My MS Star

Last week I had the pleasure of attending my first “Taste of Generosity” silent auction and fundraiser hosted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

This event not only raises money to help work towards finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it also is a chance to honor MS Stars in our community. An MS Star is someone who has made an impact on the MS community in some way.

When I first heard about this event I knew that I had to nominate someone who has been a super nova of a shining star in my life since my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis last fall. My husband.

It was a wonderful evening spent with family and folks from all around the twin cities, joined together for one cause; find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.

We clean up pretty nice! 

Thank you to all of those who continue to support me on my MS journey through your prayers, words of support and love! You all lift me up, more than you know!

My amazing MS fundraiser T-Shirt quilt we won at the silent auction. Talk about wrapping myself up in comfort! Mac likes it too…

 

Three benefits ANYONE can get from owning a dog

We all know that dogs are great. I mean, who can resist squealing with delight when you see a bouncing Corgi butt or a the spotted mug of a Dalmatian trotting down the street?

Dogs have been an important part of my life since I was very young. So important that I believe my parents still have a scrap a paper from when I was in 7th grade that dictates that when I saved up one million dollars my parents would buy me a puppy.

I didn’t quite make it to one million dollars that summer (just a couple bucks shy…) but my family and I did end up getting a puppy and my true passion for our canine friends began.

I spent many of my post-college years working at doggy daycare and boarding facilities. Ultimately, I ended up learning A LOT about dogs. I learned about dog breeds, behavior, health, first aid, and training techniques. I read books about dog phycology, dog behavior and training techniques and I got to actively put what I learned into practice each day when I went to work!

I will always love dogs. They truly are mans (and womans!) best friend. With their caring, intuitive and goofy nature dogs are a lot like us!

So here it is; Three Benefits to owning a dog! 

1. Exercise! Dogs need exercise. Fun fact: so do you! Now, the amount and intensity of the required exercise will vary depending on breed. You can get away with less exercise for some breeds such as English Bull Dogs or Pomeranians, but keep in mind that no matter what the breed all dogs need exercise, even if it is just a little bit! I have a 100lb Husky/German Shepherd mix, so we are on the opposite end of the spectrum. Sir Mac N Cheese requires a lot of exercise. He enjoys at least one walk a day, fetch in the backyard and some vigorous rounds of tug of war. All of those things require me to get moving too! Since my diagnosis of MS, Sir Mac N Cheese is definitely my number one guy to help me get my much-needed daily walk in!
2. Emotional Support When I was diagnosed with MS and going through my first two rounds of Steroid Infusion Therapy Sir Mac N Cheese would not leave my side. He sat next to me on the couch, laid with me in bed, and even followed me into the bathroom. When I had a rough day he would lay his head gently on my lap and sigh deeply, reminding me to take a deep breath, everything would be ok.  When I cried tears of pain and frustration he would lick them worriedly off of my cheeks, quickly turning my tears into laughter. I have no doubt in my mind (not to mention there is plenty of scientific research backing this) that dogs have a way of sensing human emotion, and learn ways to comfort us when we need it. Think about it, from the moment your dog came home you have been his world, his support, his caretaker when he was sick and hurt, his teacher and his best friend. He is just trying to do the same in return to you!
3. Laughter Dogs have a remarkable way of going from the majestic beasts descended from wolves that they are, to the worlds biggest goofball in just about the blink of an eye.  Dogs never lose their sense of play, just like humans, even as adults they still enjoy the occasional bout of silliness! This makes them not only steadfast and comforting companions, but some damn goofy ones too! My dog makes me laugh on at least a daily basis. Maybe it’s the husky in him but he is one odd duck. But laughter does so much more than just make you feel good! Laughter has been proven to be beneficial in short-term memory performance, burning calories, lowering your cortisol levels (stress hormone), regulating blood sugar levels, boosting immunity and so much more! Laughing is good for us!

 

So tonight when you see your pup waiting patiently for you when you get home give him a big smooch and a good belly rub. Just remember, to you he may just be part of your world but to him you are his whole world. 

