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
Tag Archives: inspiration
Someday is Now: How to Live Your Life Through Health Struggles
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
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
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
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
Are You “Enough?” – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I’m not liberal enough for Democrats or conservative enough for Republicans. I’m not Christian enough for Christians, but I’m Christian enough to have atheists and agnostics mock me. I’m smart enough to have been accepted into Mensa and to possess a near-genius-level IQ, but I’m not smart enough that people meet me and immediately notice my … Continue reading
Loving Yourself Even with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
When you love someone — a partner, a spouse, a friend, a parent, a child, a sibling, and so on — do you love them even through their imperfections? Are we not taught to accept others, flaws and all? Most of us, of course, care for our loved ones unconditionally. We look past … Continue reading
What Story Does Your Face Tell? – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Arthritis Month has come to an end, but just because June is here, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep on spreading arthritis awareness. During the month of May, I saw and heard a lot from the Arthritis Foundation’s “Faces of Arthritis” campaign — a wonderful, and sometimes eye-opening, initiative. I thought long and hard about the Face of Arthritis, and … Continue reading
Journaling for Wellness – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
Many of you have likely heard of keeping a “pain diary” or a “health journal” to keep track of symptoms, but did you also know that keeping any kind of journal or diary, in general, can be beneficial to your health & well-being? It’s true. Writing can help you get in touch with your inner … Continue reading
Steve Jobs: Fortitude Exemplified – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck
I didn’t think I would be as affected by the death of a stranger as I was about the passing of Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs. However, I was very saddened at the news of his dying. I learned to type and wrote my first book on a Macintosh computer in 1992. Now, in 2011, I … Continue reading