Finding Strength in Silence - My journey with ALS

This document shares a personal journey of living with ALS, emphasizing strength, hope, and practical strategies to maintain physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

• Strength found in silence: The author finds personal strength in moments of silence, drawing comfort from daily prayers and hopeful imagery to cope with sadness.

• Expressing hope through voice: Despite challenges, the importance of mental health and engagement is highlighted, with a focus on finding new ways to stay active in body, mind, and spirit.

• Physical activity recommendations.

• Benefits of mental activity: Staying mentally active boosts emotional well-being, resilience against depression, and helps maintain identity and quality of life despite physical challenges.

• Creativity’s role in well-being: Creative work, such as the Abuelas Collection of children’s stories, provides cognitive exercise, emotional expression, cultural connection, and a sense of purpose, supporting ongoing engagement and motivation.

• Living with gratitude and hope: Despite physical decline, the author maintains gratitude, acceptance, and hope for longevity, inspired by examples like Stephen Hawking, and continues to seek joy and support daily.