FINDING
JOY & EASE
WHILE LIVING WITH AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE

WHAT WE DO

Through our three pillars—Education, Empowerment, and Community Engagement—MS-ing Around strives to redefine and reframe the hopeless narrative that often follows an autoimmune diagnosis. We provide accessible educational resources, creative events, and inclusive gatherings that foster humor, healing, and honest connection. Our work also includes raising awareness and advocating for equitable health policies that support women and adolescents in marginalized communities living with a range of autoimmune conditions.

Wellness tips

Cartoon illustration of a woman in an orange sweater standing calmly inside a glowing transparent bubble labeled “Protect Your Joy.” Inside the bubble are warm sunlight, music notes, a cozy chair, and a cup of tea. Outside the bubble, chaotic elements — a buzzing phone, stacks of paperwork, a “Breaking News” cloud, and a melting clock — swirl around but cannot reach her. Warm oranges and soft blues create a contrast between calm and stress.

MS Awareness, Life Awareness, Self Awareness, JOY is Awareness worth Celebrating.

March is MS Awareness Month, awareness starts within. Chronic stress fuels inflammation, our immune systems are always listening. Joy isn’t denial, it’s regulation. It steadies the nervous system, lowers stress hormones, & supports resilience. Research in psychoneuroimmunology shows positive emotions like joy, gratitude, connection, & laughter can buffer stress & support immune balance. This month, notice what drains you & what restores you. Protect your joy like it matters,

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Mar 34 min read

Cartoon smartphone with sad eyes wearing a dunce cap, sitting alone in timeout corner with fading notifications

PROTECT YOUR MENTAL SPACE

Wellness tip: Schedule intentional time away from your phone. Start with 5-10 min. Tune into your breath, Maybe color or doodle. Set a time and let your inner child come out to play.

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Feb 27 min read

Joyful women dancing with raised arms and big smiles in warm golden light

Joy Is An Ally

12:50 PMJoy is underrated. We're wired for negativity—it once kept us safe, but now it turns opportunities into threats. That's why joy must be intentional. We choose it, stir it into our days like honey in tea. This isn't chasing happiness (which needs things to go right). Joy is deeper—knowing you'll get through this, trusting hard moments pass like clouds. Wellness Tip: Daily, name 3 things you're grateful for in your space. Small joys count.

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Feb 15 min read