A Poem of Conemplation
/"Will I, will I, will I be able to walk?" she wonders.
Or will I, will I, will I lose that in the future?
RISE ABOVE ANY DIAGNOSIS
ABOUT
I'm Mary Joan Cunningham and I created Thrive with MS. I started this site to share my journey and encourage others in transforming fear into empowerment surrounding any new health reality.
Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2014, I embrace both conventional medicine and complementary therapies. I'm on a journey, figuring things out, just like you. I've given myself this space to be candid and real. And if that can help others, yay.
I share resources and insights here to serve anyone facing a scary diagnosis.
We got this.
If you’re here for the first time, I suggest reading from the beginning (click here) but —hey, by all means — you do you and read however you want!
Master of My Domaine
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I am planning to move to Austin. Finally.
And in these months of preparation the plan has changed from what I thought I would be.
I think that’s called life.
Click for more…
Moving
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Since my diagnosis I've lived with my parents.
On a farm….In the Middle of Nowhere, TX.
The closest Starbucks is 45 minutes away. My favorite -- Whole Foods -- is an hour's distance.
It's been an interesting internal process deciding where the next move will be. Because, really, it could be anywhere.
Click to read more.
Read MoreWhere have I been?
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A very nice and concerned reader reached out to me a few months ago to ask how I was and wanted to make sure that the lack of posts wasn’t because i was sick.
I wrote him back but it also seems like a fair topic to mention on the blog that I haven’t blogged on for quite some time.
The shortest answer is...
Read MorePostcard: New York
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A short film about a love affair with New York City, and the diagnosis that took me away.
Read MoreInspirational Stories: So you think you can dance...with MS? YES!
/I love stories of people rocking this diagnosis. Here's one for ya!
What's Joy got to do with it?
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Joy. Boy, that's a loaded word. AmIRight?
With that one syllable you may envision a powder puff fairy who has said something beyond enraging. Leaving you infuriated.
Maybe some of us have a reaction to this word because we have a hard time envisioning (this enraging) Joy in our lives.
(Keep reading to see what would be a totally embarrassing video. That is, if I had any shame.)
Read MoreNot so thrivey. (It happens)
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This 3-part intimate look at how I handled the first hot day of summer.
I discover fears. (@1:55)
I share insights.
I am walking around a hotel in my pjs with my retainer on (@ 0:46).
HOTT.
I won't stop running. (Music Video)
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This video above isn't about MS. It's about never giving up on yourself. Ever.
Read MoreShake the dust off your soul.
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This week's video is a conversation with documentarian Sharad Kharé. Sharad has interviewed Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Susan Sarandon and MANY others, all true luminaries. ...and now, me! I was beyond humbled and grateful to have had some time to chat about the inspiration for Thrive with MS, and ....
Read MoreMental Health - How to Improve it and Support When You Need It
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TheMighty.com asked me to write a note to a friend having a tough mental health day. Here's that post PLUS what I didn't include - my really truly frank opinions on how we can regain our brain health. Know this - it is absolutely possible to feel better. Read on and let me know your thoughts!
Read MoreThe Most Powerful (and Simple) Things to Know About Joy
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Whether freshly committed to making meaningful change in this new year or working through the challenges of a new health reality, do not underestimate the transformative power of a little thing called Joy.
Though if you’re like me, you might overestimate the energy needed to usher it into your life. It’s not hard, it just takes a little intention. Here’s what I mean...
Read MoreGlamour Magazine: Girl Talk with Lizzie Velasquez
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So thankful for this wonderful group of ladies, Women Rising and Glamour.com. Check our our beauty talk, both inner and outer.
Read MoreThank YOU for supporting Thrive with MS
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Hello dear friend-of-Thrive with MS.
You have no idea what your support means to me.
I was reading the MS Society's blog this week, and was struck by the stories and comments...
Thrive in Paris Recap (Video)
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Travel throws a whole lot at'cha all at once, especially if you eat a particular diet or need a certain amount of rest each night.
Here's the video recap of how I made it work!
Read MoreThrive: Prepping for Paris (Video)
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Ever worry that traveling will be too stressful because of a new diagnosis. Here's how I'm prepping to Thrive in Paris
Read MoreThis is what (Thriving with) MS looks like
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People wonder about what I can and can't do since my diagnosis. Here are those answers and the how-tos to get thriving.
Read MoreClearing Out Emotional Waste
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Clearing out emotional waste: Why is it important? Because as I experienced this week, if I don't clear out thoughts and feelings, my body pays the price. And yours does too, am I right?
Read MoreRecently featured on...
/Check out these great health and wellness articles...by yours truly ;)
Livestrong
Supercharge Your Paleo Diet With These 7 Superfoods
What are the best food choices for someone wanting to upgrade their diet, Paleo or otherwise? Read more...
Huffington Post
Using the Power of Intention: 5 Easy Steps
To create an intention is to clarify what you want to achieve: in a yoga class, a day, a lifetime. This act is deceptively simple but deeply powerful. More...
Livestrong
What Paleo and Vegetarians Can Learn From Each Other
Don't get confused with food "rules" - check out this list that keeps the focus on good health. Read on...
Defying limitations, Saying f* that to doctors, and Thriving with the Mind+Body+Spirit
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I want you to know how special you are.
Read More