Positive – How do you stay positive with RD and what happens when you are not? Often I say, "I am naturally a positive person." Perhaps that is true, but in reality, I work hard at staying positive. I believe we have a choice in life. We can see the good or we can see the …
Fulfilling My RA Bucket List
When you are first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, it is pretty normal to be self-absorbed. How will this affect ME? How will I survive? Why aren't family and friends helping ME more? However, with time and patience, you realize that you need a community of friends who understand exactly what you are going through. You …
Rheumatoid Arthritis Vulnerability
“Vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage. Truth and courage aren't always comfortable, but they're never weakness.” ― Brené Brown A full body flare has a way of making me feel vulnerable. Sometimes I want to hide what is happening to my body, but the flare encourages me to share it because it is a part …
RA Lessons From My Border Collie
My almost 12 and half year old border collie has once again taught me a valuable RA lesson. Despite recognizing my need to slow down and respect the fact that RA is Who I am, I have continued to push myself in a way that is quite unlike myself. RA has reached out again and is …
RA is Who I AM
In the beginning, I often dreamed of a day that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wouldn't be the center of my life. Years went by and I kept the vision of a less inflamed body in my heart and mind. I wanted to have a life outside of RA. I didn't want to have to wake up each …
Control Can Be a Marvelous Thing
Two weeks ago, I returned from a patient advocacy trip to London. I loved it! I met amazing people and along with other patient experts, I was able to contribute to what it is like to get diagnosed and live with rheumatoid arthritis. Then, three short days later I drove to Springfield, IL for three …
