Diaries of a Lupus Chick — Marisa Zeppieri

If, like me, you have a chronic illness, have you ever sat with the thought that maybe you did something to cause it? I certainly have. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many conversations…

Have you ever hesitated before answering the question “How are you?” If the answer is yes, then I want to share something with you. Living with lupus (or any chronic illness) comes with…

As we flip the page to a new year, the pull of hustle culture on social media hasn’t seemed to change. Messages urge us to do more, achieve more, and push harder. But for…

As another year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting not only on the milestones of the past 12 months, but also on the journey that’s brought me to this moment. When I…

It’s no secret that living with lupus or other chronic illnesses often feels like a constant game of tug-of-war. One part of us aches to chase after our dreams, tackle projects, and seize…

Having moved to the Blue Ridge Mountains not long ago, I’m finally experiencing that time of year when the leaves change and the air gets chilly. My time of year has arrived. You see,…

Living with lupus or another chronic illness means making decisions most people never have to consider. One of the hardest choices for me was to prioritize rest, even when it meant saying no…

Dating can be both a thrilling and nerve-wracking experience. Having a chronic condition certainly adds extra layers of complexity to the mix. I met my husband over 20 years ago, shortly after I was…

Earlier today, the speaker of a faith-based class I participated in was discussing the ancient Greek term “parakletos,” which meant “advocate.” My ears perked up, as advocacy has become such an integral part of…

Whether you’re healthy or living with a chronic illness, navigating a new friendship is always a delicate dance. For those of us with lupus (or possibly multiple autoimmune diseases), it can be difficult…

Summer always puts me on high alert, because historically, it’s the time of year when I go into a major lupus flare. Like many lupus patients, sun and heat are my…