HEATHER'S BLOG

This morning at the kitchen sink, one thought stopped me cold: How and why did this happen to me? For years I put everyone else first — I was the strong one, the capable one, the “good wife” and “good mother.” I practiced self-sacrifice without even realizing it… even while my own body was falling apart. My ex chose self-preservation. Why didn’t I? I should have. My mom always said, “Just because the doorbell rings doesn’t mean you have to answer it.” I wish I had listened so

What if the tiniest victories could change everything? Living with cerebellar ataxia, I used to count only what I had lost. Then I started focusing on daily wins with ataxia — the quiet miracles that light up even the hardest days. Laughing after dropping something for the tenth time. Standing long enough to make tea. Choosing rest without guilt. These small ataxia wins became my daily medicine.

Living with ataxia means some days your balance is off and stress takes over. But waiting for someone to fix it is a total disaster. True freedom comes when you stop waiting and start moving. Read on to see how I shifted my mindset around chronic illness, learned to embrace the challenges, and unlocked a tool that helps me heal.

You know that saying, “No one is coming to save you”? Softly, I remind myself that there is great power in deciding I can “save” myself. Living with ataxia taught me this the hard way. The real shift happened when I stopped waiting and started moving—one breath at a time. True freedom comes when you realize the medicine is you.

The Power of Bold Choices One of my mentors, as a young adult, once shared a profound insight: making bold choices is essential. This wisdom resonates with me deeply, and I carry it into my daily life. Along with many different traits, I strive to make bold choices. Sometimes they work out, and sometimes they don’t.

Embracing Change in My Journey My voice wasn’t just sound—it was my signature. That gritty, raspy tone carried me through every role, from the stage to Sisters to Beverly Hills, 90210. It was the spark in every conversation, the heart of every story I told. I was the ultimate Chatty Cathy, and I loved it. So when I learned that my voice—my essence—was being altered by a new symptom, my world tilted. Devastated doesn’t even cover it. It felt like losing a piece of my soul.

Starting the day with intentionality has transformed my approach to well-being. From nutrient-packed morning smoothies paired with Audio-Visual Entrainment (AVE) therapy to key daily supplements like NMN, Ubiquinol, and B12, my focus is on boosting cellular energy and brain function. Here is a look inside the daily health protocol I rely on to support my mind and body.

Ataxia affects coordination and balance, turning everyday tasks into daunting challenges. I still remember the first time the ground shifted beneath my feet at a family gathering. Living with this condition is an emotional rollercoaster, but celebrating small victories reminds me I am more than my diagnosis—we are defined by our resilience.

When I was going through a hard time, I went to a spin class. Little did I know, five years later, I still am showing up for myself on the bike and in life, too. It's not easy, but I want to prove to myself that I can do hard things. I still get scared, but that's part of it. It's not worth doing if you're not a little bit afraid, right?

In my journey of embracing my beautiful self amid challenges, Yin and Restorative Yoga have helped me reconnect with my inner beauty and resilience. These gentle practices offer a sacred space to slow down, release tension, and cultivate deep self-compassion. Even when it’s tough to get to my mat, I am always glad I made the space to show up.