#AtaxiaAwareness Photo Challenge
Since September 25 is International Ataxia Awareness Day, a few of my friends have been doing this Photo Challenge to promote #AtaxiaAwareness. I LOVE IT, buttttt I’m lazy/have a 7-month-old/have a tiring chronic illness/couldn’t access my blog for a few days/enter another excuse here…
Here is my (updated, starting at Day 14) version of this Photo Challenge, filled with links to various blog posts, of course.
Day 1: Meet Me
Hi, I’m Meg, I’m 31 years old. I used to be a high school English teacher, but now I’m a stay-at-home mom who’s sharing this next chapter of my life (& attempting to promote SCA awareness) through this blog.
Day 2: Symptoms & Diagnosis
Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1, genetically diagnosed in 2017, typical symptoms (poor balance/talking/fine motor skills) began in 2011.
Day 3: Favorite Memory
An entire day filled with family, friends, delicious food, “free” drinks, dancing, & celebrating me and my favorite person? PLUS I get to look like a princess? (The whole marrying Cody part was also pretty cool.) Yes, please.
Day 4: Favorite Pastime
Reading? Yeah, let’s go with reading.
Day 5: My Pets (or People)
My 6-year-old German Shepherd, Bogart.
Day 6: My Town
Buffalove <3
Day 7: Lesson I’ve Learned
SO MANY. Like how to overcome anxiety, and avoid toxic positivity, and practice self-care…
Day 8: Can’t Live Without
Leo? Books? Wine? Friends & Family? Coffee? Take your pick.
Day 9: Passions
All things ELA, so teaching/grammar/books/writing/etc.
Day 10: Happiness
Leo? Books? Wine? Friends & Family? Coffee? Take your pick.
Day 11: Dessert
I don’t actually like donuts (unless I’m pregnant, apparently) but this was the only relatable picture I could find?
Day 12: Home is Where the Heart Is
And road trips help you appreciate that even more.
Day 13: Sunset
I’d say the sunset we saw at the Grand Canyon is my favorite so far (though this picture does not do it justice).
Day 14: Exercise
So, I don’t exercise, because I honestly still struggle with fully facing what I can no longer do… but I recently acquired one of those Stationary Peddlars, so stay tuned!
Day 15: Current View
Not my current view BUT I wanted to remind everyone that you can experience some breathtaking views from the passenger seat of your car. Walking not required.
Day 16: Small Joys
He’s small, and usually a joy.
Day 17: Guilty Pleasures
Candy Crush, Queer Eye… (read THIS POST to better appreciate & understand that picture)
Day 18: Inspiration
J.K. Rowling’s writing. Yes.
Day 19: Sleep Time
Ha. New moms don’t sleep.
Day 20: Lightbulb Moment
A couple of years ago when I took the plunge to open up and start this blog, unaware of how many people I could actually help.
Day 21: Favorite Quote
I have a lot. Here’s one.
Day 22: Best Coping Strategy
Don’t be afraid to feel your feelings, regardless of how other people think you should react.
Day 23: #ThrowbackThursday
We’ve been best friends since 8th grade, and still group text each other every single day. We have quite literally been with each other through the very best and very worst parts of our lives. It’s ok to be jealous.
Day 24: Hope Means…
I know there will be a cure someday. I hope I’m alive when it happens. (Donate here.)
Day 25: Small Wins
The amount of #ataxiaawareness spread by SO MANY PEOPLE sharing my Facebook & Instagram posts was a GIANT win! Thank you!
Day 26: Favorite Life Hacks
We’re lucky to be living in a time when there are infinite adaptive tools at our fingertips. Check out these posts for some of my favorite ones. Thanks, Amazon.
Days 27-29: My New Normal, Adaptations I Made, Misconception to Change
All three of these days fit perfectly with the post “When Quitting is Winning.” It’s a good one. Read it.
Day 30: Advice for Someone Newly Diagnosed
Use social media to find people you can relate to! I have a huge support system of family and friends… who don’t have Ataxia. And I love them and definitely appreciate them, but it’s nice being able to hop on a support group and vent without explanation or ask questions that people with actual experience can answer.
Thank you for sharing! I enjoyed your pics! I, too, am doing the photo challenge this month on Facebook. It’s been very good at raising awareness as many of my Facebook Friends have never heard of Ataxia.