September 20, 2018 Columns by Jennifer (Jenn) Powell I Have MS and I Am Beautiful Having just written about uninvited commentary, I found this gem too awesome not to share. I went to the grocery store in my requisite San Francisco Giants cap and Ray-Ban sunglasses. Upon leaving, I chatted with the checker about the usual inane topics. Knowing my health status, she asked…
September 6, 2018 Columns by Jennifer (Jenn) Powell Uninvited Commentary Invites Enlightenment Last week, I flew home from San Francisco. As I walked up the jetway, I moved to the right and held the handrail to allow others to pass. Once in the airport, I proceeded to baggage while showing another passenger where to go. As we parted ways, he looked at…
March 19, 2018 Columns by Debi Wilson What a Kids’ Movie Taught Me About Finding Happiness Having four grandchildren, I watch my fair share of kids’ movies. Most of them offer positive life lessons for growing minds while remaining entertaining. Recently, I watched the movie “…
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 on my smile this week. I smiled again with a heartfelt…
September 14, 2017 Columns by Jennifer (Jenn) Powell Choosing Happiness I find it funny when people ask how and why I am so positive and happy. Am I supposed to be sad and negative just because I have multiple sclerosis? There are certainly days when the pain and/or side effects get me down, but gratefully, these are exceptions…
August 23, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Building Toward Optimism: The ‘Tetris’ Effect In the video game “Tetris,” players fit falling puzzle pieces together in order to create the most complete picture. As the game continues, the pieces fall faster. Creating order and cohesion out of chaos is necessary, as it is a common human desire. I never liked “Tetris,” but…
June 28, 2017 Columns by Judy Lynn Can You Cultivate Happiness as a Habit? Last week, I shared details ofĀ Everyday Matters,Ā a program by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This self-directed, multi-week program uses the principles of positive psychology. The readings, lessons, and exercises need not be completed in a particular order, but I am going to start my exploration of…
May 22, 2017 Columns by Debi Wilson A Walk in the Park Reminds Me That I Am Not Alone My walk in the park usually consists of watching every one of my steps, while conserving my energy so I can finish the trek. In the midst of my walk, I remain acutely aware of how weak my legs are, and hope they don’t give out on me. For…
February 8, 2017 Columns by Cathy Chester Create a Self-Care Plan to Use During Challenging Times Americans are feeling more anxious than ever. Itās not politics as usual, but politics as unusual. People who never were politically active find themselves raising their voices to make a difference. In the MS community, raising our voices is not something new.
January 25, 2017 Columns by Debi Wilson Indeed, Laughter is the Best Medicine “Laughter is the best medicine.” We may never know where this quote originated, but it’s a good one. The benefits of a loud, robust belly laugh are many! According to many internet sites laughter has great short-term effects. When you laugh, it doesn’t just lift you mentally, it…