The Mighty Mind - a Column by Rachel Doboga

Trying the Self-care Power Hour

When I look back at 2018, I feel pride. I fought my ALS hard. I forced myself to finish all my meals, even when I had zero appetite, to minimize weight loss. I made it to all my appointments, though I had to reschedule multiple times. I asked…

Learning to Overcome My Biggest Fears

Living in the present has always been hard for me. I had such grand dreams for my future. It is hard to come to terms with the fact that I won’t go on a camel trek in the Sahara and spend the night under the most beautiful…

How I Stay Connected to My Career

One of the most awful parts of my diagnosis was the loss of my career. Teaching was more than a job to me — it was part of my identity. I wish I knew then that my loss wouldn’t be as total as I had imagined. Don’t give…

Mighty Mind Strategies for Managing Pain 

Over the past year, I have become an expert in pain — something I never wanted to be. However, daily severe muscle spasms, cramping, one surgery, and an emergency room visit later, here I am. Despite my plethora of pain medications, I still suffered. Then, I realized that…

5 Steps to Make Your Relationships Stronger than ALS

Living with ALS can cause dramatic changes to your relationships. When I felt my relationships fracturing under the strain of my disease and growing disabilities, I realized I needed help. So, I turned to my best friend, Melissa Rothstein, who has always given me great advice. Melissa has been living…