Finding Faith During Times of Chaos
Advocacy / Arthritis / arthritis awareness / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / rheum awareness / Uncategorized / Wellness

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

Rant Time: Don’t “Quantify” the Sick Girl
Advocacy / Arthritis / Journey to Wellness / Personal Stories / Wellness

Rant Time: Don’t “Quantify” the Sick Girl

You know how it’s rude to say things like, “you throw okay … for a girl.” Or, “you run pretty fast … for being so big.” It’s also somewhat insulting to say things like, “wow! You’ve accomplished so much … despite being sick.” No, I haven’t accomplished a lot “for being a sick girl.” I’ve … Continue reading

How Much Do Our Emotions and Life Decisions Contribute to Our Disease Symptoms?
Arthritis / Journey to Wellness / Wellness

How Much Do Our Emotions and Life Decisions Contribute to Our Disease Symptoms?

I read a really interesting piece recently about some symptoms of chronic illnesses being, not caused by, but, exacerbated by, one’s life being out-of-balance or on the wrong path i.e. wrong career, wrong spouse or romantic partner, no spiritual compass, minimal friends or social prospects, little community involvement, too much focus on the self or … Continue reading

Healthline.com: On World Arthritis Day, Patients and Caregivers Come Together
Arthritis / arthritis awareness / Oldies But Goodies / rheumatoid arthritis awareness / Types of Arthritis

Healthline.com: On World Arthritis Day, Patients and Caregivers Come Together

World Arthritis Day was celebrated across the world on October 12th, 2014. Read more about World Arthritis Day and the various initiatives surrounding this special day, here: http://www.healthline.com/health-news/world-arthritis-day-101214 Patients and caregivers of all ages and ethnicities came together to advocate for the 100+ conditions listed under the umbrella term, “arthritis.” Learn more. Continue reading

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Orange Is The New Black and Chronic Pain: Don’t Be a Prisoner of Your Illness! – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Recently, I began watching the Netflix series, Orange is the New Black, also known as #OITNB. (Yes, I know that I’m late to that party.) I began to relate with some of Piper Chapman’s feelings as she is in jail, though I was unclear why, since I’ve personally not spent any time in a women’s prison. I … Continue reading

Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Managing Time with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Sometimes, it’s hard to find time for things you want and need to do, while living with chronic illness. I get it. It’s difficult, and it’s even harder to explain to others. It’s been described in terms of spoons, and in many other ways, ranging from the creative to the absurd. That said, time management … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Personal Stories / Types of Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Arthritis Ashley Tells The Mighty Why She’s Happy Despite Living with Illness

Our very own Arthritis Ashley was featured on the website, “The Mighty” this week. The Mighty celebrates “the superheroes among us,” who are staying strong and triumphing despite life’s many hardships ranging from chronic illness, to disability, and more. Like us, their mission is to educate and spread awareness about various health issues. You can read … Continue reading

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

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