There isn't anything like the holidays in New York City. Despite the crowds of visitors, the city is a delight to spend time in. Exploring all the iconic sights and trying as many hot chocolate drinks as possible-the holidays in New York are magical. 

For those who are disabled (or simply needing a walking aid) commuting through the city and navigating through the busy streets can be tricky. For this visit I took my fancy rhinestone cane by Fashionable Canes-which you can find HERE. It's sturdy, pretty, and can withstand the long walks on city streets. 

If you would like to get your own fashionable cane you can use this link HERE . 

Last month was Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disease Awareness Month. As the years have progressed so has my disability. Little by little I have discovered and figured out different ways to ensure that I live the best life possible as a disabled person. These tips are simple and easy to follow. They can be applied to anyone, not just disabled people. But I try to follow these daily and remind myself that despite my disability and challenges, I deserve a good quality of life like anyone else. I hope these tips help you start living your best life as well.

1. Let go of the small stuff: I used to obsess with cleaning up and having everything perfectly in order when my first was born. I don't anymore. The house isn't a mess but its decently organized and that's okay. 
2. Ask for help when you need it: I am not a stubborn person but I am prideful and asking for help isn't always an easy thing for me to do. I want to keep my ability to do as much for myself as I can until the day comes when I can't. I also don't want to be a burden but that has changed albeit slowly. I am learning to ask and to accept the help. It's a work in progress.
3. Take a deep breath: Actually I take a lot of them. When the pain becomes to much, I stop and I take a deep breath. When the kids aren't listening to me, I stop and take a deep breath. When my eyes are getting tired and I can't continue writing, reading, or finishing a movie (three of my favorite things to do), I stop and take a deep breath and try and sleep. Take deep breathes. Breath in and out slowly and think of nothing but that act. It helps. 
4. Keep things organized: Even if you aren't an organized person, keeping things simple and in some functioning order will help. Purge the clutter, don't over book your calendar, stop trying to juggle everything. Keep your home, your routine, and everything in your environment as simple as you possibly can. This is alway an ongoing process for me. I am in the middle of spring cleaning currently and I still have a ways to go but when stuff is put in its place and things are as clean as can be it makes a lot of things easier. I am also an environment oriented person so an organized home makes a huge difference in how I feel and how I go about my day-to-day activities.
5. Just say NO: Don't try to please everyone. Try to please yourself first. Sounds selfish? Well, your sanity is key when dealing with daily challenges like health, finances, relationships, etc.
6. Pace yourself: I have a schedule in my notes section on my phone for every single day. I write every little thing I have to do, have to remember, and hope to do. If I don't get some things done that day I add it to other days. This way I pace myself and try to check off as much as possible and what I didn't do I just try to do another day. 
7. Go day by day or hour by hour or minute by minute: Some days I am able to think about tomorrow and plan things in my head. Some days so much is coming at me, so much is on my mind, and my body is just completely drained so on those days I go hour by hour. 
8. Be kind to yourself: Be proud of yourself for the little things you get done. Whether its the laundry or making a phone call or making it to a meeting on time. Be kind to yourself. Also treat yourself to things throughout the day. Your favorite coffee, a 20 minute break to watch a tv show, or a morning at the nail salon. Be kind to yourself.