Today is my 26th birthday. It feels like just another day. It seems as though the older I get, the less significant the birthday's become. It's not the same anymore as an adult, but that doesn't mean I stop celebrating. I read something on the Co-Star app a few days ago that caught my eye.… Continue reading The Birthday Post
Tag: IBD warrior
Reconfiguring in Remission
On Tuesday, I had a guest speaker attend my support group. Her name is Dr. Beth Creel and she is a psychologist and certified grief counselor from Las Vegas. A topic that frequently comes up in our meetings is grief and trauma associated with chronic illness, so it was great to hear from her this… Continue reading Reconfiguring in Remission
An Ode to My Community
I have been absent from my blog for a while. I don't want to be, but sometimes I find it hard to pick and choose what to share. Words make things feel more permanent and being vulnerable isn't always easy. I've been experiencing a lot of changes lately - all really good changes - but… Continue reading An Ode to My Community
Life’s Big Moments
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
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
Turning Wellness into a Lifestyle 