With a chronic illness, life's big moments feel diluted. When I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, I felt like all of life's big moments that I imagined for myself were taken away. I couldn't picture them anymore. Instead of thinking long-term, I was thinking about the short-term. How was I going to make it through… Continue reading Life’s Big Moments
Author: Christie Chaump
Life is Meant to Be Lived
It's no secret that I am a fixer - a people pleaser. I make most decisions based off what I think others would expect of me. I always want to do the right thing, even if that means forgetting about what I want and need in that moment. My disease has taught me to put… Continue reading Life is Meant to Be Lived
One Year of Remission
One year ago today, I had my third colonoscopy that indicated I was in endoscopic remission. The last 365 days have felt like a dream, yet a nightmare at the same time. There are easy days and there are really hard days. Remission is not a cure - but does provide temporary relief. The end… Continue reading One Year of Remission
Listen to Your Body
It's been a while since I've written a blog post. I took the past month to rediscover my motivation for writing. I have realized how difficult it is for me to be vulnerable on this platform because I take criticism much more personally than praise. I wanted one month where I could hide for a… Continue reading Listen to Your Body
2022: A Year in Review
I will never forget 2022. As I look back at my 2021: A Year in Review blog post and the goals I wrote for myself, I realize that I crushed some of them but others not so much. I never intend to fulfill every one of these goals, but rather use them as a guideline… Continue reading 2022: A Year in Review
IBD Awareness Week: What IBD Has Taught Me
December 1-7 is IBD Awareness Week. At this exact time four years ago I started feeling symptoms and didn't know what it was. As I approach my four year diagnosis anniversary, I reflect on what having a chronic illness means to me, how it has changed me, and what it has taught me. If you… Continue reading IBD Awareness Week: What IBD Has Taught Me
A Letter of Appreciation
I am entering a busy, but exciting time in my life. I turn 25 in a few days and I am graduating from my master's degree in less than a month. When I am busy and find myself going through the motions, I stop to take a breath and consider what I'm grateful for. It's… Continue reading A Letter of Appreciation
The Grief of IBD
No one really talks about the grief that chronic illness patients experience. Having a chronic illness is not always about dealing with the symptoms. It is largely about understanding and accepting feelings of loss, helplessness, and uncertainty. I have had a tough few weeks and I saw these posts on social media recently that helped… Continue reading The Grief of IBD
The Four Agreements
September is my favorite month of the year, yet this year it was filled with a lot of lows. I have been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and frustrated - especially since I haven't really gotten back to 100% after having COVID. I have been tested a lot in my life, but I always find my way… Continue reading The Four Agreements
COVID and IBD
Well, COVID managed to find it's way to me after two years of avoiding it. As someone with chronic illness and a weakened immune system, this was devastating. I called my mom in tears immediately after I tested positive, not sure what to do or how to handle it. Based on the symptoms I was… Continue reading COVID and IBD
Turning Wellness into a Lifestyle 