The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. But once the festivities end and everyday life resumes, it’s common to feel a sense of sadness or letdown. These post-holiday blues can be challenging, but with a few proactive steps, you can ease the transition and maintain a positive outlook. I know I feel sad when Christmas ends. The decorations, the music, the food- but , most importantly, being with family and making the memories are the best parts about Christmas. Here are some strategies to help you cope: 1. Embrace a Routine Returning to a regular routine…
Author: Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono
Jessica Grono is a special education teacher, public speaker and writer. She is former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania. She plays goalie for Philadelphia Flyers PowerPlay! Jessica is happily married with two children. She has cerebral palsy.
We all have areas where we can grow, and recognizing our weaknesses is the first step toward self-improvement. By understanding and acknowledging these aspects of ourselves, we can work to become better and more balanced individuals. Here’s a reflection on some of my weaknesses and how I plan to address them. 1. Perfectionism Perfectionism often drives me to set unrealistically high standards for myself. While striving for excellence can be positive, it sometimes leads to unnecessary stress and a fear of failure. To combat this, I aim to embrace the idea that “done is better than perfect” and allow myself…
Athetoid cerebral palsy, also known as dyskinetic cerebral palsy, is a type of cerebral palsy characterized by involuntary, uncontrolled muscle movements. This condition affects muscle tone and coordination, making it challenging for individuals to perform everyday activities. I have Athetoid Cerebral Palsy. Having Athetoid Cerebral Palsy is good, in a sense, because I’m in shape and flexible. What I don’t enjoy is always moving and people stare. Bad spasms occur at the worst times- like in Mass, a funeral, a wedding, an important meeting or meeting the man of your dreams. Basically, any chance to really embarrass you, a bad…
As the clock strikes midnight, a new year unfolds, brimming with possibilities and opportunities. It’s the perfect time to set intentions and resolutions that will guide me toward personal growth and fulfillment in 2025. Here are my resolutions for the coming year: 1. Prioritize Self-Care In 2025, I resolve to put self-care at the forefront of my daily routine. This means taking time to nurture my mental, emotional, and physical well-being. From regular exercise and healthy eating to mindfulness practices and setting boundaries, I will invest in activities that rejuvenate my spirit. In August, I came off my path of…
In a world that often focuses on what we need to improve, it’s essential to take a moment to recognize and celebrate our strengths. These qualities define us, empower us, and help us navigate through life’s challenges. Here’s a reflection on the strengths that make me who I am. 1. Resilience One of my core strengths is resilience. Life is unpredictable, and I’ve faced my share of obstacles. But each time I stumble, I rise stronger. Whether it’s dealing with personal setbacks or professional challenges, my ability to bounce back has been a cornerstone of my growth. However, just because…
As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to look back and appreciate the journey I’ve taken over the past year. Growth isn’t always a linear path; it’s filled with ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Here’s how I’ve grown this year: 1. Achievements and Milestones This year has been marked by significant achievements. I accomplished an awake surgery to restore my vocal cord from vocal cord paralysis, my fourth year teaching ESY, going to Pittsburgh with Laura and Jason, going to Virginia with Laura, filling a role for long-term substitute for life skills, surviving heartbreak from life choices…
Motherhood is a profound journey filled with challenges, joy, and immense love. As a mother with cerebral palsy and a devoted Catholic, my journey is uniquely enriched by the values that shape my daily life. Here are my core values: 1. Faith and Resilience My Catholic faith is the cornerstone of my resilience. It guides me through the tough days and strengthens my resolve to provide the best for my children. In moments of doubt or difficulty, I find solace in prayer and the teachings of my faith, reminding me that I am never alone. 2. Compassion and Understanding Living…
When I tell people about my life, I can’t even believe the words coming out of my mouth. I don’t understand why I have been given so many struggles. I’m not one to have self-pity but sometimes life is mind-blowing difficult and you can’t help but wonder why. If you feel the same way at times, please know you are not alone. I know that I’m not alone even when I feel the most alone. Jesus and all of the Saints are right here. I reached out to friends and family who I knew would help and just listened. I…
Acts of kindness is not a new concept. Most Americans grew up in a kind world where people loved and shared what they had with each other. As time went on, people became more distant and in their heads. But we still need kindness and love to make the world go around. I live to give acts of kindness because I don’t just have joy doing it but I see what the kindness does to others. Kindness Ideas Here are some examples of actions that anyone can do despite age of ability. I know others have so many ideas that…
Holiday buying guide for great gifts for everyone in the family.