A few weeks ago I was speaking with someone I had just met who knew I had an autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis.
They asked me, “when did you get sick?”
I was taken aback. I don’t consider myself sick. I have never referred to my living with a chronic disease as “sick.”
Since that conversation I’ve been reflecting on what it means to be sick.
If I associated having a chronic autoimmune condition as being sick, what would that look like and mean for me? What would that feel like?
Since the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis 22 years ago, I’ve experienced chronic pain, fatigue, inflammation, stiffness, loss of range of motion, loss of mobility, joint deformity, and other physical symptoms through which inflammation expresses itself in my body, including disrupted sleep, eczema and skin rashes, and leaky gut.
All of these physical symptoms have brought about thoughts and feelings that, well, aren’t always the most favorable.
But when I reflect on the ups and downs over the past 2 decades and how my body has changed, how my level of physical strength and ability has declined, I still have never considered myself in a state of sickness.
I have dedicated time, energy, and intention to my mindset, releasing negative self-talk and self-judgment, and I have become focused on learning to self-advocate, practicing self-kindness and self-compassion, listening to my body and embracing my imperfections.
Instead of identifying as sick, I identify as being committed to bettering myself, being in harmony with my body, and prioritizing my health and wellbeing.
My outlook is optimistic and positive. I have gratitude for the disease because of the breakthroughs and transformation, and even the struggles I've experienced, which have shaped me into who I am today.
Who am I today? I’m a gal who strives to live with an open heart, who continually practices understanding and loving myself, my body, identifying my needs, while learning to speak my truth.
I’m also a gal who is dedicated to getting YOU unstuck from old, limiting patterns, and supporting YOU in practicing self-kindness, self-care, and building trust with yourself and your choices.
So if you recognize that doing it alone just isn't working, if you're ready to be heard and to feel amazing, I got you. Reply to this email or click here and we’ll set up your free wellness coaching call.
Love, Your Wellness Coach,
Alyssa
P.S. Check out this week's podcast episode 98, "Why I'm Not Sick."
November 9, 2022
