Emotional Archives - Michaelmantz

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Emotional

Why Strength Matters, especially for the Physically Limited

Michael MantzApril 1, 2025Ataxia Awareness, Resilient Voices

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...

Resting Like a Butterfly: What Ataxia Has Taught Me About Surviving Life’s Storms

Michael MantzMarch 25, 2025Ataxia Awareness, Resilient Voices

The other day, I stumbled across a great quote…. “Did you know butterflies rest when it rains cause it damages their wings? It’s okay to rest during the storms of life. You’ll always fly again once it’s over.” Simple. Poetic. True. It got me thinking: How often do we push ourselves through the hard stuff,...

You degenerate, you!

Franke JamesMarch 8, 2025Ataxia Awareness, Resilient Voices

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...

From Participant to Observer: Life with a Progressive Movement Disorder

Michael MantzFebruary 11, 2025Ataxia Awareness, Resilient Voices

I recently watched part of the Christopher Reeve: The Man of Steel documentary on CNN. After his accident, he said something that stuck with me: “It’s hard to go from participant to observer.” That line hit me in a way I didn’t expect. It summed up something I’ve felt, something many of us with Ataxia...

Turn Stress Around: Understanding Its Impact on the Brain and What to Do About It

Michael MantzJanuary 7, 2025Overall Wellness

Let’s discuss something we all experience but often brush aside—stress. It’s that buzzing tension in the back of your mind or the knot in your stomach when life overwhelms you. But have you ever considered what stress does to your body, especially your brain? Using Kelly’s article “Turn Stress On Its Head: How Stress Affects...

Rethinking Accessibility: How Day Undefined is Changing the Game

Michael MantzDecember 10, 2024Ataxia Awareness, Resilient Voices

What makes a product truly accessible? Is it the label slapped on by a store or the experience of someone who relies on it daily? These questions drive Day Undefined, a company with a deeply personal journey and a mission to make accessible living more intuitive and empowering for people with disabilities. The Story Behind...

Patience in Progress: A Journey to Embrace the Wait

Michael MantzDecember 3, 2024Overall Wellness

Patience isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain while trusting that the sun will shine again. Patience is one of those things everyone talks about, but it’s more complicated than it seems. In this fast-paced world, we want everything yesterday. I mean, think about it. We’re...

Fueling Your Brain: Top Foods for Boosting Brain Function

Michael MantzNovember 26, 2024Overall Wellness

Have you ever stopped to think about how the food you eat impacts your brain as much as it does your body? We all want our brains firing on all cylinders. Whether tackling everyday tasks, staying sharp at work, or keeping our brains healthy in the long run, our diet plays a significant role. Certain...

Hidden challenges of living with Ataxia: When Looking ‘Normal’ Leads to Unrealistic Expectations

Michael MantzNovember 6, 2024Ataxia Awareness, My Story

Just because I carry it well, doesn’t mean it isn’t heavy. Living with ataxia is like walking around with a secret. People see you on the outside and think you’re fine, but on the inside………there are many hidden challenges of living with Ataxia! It’s tough when people make assumptions and don’t understand what you’re going...

Understanding Ataxia: A Closer Look with Bill Nye and the National Ataxia Foundation

Michael MantzOctober 31, 2024Ataxia Awareness, Research and Development

Bill Nye, known for making science accessible, joins forces with the National Ataxia Foundation to spotlight Ataxia. This rare neurological condition disrupts coordination and balance, impacting tens of thousands worldwide. This initiative, supported by “Good Morning America,” brings public attention to Ataxia’s symptoms, challenges, and the critical need for awareness and research. Nye’s connection is...