What helps you Move Forward on difficult days? Take a Read, Comment on the Blog to show your Support and Share if you can Relate.
Hi Everyone, my name is Cassia. I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis a little over a year ago.
I’m a wife, and mother to a rambunctious, energetic and brilliant one year old. My son is my biggest motivator, and not in a sentimental way like he pushes me to do better, which he does…but more in he actually pushes, shoves and kicks me in the morning to get up, chase him throughout the house, bend, stretch and climb with these old rickety knees. I’m constantly speeding behind him to pick up all of the things he throws out of the cabinets, in the toilet, at the dog and so on. Me having Rheumatoid Arthritis means absolutely nothing to my little guy, he wants to play and be loved…so yes I am motivated to keep moving, get out of bed and to never stay stagnant in order to keep up with him, and I absolutely love it.
When I get a few moments to myself, I take the time to meditate, focus on my energy, and count my blessings. I truly believe with being in such physical pain from the time I wake up until I go to sleep it’s easy to lose sight of what makes me happy, due to only focusing on the pain. I choose to keep a happy face, those around me can feel my vibrations, and if I’m off I don’t want that to transfer to my son, and my loved ones.
I also make sure to express myself in a real way. No holding back tears… I allow myself to become vulnerable, and present in the moment. I cry it out, and I’m very cognizant in making sure not to live in that space for too long, but to acknowledge how I am feeling right then and there. With having RA, it’s extremely important to share your feelings with yourself, and those closest to you. To not always answer with “I’m fine” when you’re not. This is the invisible disease, so when you carry on like you’re ok, without expressing yourself and holding such heavyweight around, people can not read your mind, and with that, you will explode, and implode. Realizing that your pain isn’t a burden to those who love and care for you. Family and friends are there to help. Going from being independent to slightly always needing a helping hand can be tough at first, but you’ll learn to be kind to yourself, and reach out when needed.
I am healing, and at times I feel like I am grieving my old body, and how strong I use to be physically. I have become stronger mentally, spiritually and emotionally. In coping with this disease it’s truly all about being patient with yourself. My husband told me one day during a breakdown “give yourself time to adjust to everything going on, this is new, and before you know it, you’ll have control over this” just with that thought in the back of my head keeps me going on a daily.
