But let's be real, MS presents difficulties. Having hope that things will get better, that there is love and kindness in the world, and that hope is in each of us makes a difference for the good. We can not hope blindly. We have to choose a course of action and stick to it. Despite the delays and setbacks along the journey hope carries us along while ersisting with an adventurous course of action. I call it a gritty hope.

These are the words of Justine Calcagno who was diagnosed with MS in 2016. She is an ultrarunning non-profit researcher with a Ph.D. in psychology. She is passionate about trail running, outdoor pursuits, yoga, cycling, and supporting and empowering others, particularly women and feminine-identified people.

Her approach to living with MS is a combination of embodiment and evidence. She hopes that she can inspire others to identify their challenges to overcome and become more joyful and confident through the process of achieving their goals. She also an advocate through the MS Society. Since having MS, Justine has experimented on herself as an "N of 1". She is committed to a plant-based (vegan) and alcohol-free diet.

Let's chat it up with Justine!

Instagram: RunwithMS

runwithms@gmail.com

Instagram: thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

What is your greatest fear? Before MS, mine was probably superficial. Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something or someone is dangerous and likely to cause pain (physical, emotional, etc.). Fear can be intense and sometimes overpower us if we don't have the tools to work through the emotions it brings. Mary Virgi does not let fear hold her back! She leans into her core values of family and faith to climb out of negative spaces. At the time we recorded this, Mary was 14 weeks pregnant. And releasing this episode she is now about to have her baby. She is surely thriving! Let's chat it up with Mary!

Instagram: @dontmswithmindfulmary

Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com

Did you know that approximately 50% of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis are also diagnosed with depression? This is 3X more likely than in the general population. Managing mental health can be complicated especially when you also have an unpredictable autoimmune disease. Alyssa Gonzalez bravely shares her journey with MS and mental health. She was diagnosed with pediatric Multiple Sclerosis and just that process alone was overwhelming. There is so much to chat about with this gorgeous and positive Instagram Influencer. Let's chat it up with Aly Katelyn!

Instagram: @aly_katelyn

Instagram: @thrivingoversurvivingpodcast

https://thrivingoversurvivingpodcast.com