As the summer haze fades and school bells start ringing, life in my house—perhaps in yours too—takes a dramatic turn. With the kids heading back to school, it feels like reclaiming my home after what feels like a two-and-a-half month Luke Bryan concert.

Order will be restored, schedules will be followed, priorities will shift, and balance will be regained.

Amidst the chaos of packing lunches and searching for missing shoes, there’s a silver lining to these changes. As a former teacher and still-active, underpaid, and overworked parent, I recognize the emotional rollercoaster of the back-to-school season. On one hand, there’s the blissful silence of a kid-free house—a chance to sit with my thoughts and write uninterrupted without hearing, “Dad, can I get a ride to…?” On the other hand, there’s the bittersweet nostalgia of watching my kids march out the door in the early morning light, dreaming of becoming the next Einstein but more realistically hoping for a power outage and an early dismissal from school.

I once heard that dealing with change, whether it’s kids returning to school or any other life shift, is like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—unpredictable and potentially eyebrow-singeing. 

Next week marks my 11th “diagnose-versary.” Ataxia, a neurological condition that disrupts balance and coordination, derives its name from the Greek word “ataxis,” meaning “lack of order” or “disorder.” It represents a lack of voluntary coordination of muscle movements, leading to unsteady movements and balance difficulties.

Despite the diagnosis, I’ve learned that life is a balancing act. Unsteady one minute and firm-footed the next, change—like the end of summer and the return to school—may knock us off balance, but it also brings a fresh start and a new perspective. 

As you navigate tomorrow and every day after—whether you’re a parent or a student—remember that all concerts end, the living room will become quiet again, and you’ll soon learn to handle the twists and turns with greater ease. Embrace the inevitable ups and downs, and give yourself the grace and patience needed to adjust and adapt.

Each challenge and change you face is an opportunity for growth, and while the ride might be unsteady, you’ll find your rhythm and balance once more.

Be well,  

Jay

Are you writer? Are you looking for writing advice or writing tactics that you can help guide you on your writing journey?

One, Line, One Love: Episode 33: A Creative Conversation Between Two Everyday Writers

In this episode of “One, Line, One Love,” Gail and Jay delve into a compelling line from William Strunk’s classic guide, The Elements of Style. They discuss how breaking conventional writing “rules” can lead to sentences that are clear, engaging, and truly reflect the writer’s voice. Gail and Jay also share their personal journeys toward mastering a conversational writing style that is both appealing and accessible. If you’re a writer looking to craft unique and captivating sentences, this episode is a must-listen!

Book Sale Link

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Warm greetings to everyone who found me on the University of Pennsylvania’s Ataxia Clinic’s website! Thanks for stopping by. I have ataxia and though I’m not a doctor, I hope my words comfort, encourage, empower, and serve as good company on your journey.

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Jay Armstrong is a speaker and an award-winning author. Despite being diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, that impairs his movement, balance, eyesight, and speech–Jay presses on. The leader of the Philadelphia Ataxia Support Group, he hopes to help you find joy, peace, and meaning in life.