REM Runner’s Top Five Empowering TED Talks

I dream of giving a TED Talk someday. TED conferences brings together fascinating thinkers and doers to give inspiring talks – “ideas worth spreading”.  In working toward my dream, I’ve watched many many TED Talks.  Here are five empowering TED Talks that may change your thinking on illness and disability.  #1.  Phil Hansen – Embrace the…

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Moving… Be Back Soon!

At age 13, I wrote to my aunt (also named Julie) who lived in Arizona – announcing that I would move to Los Angeles immediately to become an actress. I had just seen Romeo + Juliet and fallen in love with Leonardo DiCaprio. Once in Hollywood, I planned to meet Leo, co-star in a movie with…

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NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE Gallery & Map

In July 2013, I launched the NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE awareness campaign – to prove that narcolepsy is EVERYWHERE and we are NOT ALONE. This stunning photo series includes photos from all 50 U.S. States and 35 countries around the world, showcasing the REAL FACES of narcolepsy, a neurological disorder affecting 200,000 Americans & 3 million people worldwide. Meet my friends.…

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NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE Campaign Launch

Lost and alone. We’ve all been there. Today, I’m launching the NARCOLEPSY: NOT ALONE awareness campaign – to prove that narcolepsy is REAL and that we are NOT ALONE. People with narcolepsy AND supporters are invited to submit photos for the GALLERY & MAP.  Watch introductory video: Join Us: People with narcolepsy AND supporters around the…

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Narcolepsy – NOT Normal and NOT Alone

Narcolepsy is NOT normal. But who wants to be “normal” anyway? This video is an empowering salute to all those who are “different” for whatever reason.   As young adults- “fitting in” seems so important. All too often, children and teens with narcolepsy face unfair ridicule, bullying, and lame jokes. Hang in there. I promise…

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Top 8 Tricks for Accessing “Happy” Now

“The time to be happy is now,” my yoga instructor said yesterday. Sounds simple, but happiness is elusive and can’t be ordered on demand like a movie. Or can it?  Scientists have been unlocking the mysteries of happiness. Turns out, happiness is best achieved when we are in the present moment and not letting our…

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A Narco’s Tale: A Poem by Maureen Caden

I was diagnosed in 2003  and like many of us went through many years  with unanswered fears. I knew I was not lazy  as some days became rather hazy.  I would will myself to stay awake  I didn’t even have time to bake a cake.  For sleep time would come  This thing had me under…

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Let Her Sleep…

A welcome reminderTo let go,Let sleep wash in,Knowing I will rise again,and take on the world. All in good time. I discovered this image on Pinterest and had to share! Link to print on Etsy. Xoxo, REM Runner

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Yoga Is My Body Smiling: Returning to My Mat

Returning to yoga yesterday was like a homecoming celebration. Last fall, I stopped practicing yoga due to a back injury. My doctor had recommended I take time off from exercising and unfortunately, I took his advice. In truth, his advice was convenient because I wasn’t feeling motivated at the time. Time passed. Too much time. …

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On My Own, Together: Learning to Accept Help

Diagnosed with narcolepsy in my mid-twenties, the concept of a “care giver” scared me deeply. I didn’t want to be a burden on anyone. Like most twenty-somethings, independence was very important to me. I had recently moved away, chosen an ambitious career path, and planned to survive and thrive on my own. Narcolepsy was clearly…

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