Effect.” I have referenced this quote on several occasions. It speaks volumes because it affirms that…
August 15, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson My Tired Is Not Your Tired Fatigue. Most people with chronic illness – especially MS — experience this. My energy levels vary from one day to the next. I am tired of being tired (pun intended). There are days when getting out of…
August 8, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Lessons Learned from Loss: A Tribute Why me? Why us? What have I done? How much loss can I endure? We’ve all been here. This was one of my weeks. The unexpected death of my nephew hurled me into this episodic gloom. I…
August 1, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Use the Power of Writing to Lift Yourself, Others The art of writing has been my refuge during some incredibly difficult times. Writing also serves as a vessel to express my joys, life lessons, and messages I wish to share with others. Writing is therapeutic. Expressing myself…
July 25, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson Like A Skyscraper: Tall, Strong and Monumental My column last week focused on the difficulties of managing the emotions that accompany MS. I sincerely thank you for your responses, stories and words of encouragement. Again, the one thing that was apparent is that most…
July 18, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson The Emotional Roller Coaster of Managing Emotions with MS I am an emotional, sensitive woman. I like to believe that I have a warm heart in a very cold world. Isn’t this what the world needs? Love, warmth, acceptance and transparency? Recently I find that my…
July 11, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson An Unlimited Mind Must Recognize Physical Limitations It has been a busy few weeks. Well, when I think about it, every week is busy. There is always something that must be done. Just when I think things will slow down, my schedule lengthens. Admittedly,…
June 27, 2017 Columns by Teresa Wright-Johnson MS, Religion, and Spirituality: Why I Believe In God Religion and spirituality are personal, delicate issues for many. Various schools of thought exist, and I haven’t the desire or the ability to deem one more important than the other. Writing about religious and spiritual matters is…
April 15, 2024 Columns by Leigh Anne Nelson What does ‘delicate balance’ mean in my life with multiple sclerosis?