Grief and hard times can feel incredibly lonely, like holding a sad little plate of emotional snacks at a party. But you are not alone. When everything else fails, I highly recommend crying in the shower—it’s free therapy with great water pressure. Read my personal permission slip on how to survive the heavy days without losing who you are.

Living with idiopathic cerebellar ataxia has taught me that I don’t have to wait for perfect answers or perfect days to take care of myself. I’ve learned to listen to my body and try gentle things that actually help — red light therapy, my vibration board, ubiquinol, NAD, and cycling three days a week. Some days these tools give me more energy. Other days they simply remind me that I’m still showing up for myself, even when progress feels slow. Staying positive doesn’t mean pretending it’s easy.

I already have other plans. I do what’s recommended, but I also keep doing what I know works for me. I’ve always been a capable, multi-tasking woman, and ataxia hasn’t changed that. This is how I’m choosing to meet my journey with strength, consistency, and self-trust.