But let's be real, MS presents difficulties. Having hope that things will get better, that there is love and kindness in the world, and that hope is in each of us makes a difference for the good. We can not hope blindly. We have to choose a course of action and stick to it. Despite the delays and setbacks along the journey hope carries us along while ersisting with an adventurous course of action. I call it a gritty hope. These are the words of Justine Calcagno who was diagnosed with MS in 2016. She is an ultrarunning non-profit researcher with a Ph.D. in psychology. She is passionate about tr ..read more

What is your greatest fear? Before MS, mine was probably superficial. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something or someone is dangerous and likely to cause pain (physical, emotional, etc.). Fear can be intense and sometimes overpower us if we don't have the tools to work through the emotions it brings. Mary Virgi does not let fear hold her back! She leans into her core values of family and faith to climb out of negative spaces. At the time we recorded this, Mary was 14 weeks pregnant. And releasing this episode she is now about to have her baby. She is surely thriving ..read more

Did you know that approximately 50% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis are also diagnosed with depression? This is 3X more likely than in the general population. Managing mental health can be complicated especially when you also have an unpredictable autoimmune disease. Alyssa Gonzalez bravely shares her journey with MS and mental health. She was diagnosed with pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and just that process alone was overwhelming. There is so much to chat about with this gorgeous and positive Instagram Influencer. Let's chat it up with Aly Katelyn! Instagram: @aly_katelyn Instagra ..read more

Have you ever experienced Crap Gap? You may know it as the end of dosing interval or the weaning-off effect. This refers to the period of time between Ocrevus infusions when you might feel a worsening of MS symptoms. This may include things such as Fatigue, cognitive fog, motor function or balance problems. You know... all the things! Kellie Batts, who has had MS since 2016 shares her experience with Crap Gap as well as her experience over the last seven years with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Let's chat it up with Kellie!  Instagram: @_livinglikek Instagram: @thrivingoversurvi ..read more

Have you ever had a massage? Not one from a friend or lover, I'm talking from a professional masseuse? For many, massage becomes a regular part of their health routine. Massage can help with anxiety, depression, digestive disorders, fibromyalgia, headaches, insomnia, nerve issues, muscle stiffness, inflammation, and more!  Angela Landeros shares how massage therapy became her passion. As someone diagnosed with MS and a massage therapist, she knows firsthand how therapeutic it can be. This equestrian and author shares her experience with multiple sclerosis and beyond. Let's chat it up with ..read more

Remaining curious is essential, especially when seeking answers to improve our health. Asking questions is necessary, but challenging when we don't know what questions to ask. Empowering ourselves with the knowledge and strength required to tackle our daily struggles with chronic illness. Fitness Coach Marnie Bothmer, who thrives with MS, knows that curiosity is necessary to open her mind to other ways of viewing the world. Let's chat it up with Marnie! marniebothmer@gmail.com Instagram: @mbstrength4life www.marniebothmer.com https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com Instagram: @thrivingoversur ..read more

When have you felt the most fear in your life? Did you know there are seven deadly fears? Fear of being alone Fear of connecting (lack of) Fear of abandonment Fear of self-assertion Fear of lack of recognition Fear of failure and success Fear of being fully alive    Rachel Larson shares how she moved beyond fear and anger to embrace vulnerability and live her best life.  She removed herself from isolation and now fully enjoys her life with or without MS. Let's chat it up with Rachel.  www.wontstopsmyelin.com Facebook and Instagram: @wontstopsmyelin  email: wontstopsm ..read more

Would you consider yourself emotionally well? Do we even know what that feels like or should feel like? Jane Gould has found what emotional wellness is for her. She shares with us her 20-year journey with MS, what she has learned about herself, and how she finds peace in her every day life. Let's chat it up with Jane! Twitter: @ABCsofMS Substack: https://abcms.substack.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com     ..read more

Many of us searched for answers for a long time before finding out we have multiple sclerosis. Once you had the knowledge, what did you do with it? Knowing is just the first step. Alex Sololoff uses his core value of self-discipline to stick to his routines after learning many lessons throughout his MS experience. Let's chat it up with Alex! www.facebook.com/alexsokoloff.me/ Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com   ..read more

What is one change in your life you would like to make? Just one change that would improve the quality of your life. One change that would make you proud of yourself. Maybe this episode with Gillian Crooks will inspire you to do just that. Or maybe you have already made a change and you can relate. Once wheelchair-bound, this marathon runner has a lot to share about having high expectations and focusing on things within our control. Let's chat it up with Gillian!  Instagram: @gillian.eattobeatms www.mygroovewellness.com Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast https://thrivingoversurvivin ..read more