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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Aug 19, 2024 | 
anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester
Fear. Illness. Sadness. Anxiety. The words dangle before my eyes, suspended in midair as if to taunt me. They hang in the balance as constant reminders of stories flashing relentlessly through my mind. I close my eyes tightly, hoping the words disappear, leaving me alone forever. When I open them, they're still dancing wildly, mocking me for the hope that went unanswered. . I'm not the only one struggling with negative thoughts; unfortunately, I have PLENTY of company.
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Jun 10, 2024 | 
anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester
As a writer and health advocate, I am committed to raising awareness about living with multiple sclerosis and chronic illness. Because sometimes, when people can’t see your disease, they don’t believe you have one. By shedding light on our everyday struggles, I aim to provide information that can foster the compassion and tolerance needed to bridge understanding gaps. Step back to make way for a better world. How you can help someone with MS or other chronic illnesses:1.
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May 14, 2024 | 
anempoweredspirit.com | Cathy Chester
I received some challenging news from my neurologist, but I wasn't surprised. I've lived with Multiple Sclerosis for almost four decades, so I learned to expect the unexpected. Interestingly, after the doctor's appointment, a quote started to repeat in my head:"God only gives us what we can handle." Given historical and recent events, I'm not convinced that no one faces more than they can handle.