chronic illness

December 5, 2017December 5, 2017

Treat Others as You Wish to Be Treated: An Open Letter to Our Spouses and Partners

Columns, Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson

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 ... Read more

October 31, 2017October 31, 2017

Invisible Illness Awareness: The Struggle Continues

Columns, Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson

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 ... Read more

August 15, 2017August 16, 2017

My Tired is Not Your Tired

Columns, Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson

Fatigue. Most people with chronic illness – especially MS — experience this. My energy levels vary from one day to the next. I am tired of ... Read more

June 29, 2017

Explaining Chronic Illness: An Alternative to the Spoon Theory

If you are active on social media and have a chronic illness, you’ve probably come across the term “spoonie.” The word comes from a woman’s explanation of how she ... Read more

June 19, 2017

How to Live Your Best Life With a Chronic Illness

If you’re living with a chronic illness, it’s easy to slip into a malaise and feel sorry for yourself. This isn’t a helpful state of mind ... Read more

May 30, 2017May 29, 2017

‘Disabled? You Seem Perfectly Fine to Me!’

Columns, Make Change Happen - A Column by Paula Hardin

The casual remark, “You seem perfectly fine to me!” bothers me (and others) because eligibility for Social Security Disability benefits requires proving we are not fine. In fact, we ... Read more

May 15, 2017May 15, 2017

Fear the Future? Change the Way You Think

Columns, Faith of the Mustard Seed - a Column by Debi Wilson

Fear of the future will likely rear its ugly head more often than you’d like when you have multiple sclerosis or any serious chronic disease. It ... Read more

May 15, 2017

15 Signs That Confirm You’re Definitely a Spoonie

A “spoonie” is a term used by people with chronic illnesses. It stems from lupus blogger Christine Miserandino who explained her lack of energy using spoons. How do you ... Read more

May 9, 2017May 9, 2017

MS, Chronic Illness and Motherhood: A Salute to Mothers

Columns, Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson

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 ... Read more

May 8, 2017May 8, 2017

Losing Our Independence Due to Multiple Sclerosis

Columns, Faith of the Mustard Seed - a Column by Debi Wilson

Losing our independence due to multiple sclerosis is a profound loss. With that loss comes the grieving process and inevitable change. On Grief.com in “A Message ... Read more

April 11, 2017April 11, 2017

Chronic Illness and Dating: the Benefits of Transparency

Columns, Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson

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 ... Read more

March 14, 2017

What a Nighttime Routine Looks Like When You Have a Chronic Illness

What’s your nighttime routine like? In this humorous video from Gifted Lift, Lauren gives us a sneak peek into her nighttime routine as a person with a chronic illness. Find ... Read more

February 7, 2017February 7, 2017

Words of Wisdom Are a Legacy Worth Sharing: Just Hold On

Columns, Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson

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 ... Read more

January 5, 2017

9 Things You Shouldn’t Say to Someone With a Chronic Illness

It’s no surprise that sometimes people say things they don’t want to–or mean to. Especially when they’re talking to someone with a disease like multiple sclerosis (MS) ... Read more

October 18, 2016December 16, 2016

Matrimony and Multiple Sclerosis … in Sickness and in Health

Columns, Patiently Awakened - A Column by Teresa Wright-Johnson

“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 ... Read more