Columns

How I’m Getting Out of My 2020 Funk

If 2020 hasn’t been a challenging year for you, that’s great news. But for me, like many others, this year has been a lesson in overcoming adversity, whether it’s due to sheltering in place from COVID-19, losing a job, or facing a mental…

The 4 Categories of Tiredness

Those of us with invisible chronic illnesses master the art of mindfulness for our bodies. Since our symptoms show little signs of existence, we must work hard to translate our body’s hidden language of fatigue. Neglecting this skill could impede receiving the medical help we so desperately need.

What I Learned About Life From My Dog

On Sept. 29, part of my life was lost. My dog, Gus, who had been a staple of the Miller family household for 13 years, left the world. To where, we can only guess, but he left parts of his odd personality with us and gave us memories we will…

Living for Myself While Hoping for the Right Person

I have clear memories of listening to my fourth-grade friends talk about what their “boyfriends” got them for Valentine’s Day, or whispering between one another during class about who liked whom. My hope of one day having a stereotypical teenage romance carried into high school, but dwindled as…

Overcoming the Idea of Being a Burden

As I’ve started relying more on people for things I used to do on my own, it’s become easier to ask for help without feeling like a burden. This toxic thought has been a challenging mental hurdle, but it’s one we all deserve to get over. With compassion,…

The Battle Against Ableism Is Tiring, but I Won’t Give Up

A few unfortunate circumstances recently have left me mentally exhausted by the endless recurrence of ableism. It feels as though ableism lurks around every corner, waiting for the opportune moment to rain on my sunshiny parade. Arming myself with an advocate seems necessary for braving the outside…

Why It’s Important to Be Still Amid the World’s Chaos

The world can be overwhelming thanks to the deadly coronavirus pandemic, especially for someone dealing with muscular dystrophy. On top of the daily struggles — lack of mobility, physical exhaustion, and steroid-related side effects — there’s also the worry of getting sick and feeling the virus’s financial…