Articles by Amy Shinneman

Optimism … hopefulness and confidence about the future. Are you naturally an optimist? I am not. It’s just not the way I was wired, but I have worked to change…

Many of us have likely heard the phrase “my disability doesn’t define me.” What comes to mind when you hear this? This is one of those phrases that can spark…

I was eight years old when a lady at our church approached my mom and I and took a chance – a chance that ended up changing my life. She…

As a person who has lived in a disabled body her whole life, there have been some major struggles with body image. As an elementary student, I was always self-conscious…

So, we celebrated briefly and got a picture snapped to document this incredible moment in time. As soon as that picture was taken, it felt like my mind reconnected with…

As we started to find our rhythm and settle into the 26.2-mile journey to the finish, I made sure I had my things in order for a smooth ride. The…

About a year ago, I participated in the 127th Boston Marathon. My husband, a.k.a. my legs for the race, and the other part of my team, was of course by…

My husband is my “editor in chief” – as I jokingly like to call him – for all my blog posts. Really, he just reads through what I’ve written to…

A few weeks ago, I was once again headed to my regular neurology appointment. I dread those appointments because it’s a hike from the car to the office. Often, I…