We live in a society where people think that if you’re for one thing, you’re against another. It’s also a world in which people think that by discussing your own journey, you are somehow dismissing theirs. We are divided on many issues, we still think in cliches, and we still see in stereotypes. But we act … Continue reading
Category Archives: Personal Stories
#HAWMC – Day 10: An RA Q&A
Questions and answers about life with rheumatoid arthritis and invisible illness. Continue reading
When RA Tries to Get in the Way (But I Won’t Let It)
I set off for this summer to be my “summer of hobbies.” My summer even has its own Instagram hashtag, #AshSummerOfHobbies2016! But, I didn’t anticipate RA to get in the way. (This is something I discussed in a recent Arthritis Ashley Facebook Live Chat.) I’m very proud of myself for pushing through, though. RA and … Continue reading
The Problem with Negativity: And Why Being Positive Doesn’t Hurt
Let’s be honest: no one can be positive all the time. To do so simply wouldn’t be human. I highly doubt that there is one person on this earth who has never been unhappy or felt pessimistic, who is always happy and positive at all times, and without fail. If so, I would like to … Continue reading
The Great JA vs. RA Debacle
This is a Facebook-rant-turned-blog post. I am definitely looking for some feedback/insight on this one, because when it comes to The Great JA vs. RA Debacle, I don’t know what is considered to be the standard, or what is the “proper” and acceptable approach. Even whilst doing research, I seem to encounter different answers on … Continue reading
Thoughts & Updates from Arthritis Ashley
I haven’t updated this Arthritis Ashley blog in a while (I barely find time to post to my main website abshuck.com and haven’t posted to my entertainment blog Glitzburgh in about a year. Eek!) However, I do want to share some thoughts and updates with all of you, my loyal readers! I’m glad that many … Continue reading
Get My Book Sick Idiot: On Sale Now!
The time has come: Sick Idiot has arrived! You can now order my funny-yet-inspiring nonfiction health memoir, Sick Idiot, in paperback! Chapter titles include: “That Time I Cried On The Pitcher’s Mound and Saw My Grandma’s Doctor” “That Time I Was a Cheerleader … With Arthritis … On A Hit-List” “That Time I Had a … Continue reading
Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain: Public Selfies & Private Illness
“Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain.” It’s one of the most powerful lines from the movie and book, The Wizard of Oz. It’s such a simple quote — so relevant to the scene, that we usually don’t think of the symbolism that lies within it. it got me thinking, though, about “the … Continue reading
Limping Through the Magic Kingdom
I will never willingly choose to “miss out” on life because of my conditions. I’ll go down with a fight before I let these illnesses prevent me from living my life: and that includes travel. But that doesn’t mean that it is always easy. Read on … While I’m still sick fairly often with frequent … Continue reading
Finding Faith During Times of Chaos
I’ve learned something: Illness turns many people away from God. Suffering makes many question their faith. However, these times of chaos and seemingly “ungodly” pain causes others to go the opposite direction, running towards God and embracing their faith with arms wide open. Of course, there are those of you who are agnostics and atheists, … Continue reading