Joys and Pains: A Rheumatoid Arthritis Poem – by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on August 26, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 7 Comments

For today’s blog post, I would like to do something a little different, and share with you all a poem that I wrote about life with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic conditions/chronic illnesses. It is called Joys and Pains. Please enjoy! “Unrelenting pain and never-ceasing fatigue. Hurts and aches in every place. Wondering at times, … Continue reading →

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The “Intangibles” of Rheumatoid Arthritis & Chronic Illness by Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Posted on July 19, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 3 Comments

Living with any illness is a challenge; but having an “invisible” illness is especially difficult. How can you make people understand your condition when your symptoms and your disabilities are often hidden? Yesterday, I had a rare weak moment where I was very much struggling to stay positive. Since we’re all human and entitled to … Continue reading →

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“What I Know For Sure” – Chronic Illness Edition … by Ashley Boynes – inspired by Oprah Winfrey

Posted on April 23, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 5 Comments

Oprah has taught me a lot of things. She’s one of my idols, and, to me, a prime example of “overcoming” in the face of adversity to truly live your life to its fullest potential. After writing in since high school (I graduated in 2002) and being on a ticket waiting list for over 2 … Continue reading →

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Freedom: Making Choices and Living Judgment-Free with Chronic Illness – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Arthritis Ashley • 11 Comments

Martin Luther King, Jr. believed in FREEDOM. In choice. In equal rights. In humanity “getting along.” In the destruction of prejudices and discrimination, and the erasure of hate. Yet, even in 2011, pockets of the population face discrimination, have their “choices” (or lack thereof) dictated to them, and face judgment, regardless of the leaps and … Continue reading →

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Don’t Let Chronic Illness Steal Your Sparkle! – by Ashley Boynes

Posted on December 15, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 7 Comments

Do you approach everything from a bitter or dismal place because of your condition? Is there are a dark cloud surrounding you at all times? Do you take everything “the wrong way” because you are so on-edge and defensive of your illness? Is your main “identifier” that of a sick person? Has living with chronic … Continue reading →

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

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 5 Comments

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 →

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Pay It Forward: Can Being “Nice” Be HEALTHY Too? The Science Behind Selflessness

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 1 Comment

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 →

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Ashley’s Journey to Wellness – Entry #23 – Embracing Arthritis & Autoimmune Illness

Posted on August 26, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 9 Comments

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 →

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Ashley’s Journey to Wellness – Entry #21 – Life’s a Beach: Sacrifices for Health, Biofeedback, Anxiety, and Shoes!

Posted on July 28, 2010 by Arthritis Ashley • 4 Comments

Hello, friends! I hope that today finds you all doing well and feeling okay lately! My trip to South Carolina was lovely and relaxing. I enjoyed some nice beach time, loved the sunshine, and got some quality time with my parents and boyfriend. The sun and warm weather made me feel a lot better, my … Continue reading →