-A

 

Anxiety, step aside. It’s my turn!

I have struggled with anxiety since I was a young teen. I have had times in my life where it was almost non-existent, and times when it felt like it was smothering me slowly. I have utilized many different approaches to help ease my anxiety. I have found that what works best for me is working with a psychiatrist for medication, self-reflection and meditation, creative outlets like writing and singing, and professional counseling with a counselor that I have a good and trusting relationship with. All of those things take time and it can be a bit of a hunt to find the right people/techniques for you, but don’t give up!

I recently had a therapist tell me that my anxiety was controlling my life. They told me that it was affecting me, my ability to enjoy life, and my relationships with others. They reminded me that by allowing my anxiety to make decisions for me (like leaving a vacation early) I am affecting not just myself, but my husband as well. Which is true. I didn’t leave the trip alone, my husband came with me because we always have each other’s backs. But he deserves a full vacation too!

Being reminded of all of those things hurt profoundly. It is not easy to recognize your failures and shortcomings. It’s even harder to have them spoken aloud by others and to know deep down that they are right.

While I did not agree with this person’s recommendations on how I fix the problem, I did take away the very important lesson they taught me, and for that I am grateful!

It was kind of like I closed a chapter in my mind. It was a chapter titled “Anxiety: The Boss”. As if a switch flipped in my mind, I decided ‘No More!’

I was done letting my life slip by while I worried about it from the corners of my mind. I was ready to step back into the spotlight of my life and enjoy it!

My diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis this past fall really thew me into a whirlwind of emotions, and rightfully so! I went through (and probably am still going through) a full process of grieving. Grieving for the life that I always had thought I would have, which had now drastically changed in the blink of an eye.

I am still trying to navigate this new world I’ve been thrown into, and sometimes it’s a lot scarier than others. Imagine walking around with a cement block tied to a balloon on a  string dangling above your head. You know that eventually the string will break, or the balloon will run out of air and the block will fall on you, but there is no way to know when. So each day you wake up to unknown. Wondering, I wonder what my body will be like today.

It is no wonder that people with Multiple Sclerosis often have anxiety and/or depression! Not to mention the mood changes that can come as a result of MS.

All of these fears have been causing me to want to hide inside. To keep myself safe, and not do anything that might cause me to get stressed out, or sick, or overheated and cause a relapse. But when that switch in my mind flipped I realized that I am OK right now!

I have 95% of my mobility, I just need to remember to take it slow and use railings etc to prevent falls! I have my sight, my speech! I am extremely lucky as far as MS goes.

Yes, my chronic fatigue can cause some nasty symptoms. And I stumble over my numb foot every now and then, but as long as I plan my days accordingly (meaning giving myself nap time😋 and a rest day soon afterwards) I can still do SO much!

So this weekend I did not one, but two things that challenged my anxiety, and proved to myself that my body can handle some fun and adventure!

I saw Taylor Swift’s Reputation Tour on Friday night with my sister. We have been to all of her concerts together since Speak Now (2010), which is one of our favorite “sister traditions”.

After my diagnosis I was worried that I would not be able to make it to the tour this year. Stadium crowds, the noise and the lights can all cause overstimulation resulting in my dizziness and vision issues really kicking in. Not to mention, large crowds can cause claustrophobia for me.

Having that ‘kick in the ass’ earlier this week, I went into this weekend telling my anxiety that I was in control! This is my life, and I am going to enjoy it, dammit!

I had a wonderful time with my sister at the concert and was able to get through my claustrophobia with crowd using some simple breathing techniques!

The next day I went to the Minnesota State Fair with my husband and some of our friends! More big crowds! Again, I proved to myself that I could do it, and it was fun!

All in all, I’m feeling pretty damn proud of myself. I am excited to continue with this positive energy flow I am on! I am so grateful for this change in perspective and the adventures that it could bring!

I am pretty wiped out today, after my weekend of fun! But it’s a stormy day here in the mini-apple and perfect for resting, recharging my spoons, and snuggling with my boys!

Wishing you all some peace, relaxation and joy this wonderful day ❤️ – A