Advocacy / Arthritis / Arthritis Foundation / Awareness / Juvenile Arthritis / Uncategorized / Wellness

Talking About Pain: Can It Affect The Way We Feel? – by Ashley Boynes

Last week, I challenged Facebook friends to describe their chronic illness in 3 words. Many of these people had Rheumatoid Arthritis and similar conditions, and many of them used words such as “frustrating, isolating, ugly, lonely, indescribable, difficult, invisible, painful, hurting, tiring, depressing, agonizing, expensive, challenging, life-changing, annoying, misunderstood, tearful, excruciating, exhausting, consuming, limiting” and … Continue reading

Advocacy / Arthritis / Awareness / Personal Stories / Uncategorized

Keeping Perspective With Arthritis & Illness – My Opinions – by Ashley Boynes

“You can complain that roses have thorns, or rejoice that thorns have roses.” It’s all about your perspective. In the past 2 weeks, myself, family, fiance, and people close to us have unfortunately been dealing with a lot of deaths. The veil of sadness barely has lifted before news of another set in. Most were … Continue reading

Arthritis / Awareness / Uncategorized / Wellness

Creating a Stress-Free, Arthritis-Friendly Holiday Season by Ashley Boynes

The holidays can be stressful for anyone – but throw a chronic illness into the mix and, well, instead of that yummy sugar-cookie recipe, you could easily have a recipe for disaster. However, it doesn’t HAVE to be that way. Turn your holidays “nice” instead of “naughty” by following these easy, stress-reducing, arthritis-friendly tips this … 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 / 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 / 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