Cathy Chester

United States

Founder and Author at An Empowered Spirit

Certified Health Advocate. Patient Leader for MS community. Lifetime Achievement Award, @socialhealthnet. Living with #multiplesclerosis since 1986. Wife/Mom

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Articles

How to Care for Your Mental Health When Living with a Chronic Illness

1 month ago | anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester

The best definition for chronic illness that I could find on the internet is from Psychology Today:"A chronic illness is a condition that endures for at least a year and requires ongoing medical care or consistently limits the scope of a person's daily activities.
Walking Each Other Home in 2025 with Strength and Hope

Dec 30, 2024 | anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester

My father loved Robert Burns, a Scottish poet and lyricist who is widely regarded as Scotland's national poet. As we approach the end of the year, I thought it'd be fitting to reflect on Burns's famous work, "Auld Lang Syne." This beautiful rendition is both haunting and heartfelt, honoring the original form of the poem. What a beautiful way to end 2024 while preparing for 2025. As we welcome the new year, my heart feels both heavy and hopeful.
As This Tumultuous Year Ends I Have a Few Things to Say

Dec 24, 2024 | anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester

This tumultuous year was rough, so I took a well-deserved writing break. Everything felt out of control, and I needed some time to focus on my mental wellness. I'm ready to move on and write with renewed clarity and confidence. . I turned 65 in 2024, and it hit me harder than I thought. It reminded me that now is the time to start working on my dreams.
How Communities Can Help Us Survive Challenging Times

Oct 14, 2024 | anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester

I’ve been thinking about how important communities are and how they can help us survive challenging times. They support our need to be active and informed, help us find comfort and advice, or provide a much-needed safe place to fall. In the current global situation, having multiple communities for support is crucial for maintaining good physical and mental health. Think about it: Where do you turn when you’re feeling sad, scared, or lonely?
How Communities Can Help Us Survive Challenging Times

Oct 14, 2024 | rb.gy | Cathy Chester

Skip to contentAn Empowered Spirit Blog PostLiving with MS | Mental Wellness | MS Advocacy | MS Resources | Stress and MSBy Cathy Chester on October 14, 2024I’ve been thinking about how important communities are and how they can help us survive challenging times. They support our need to be active and informed, help us find comfort and advice, or provide a much-needed safe place to fall.
Why We Need to Look Closer at Complementary Medicine for Our Health

Sep 17, 2024 | anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester

This post about complementary medicine was initially published in October 2016. Its contents remain relevant to people with MS or any ailment. Some of the original content has been updated. Living with an illness, any illness, prompts you to find ways to feel better. If you have a headache, you take an aspirin. If you have high cholesterol, you take a statin. However, there are sometimes no simple solutions to alleviate your symptoms.
Battling the Dark Clouds of Depression When Living with MS

Sep 9, 2024 | anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester

A decade ago, I wrote a blog post about the dark clouds of depression. It was an important post written soon after the death of the brilliant and wildly gifted Robin Williams. Although we didn't know it then, or at least I didn't, Williams faced a tough health challenge. So, of course, the media went into a frenzy, talking about Williams's suicide and the state of his mental health. They were wrong to give themselves the power to never walk in his shoes yet offer opinions about him anyway.
Battling the Dark Clouds of Depression When Living with MS

Sep 9, 2024 | rb.gy | Cathy Chester

A decade ago, I wrote a blog post about the dark clouds of depression. It was an important post written soon after the death of the brilliant and wildly gifted Robin Williams. Although we didn't know it then, or at least I didn't, Williams faced a tough health challenge. So, of course, the media went into a frenzy, talking about Williams's suicide and the state of his mental health. They were wrong to give themselves the power to never walk in his shoes yet offer opinions about him anyway.
Six Thoughtful Ways to Show Kindness to People Living with Multiple Sclerosis or Any Disability

Sep 4, 2024 | anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester

Here are six thoughtful ways to show kindness to people with Multiple Sclerosis or any disability. As a freelance writer and health advocate, I strive to educate others about living with MS and other disabilities. Because sometimes people don't believe your invisible symptoms. I aim to shed light on daily struggles to foster compassion and understanding for others. Don’t feel sorry for us, but do us a favor by learning more about our illness.
Six Thoughtful Ways to Show Kindness to People Living with Multiple Sclerosis or Any Disability

Sep 4, 2024 | rb.gy | Cathy Chester

Here are six thoughtful ways to show kindness to people with Multiple Sclerosis or any disability. As a freelance writer and health advocate, I strive to educate others about living with MS and other disabilities. Because sometimes people don't believe your invisible symptoms. I aim to shed light on daily struggles to foster compassion and understanding for others. Don’t feel sorry for us, but do us a favor by learning more about our illness.