Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness

Don’t Let Chronic Illness Steal Your Sparkle! – by Ashley Boynes

Do you approach everything from a bitter or dismal place because of your condition? Is there are a dark cloud surrounding you at all times? Do you take everything “the wrong way” because you are so on-edge and defensive of your illness? Is your main “identifier” that of a sick person? Has living with chronic … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized / Wellness

“The Others” – What Do Our Healthy Friends & Family Members Feel About Our Arthritis? – by Ashley Boynes

Sometimes living with arthritis affects “innocent bystanders” nearly as much as it affects those of us living with it, but sadly they often get left by the wayside in the hurricane of all that comes with dealing with a chronic illness. We, as the patients, want to only view our condition from our own personal … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Uncategorized / Wellness

Pay It Forward: Can Being “Nice” Be HEALTHY Too? The Science Behind Selflessness

Today is National “Pay It Forward” Day. This initiative encourages all of us to do one good deed for 1 to 3 other people, expecting nothing in return. You could pay for a stranger’s food or coffee at a drive-thru, buy an extra Christmas gift for a child in need, leave an anonymous gift in … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Uncategorized

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Why Don’t People “Get It?”

There are many misconceptions surrounding rheumatoid arthritis. I’ve posted blogs here and there about the issue, patient advocate and “A-list” RA blogger Kelly Young a.k.a. Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior has posted blogs and aired PSA’s about it, and, naturally the Arthritis Foundation has tons and tons of information that offers in-depth detail about what, exactly, rheumatoid … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

World Arthritis Day, Online Support, and My Wild Ride to Wellness! – Arthritis Ashley’s Health Diary – Entry #24

October 12th, 2010 ARTHRITIS, GASTRITIS, IRITIS, OH MY! Hello, dear readers! In honor of my blog moving to the “Wellness with a Side of Life, Please” page, I’ve revamped and decided to call my journey, “Arthritis Ashley’s Health Diary” – but, it’s still me on my journey to wellness and optimal health – and we’re … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Ashley’s Journey to Wellness – Entry #23 – Embracing Arthritis & Autoimmune Illness

Journey  to Wellness – Entry #23 – Friday, August 25, 2010 I hope that this entry finds you all well! I’m “hanging in there,” so to speak and enjoying these last couple of weeks of summer! This has been a busy, productive, and lovely week! I found the wedding dress of my dreams, and plans … Continue reading