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EmpowerSource Support Group News is a free newsletter provided by the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Its purpose is to share the activities and ideas of people around the country in MSF-affiliated support groups as well as information about outreach advocacy and living positively with MS. Volume XIV Issue 4 Fall 2015 The MSF does not advocate or endorse any specific treatments healing modalities or practitioners. The material presented in this publication is for informational purposes only. For specific advice consult your healthcare provider. Dear Friends Many of us around the country finally have some respite from the summer heat and a few exciting months ahead filled with the activity of the holiday season. While the holidays are certainly a time of celebration and enjoyment they can often be difficult and stressful as well. Around this time of year I always hope that youll remember to practice self-care. Nobody can do it all but by prioritizing the tasks at hand you can focus on the things that really matter and make sure you are able to complete them. Make sure that you set reasonable expectations for yourself and that your family members share them. Others may not realize you need help or are having difficulty if you dont tell them directly. While it may be tempting to compare your holiday plans to what they were like before MS this year has been different than all the other years that came before. It had its own ups and downs and triumphs and challenges. Holiday seasons ebb and flow just like the years in which they take place. Remember there is no one right way to celebrate the holidays. I hope you will allow yourself to create your own right way of doing so this year. In this issue youll read about support groups in Missouri and New York that take wonderfully creative approaches to support group meetings. We also share tips from more than a dozen group leaders to help you handle stress and enjoy the holiday season. Our newest contest aims to help you reflect positively upon this past year and think ahead to a bright and hopeful 2016. As always I wish all of you a holiday season filled with positivity joy and kindness. Sincerely Alissa Ayden Support Groups and Outreach Manager MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FOUNDATION SUPPORT GROUP NEWS 6520 N.Andrews Ave. Ft. Lauderdale FL 33309 888-MSFOCUS 673-6287 supportmsfocus.org