Tag

Balance
There’s a moment, somewhere between the kitchen and the hallway, where I catch myself paying attention to how I’m walking. Not because anything dramatic happened. Just a slight shift, a half-second of recalibration, and suddenly I’m aware of my feet in a way most people never are. It happens in my own house. A place...
You don’t rise above the stress. You learn to move with it – that changes everything.Michael Mantz Stress doesn’t wait for the right moment. It doesn’t care if your legs are stiff, your speech is slurred, or your energy is running on fumes. When you live with Ataxia, stress doesn’t just knock—it barges in, rearranges...
Lily’s insightful article, “The Importance of Strength (Especially for the Physically Limited),” discusses something many of us can relate to—whether due to disability, age, or even a temporary injury. So, I wanted to share my thoughts on why building and maintaining strength is an essential activity for anyone with physical challenges. Our Bodies are Designed...
Well, I am a rebel, but I have never considered myself a “degenerate.” Yet, this word now sadly has a ring of truth to it since I was diagnosed with Ataxia. Regular readers of MichaelMantz.com know what Ataxia is. However, if you’ve just stumbled on the site, Ataxia is a degenerative neurological disease that can...
I was flipping through the channels this morning, sipping my coffee, when I came across an interview with Brad Meltzer. He was talking about his new book, Make Magic, which comes out March 4, 2025. As I listened, I couldn’t help but feel like parts of it could have come straight from my writing. His...
Strength doesn’t come from what you can do; it comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t. Staying active with Ataxia can feel like trying to climb a mountain on a foggy day—every step takes focus, and the way forward isn’t always easy to see. But here’s the surprising part: keeping your body...
One of the most common questions people ask after an Ataxia diagnosis—whether for themselves or a loved one—is, “What kind of jobs can someone with Ataxia do?” It’s a fair question. Ataxia can make many jobs more challenging—there’s no getting around that. When your movement, balance, and coordination become unpredictable, it changes how you approach...
Have you ever curled up in a sweater, sitting in a room that’s a cozy 75 degrees, and still can’t seem to shake that chill? If you have Ataxia, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a connection Between Ataxia and temperature sensitivity. I know I do. I often ask myself: Why am I always so cold?...
If you’ve ever watched Ted Lasso, you know it’s not just a show about soccer (or football, depending on your location). It’s a show with so much heart—it’s all about people, relationships, and figuring out how to become the best version of yourself, even when life doesn’t go as planned. Last night, I saw a...
Have you ever heard of Ashwagandha? I recently read an article from Banner Health discussing its benefits for athletes, but it’s not just for gym-goers. Some potential benefits could be helpful for anyone, including those with conditions like Ataxia. Could this ancient herb play a role in supporting overall health? Let’s take a look….. What...
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My purpose

michael mantz
Life rarely goes as planned. This blog is about navigating what actually happens – major disruptions, health challenges, and the quieter work of figuring out who you are through all of it. I write from inside that process. I have Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA 15), a rare neurological condition that shapes my perspective but doesn’t define this space. Some articles are personal. Some are practical. All of them are honest.

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