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 trail running, outdoor pursuits, yoga, cycling, and supporting and empowering others, particularly women and feminine-identified people.

Her approach to living with MS is a combination of embodiment and evidence. She hopes that she can inspire others to identify their challenges to overcome and become more joyful and confident through the process of achieving their goals. She also an advocate through the MS Society. Since having MS, Justine has experimented on herself as an "N of 1". She is committed to a plant-based (vegan) and alcohol-free diet.

Let's chat it up with Justine! 

Instagram: RunwithMS 

runwithms@gmail.com

Instagram: thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

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! Let's chat it up with Mary!

Instagram: @dontmswithmindfulmary

Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

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

Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

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

https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

Has your multiple sclerosis diagnosis influenced the course of your life? Has it shifted your passions in a certain direction? Many people say that everything happens for a reason. Would being diagnosed with a chronic illness happen for a reason? Justin Loizos believes his MS diagnosis has further grown his passions. Let's chat it up with Justin. 

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 Angela! 

IG: @Angela_Landeros_Heals

YouTube: @Angela_Landeros_Heals

https://angelalanderosheals.wordpress.com

IG: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

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: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

When have you felt the most fear in your life? Did you know there are seven deadly fears?

1. Fear of being alone
2. Fear of connecting (lack of)
3. Fear of abandonment
4. Fear of self-assertion
5. Fear of lack of recognition
6. Fear of failure and success
7. Fear of being fully alive   

Rachel Larsen 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: wontstopsmyelin@gmail.com    

Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

http://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com