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Ardra Shephard joins me for an honest, insightful, and refreshingly real conversation about living with a big diagnosis, the power of words, and what it means to adapt. From the unexpected challenges of socks and bidets to redefining health and self-worth, Ardra shares her journey with humor, wisdom, and zero tolerance for toxic positivity. We also dive into the evolving language around disability, why words matter, and how shifting our perspective can help us navigate uncertainty with more confidence.

Key Takeaways:

• MS—and chronic illness in general—isn't just one diagnosis; it's an ongoing evolution that requires constant adaptation.
• The language we use about our condition, disability, and even hope itself can shape our experience in profound ways.
• Tracking progress is important, but knowing when to let go of certain metrics (like step counts) can be just as crucial for mental health.
• "Disability" isn't a bad word, and avoiding it only reinforces stigma.
• Uncertainty is one of the hardest aspects of autoimmune disease, but looking at what we’ve already overcome can help us face what’s ahead.
• Small, practical changes—like adding a bidet—can have a massive impact on quality of life. As we know around here, we can TRUST in the TINY.
• Reaching out to others, whether for support or to offer it, can be a powerful way to reinforce our own worth.

DO of the DAY:
Reach out to someone today—send a text, make a call, or check in with a friend. Whether you’re offering support or simply reconnecting, small acts of connection remind us (and others) of our worth.

Resources & Links

• Ardra's book Philosophy
• Tripping on Air Podcast
• Follow Ardra on Instagram

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