January 2020 – GREY ATTITUDE

This is the biggest truth I know. Took some time to actually realize it, of course. We tend to focus on the big events in our lives. The small everyday events that make our days, we just brush off. Not for me anymore, I know better now.

In the rush to get things done, to manage our daily tasks, we fall into a pattern. Get the small things done quickly, so we can get to the big stuff. We are always looking forward to the next event in our lives, the trip, the visit to family, the birthday party, the wedding or the family reunion. All very valid and important things in our lives, but they only come once in a while. The excitement makes us believe that they are what we should focus on.

I have news for you, if you haven’t discovered this already. It’s the everyday events that make up our lives. Think having coffee with a friend, visiting your mother, reading that book you have been hearing so much about, a walk in the park, trying a new recipe or just taking a nap. That is life.

When you step back and think about it, you will understand this insight. You’ll realize that sometimes, staying home is the right thing. Do it. Other times, just stepping back and having time on your hands because you needed to is a gift. No other choice, but to enjoy what you can do at that moment.

Life is made of those moments, enjoy each and every one. No need to wait, nothing to organize, nothing to plan, nothing to buy. Sit back and live!!!

Not all of you know this: I live with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I say live because suffer is such a strong word and one that I find doesn’t reflect one’s attitude towards this illness. Having clarified that, living with RA is far from easy. It is because of this that I have decided it’s time to embrace this and share how I cope on a daily basis. For those of you who do not know what RA is, HERE is an explanation. Albeit a simple one, it will give you an idea of what people with RA have to deal with. It is not osteoarthritis, so do not confuse them.

Life is far from perfect as it is, but some of us must deal with additional challenges on a daily basis, for the rest of our lives. Not only the disease, I prefer illness, has no known cure, but treatment can cause much havoc. Sort of a no win situation: damn if you do, damn if you don’t.

People can be curious, rude and insensitive about this illness because most of us do not look sick. Pain, after all, is not always visible. Unfortunately, it is ever present. A flare can turn our lives upside down. In some cases, internal organs or your skin are affected. This is due to chronic inflammation and the fact that your body attacks itself.

A good rheumatologist is essential. Someone that understands that treating the symptoms is as crucial as treating the disease. New treatments are available, but not always effective to everyone patient. So I keep up to date with what is out there. Reading, asking questions and being proactive are indispensable. Changing doctors if necessary it’s also a choice.

What I have learned is to accept the limitations, but do no let them take over my life. Work around them. Movement is my friend, so even if it’s just a little, I move every day. Walking, yoga, dancing by myself and stretching all help. I take care of what I eat. Food can be a great help or the cause of a flare, pain and worsening symptoms. Taking time to rest, changing plans at the last minute are things I do now without apologies. I have learned to take advantage of my good days and to take care of myself in the bad ones. Most of all, I have learned to live life to the fullest every day.