Life, One Cup at a Time – a Column by Alyssa Silva

May 29, 2020May 27, 2020

My Own Kind of Digital Detox

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

Digital detoxes are all the rage these days, and for a good reason. If you didn’t already know, a digital detox is time spent disconnecting from all devices with ... Read more

May 15, 2020May 13, 2020

Why I’m Hesitant to Take New Medications

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

There’s a brand new medication currently waiting for me on my kitchen counter. I see it every single day. I debate taking it. I chicken out. I’ve developed some ... Read more

April 24, 2020April 22, 2020

Finding Unexpected Solace Amid Social Isolation

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

The other day, I read one of my old columns and thought to myself, “Honey, if you only knew what was to come.” My January column, “Please Stop Glorifying ... Read more

April 10, 2020April 8, 2020

I Need to Approach Stress with a Different Mindset

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

My body has never handled stress well. Come to think of it, does anyone respond well to stress? Typically, my body reacts to stress in the form of gastrointestinal ... Read more

March 27, 2020March 25, 2020

Letting Love Light My Way Through the Unknown

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

I was scrolling through Instagram recently and found myself growing increasingly bitter about what I saw. People were congregated on beaches, packed like sardines in bars, and carrying on ... Read more

March 13, 2020March 11, 2020

Chronic Ear Infections Put a Damper on Life

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

Another day, another opportunity to go through a box of tissues to wipe the drainage coming out of my ears. Is that how the saying goes? That may have ... Read more

February 28, 2020February 26, 2020

Celebrating My Zebra Spots on Rare Disease Day

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

Recently, I learned that zebras are the official symbol of rare diseases. I have a rare disease, and my unique characteristics — such as a zebra’s stripes — serve ... Read more

February 14, 2020February 13, 2020

Learning to Navigate the World in My Permobil F3

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

The SMA News Today Forums heard it first, but I’d like to introduce you to my brand new Permobil F3 wheelchair. Her name is Rizzo, and yes, I am ... Read more

January 31, 2020January 29, 2020

On Being in Tune with My Body

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

All my life I’ve been freakishly in tune with my body. It sounds like a great quality to have, right? I’ve always been hyperaware of my symptoms and can ... Read more

January 17, 2020January 16, 2020

Please Stop Glorifying Being Homebound

Columns, Life, One Cup at a Time - a Column by Alyssa Silva

As I write this, I’ve been home for 11 days. Actually, let me rephrase that. I haven’t left this house so much as to go outside to get some ... Read more