Life Isn’t Fair: Finding Gratitude through The Grief of Chronic Illness

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Arthritis Ashley • 2 Comments

Sometimes, I get really mad and really mournful in regards to my health situation. And that’s okay. Keeping a positive outlook, being happy, remaining grateful, and staying strong do not mean that everything is perfect or that it’s all rainbows and butterflies all of the time. It is possible to be positive and strong and … Continue reading →

Arthritis Ashley / chronic illness / movie review / RA awareness / rheumatoid arthritis awareness

Movie Review: “Cake” Starring Jennifer Aniston As a Patient Living with Chronic Pain

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Arthritis Ashley • Leave a comment

This past weekend, I was finally able to see the movie, Cake, that’s been garnering all the buzz. I will share my thoughts on the movie … and for those of you who are new to my blog, please remember that I’m sharing this from the perspective of someone with (juvenile) rheumatoid arthritis and sjogrens … Continue reading →

Arthritis / Arthritis Ashley / arthritis blog

Chronicles of a Sick Girl: A Rant on Feeling Conflicted and Judged

Posted on January 16, 2015 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

Here’s a little rant; maybe some of you can relate. Sometimes, I feel conflicted. I want people to know about the illnesses that I live with. I want to inform, inspire, advocate, and educate. I want to spread awareness. I want people to empathize or understand what I’m going through. I want people to “get … Continue reading →

Arthritis / arthritis blog / Awareness / chronic illness / instagram / invisible illness / Personal Stories / selfies / social media

Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain: Public Selfies & Private Illness

Posted on November 19, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

“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 →

Advocacy / Arthritis / arthritis awareness / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / rheum awareness / Uncategorized / Wellness

Finding Faith During Times of Chaos

Posted on November 4, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

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 →

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Someday is Now: How to Live Your Life Through Health Struggles

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

I am human. Though I strive to live a positive, beautiful life even with chronic illness, at times I grow weary of always being sick, discouraged by the pain, drained from the fatigue, and down in the dumps because of my general health situation, from an overall standpoint. I get frustrated waiting for my “someday.” … Continue reading →

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Inspiration or Isolation: Which Path Will You Choose? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

In the world of chronic illness, there are many things about which we simply do not have a choice. I didn’t choose rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis, or celiac disease, lupus, sjogrens syndrome, chiari, and so on. Likewise, I’m sure that you did not choose whichever illnesses or disabilities that you may live with. As I’ve … Continue reading →