Arthritis / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Broken Dolls: The Things and People We Keep, Flaws and All ~ by Ashley Boynes

I’m not a hoarder. I do keep things, though, that are of great sentimental value. One of these many “things” is, to me, not just a “thing” but a very real part of my life. Her name is Winnie. She is a 27-year-old Cabbage Patch Kid doll. She is dirty. Her hair is braided in … Continue reading

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

Some Anecdotes & Some Silver Lining: Stories of arthritic hands, Lady Gaga, and advocating for yourself and your health! ~ Ashley’s Health Diary, Entry #26

Entry #26 – December 3rd, 2010 I’ve got a few interesting antecdotes to share in this entry, and so I’ll split it up into a few separate stories, if you all don’t mind! First let me tell you about my hands. (Bear with me here!)  In a previous post, I bemoaned my “ugly hands” and … 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 / Awareness / Uncategorized

Do Your Thing: Choosing Arthritis Treatments That Work For YOU!

When you live with a chronic illness, EVERYONE becomes a “doctor” and seems to think that they have the right to tell you what you should and should not do. It can become baffling when everyone you know is offering their home remedies, their experiences with medications, names of doctors, alternative therapies, stories good and … 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 / Ashley's Health Diary / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Life As I Know It: The Gratitude Attitude! – Ashley’s Health Diary – Entry #25

November 17, 2010 Well, as always, a lot has happened since I last journaled in this, my online “health diary!” Life as I know it is always changing, always growing, always evolving – a roller coaster of ups and downs, goods and bads! But, isn’t that what life is – a wild ride that we’re … 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 / Awareness / Uncategorized

Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo: Telling Arthritis Patients to be a “Happy You” in Spite of Chronic Pain – by Ashley Boynes

When I had the opportunity to have a conversation with the renowned Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo, I knew that I was in for a treat. Dr. Lombardo, who is a clinical psychologist AND physical therapist, helps patients to “enjoy less stress & more happiness, regardless of what else is going on in your life.” She specializes … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

30 Things You May Not Know About My Invisible Illness – by Ashley Boynes

In honor of National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, which was last week, I’ve decided to take part in their meme, “30 Things You May Not Know About My Invisible Illness” since I live with arthritis and other “invisible” conditions. This is an initiative that hundreds of “chronically ill” people are taking part in, positing on … 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