Thankful Thursday 6/16/11

Some much needed perspective....

• I am thankful to be seeing my new rheumatologist today. He really seems to listen. So important.
• I am thankful that Vivian's dance recital is almost here. Just one more practice!
• I am thankful that I have had a little extra cash this week to treat myself to some beauty treatments- hair cut and color, eyebrow wax, and manicure. When you're chronically ill, a little pampering can go a long way!
• I am thankful for having three days off work this week. No explanation needed!
• I am thankful that my kids have been ultra cooperative in the mornings this week. No whining!
• I am thankful to have Facebook friends from all over the country to keep me company in the wee hours of the morning when I can't sleep!
• I am thankful for my new car and its awesome gas mileage!

I will continue to look for silver linings and small moments of gratitude. Will you?

Wishcasting: How Do You Wish To Grow Older?

The ever-creative and insightful Jamie Ridler has posed this question for her weekly Wishcasting session. The idea? Answer the prompt, link up, then visit fellow wishers to encourage them in their dreams. The power of wishing en masse!

This is a great question for me, as at 34 I already feel old. I have more than one chronic illness, and many days my body hurts or just plain doesn't work right. It hurts even more on those days when I feel too ill to play with my kids, go to work, or make dinner. I'm a type-A personality, and being unable to do what I want, when I want, is tough on my ego and spirit. One of my diseases, Relapsing Polychondritis, is a progressive disease, so I know as the years pass it will get worse. This is a fact. So in light of this sobering news, how do I wish to grow older?

I wish to grow older healthy and with a continued love for life, despite my body's limitations.

Even though the cards are somewhat stacked against me, I know there are things I can be doing to promote my physical well-being. Things I'm not always so good at, like eating healthier foods, exercising, and getting enough rest. The added benefit of these actions is that they not only help physically, but mentally, too.

It's a great question to ponder, so spend some time with it. How do you wish to grow older?

Related articles

• Live well with a chronic disease (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
• The 'Facing Your Fears' Edition of the Patients for a Moment Blog Carnival (ohmyachesandpains.info)

Writing Workshop: Fighting a Battle

This poem is inspired by a writing prompt at Mama’s Losin’ It. It is a reflection on living with a rare, chronic disease. Now that I read it, it seems really self-indulgent. I guess we all deserve a pity party now and then. Here's mine. For more information about Relapsing Polychondritis, please check out this article.






An army of One.


Fight the elusive disease


That may hit


With a surprise attack


Any day, any time.






An army of One.


Every day, make the choice.


Choose to be a wife, a mom.


Choose to be ME.


Not this disease.






An army of One.


Dizziness. Confusion.


Pain. Stiffness.


Ringing in my ears


Leads to madness.






An army of One.


Those that stand beside me


In battle cannot fight for me.


They watch. They worry.


They ask, How are you doing?






An army of One.


My body is the battlefield.


Each day I go to work, cook a meal,


Climb the stairs, tie my shoe


Is a victory.