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Because of Lupus, I Learned the Meaning of Love

I had never truly understood what it means to be loved until I was diagnosed with lupus. Don’t get me wrong — I had an amazing upbringing. As a child and teenager, I wanted for nothing. I couldn’t have asked for better parents…

Am I Experiencing Karma From Past Judgmental Thoughts?

There are times in my lupus battle when I feel karma is being delivered. Every bad thought I had about someone, every judgment I made, is heaped upon me. It’s odd to remember thinking or saying things that seemed so insignificant at the time, but perhaps had a bigger ripple…

The Journey to Happiness After My Lupus Diagnosis

This morning, I woke to spring sunshine streaming into my living room. After puttering around the house and watering my veggie garden, I settled in to have breakfast. And it was there, sitting at my kitchen bench, crunching on toast, that I noticed something: I feel happy. But not that…

I’m Growing Tired of Smiling My Way Through Compromise

When I was selling homes, many first-time homebuyers wanted the world, but their budgets didn’t allow for it. I often told them that buying your first home is a series of compromises. No matter how you spin it, compromise means settling for less, giving in to things you really don’t…

Revisiting the Plans I Had Before the World Went Mad

Last January, my visit to the U.S. turned into one of my longest hospital stays since my lupus diagnosis. I associate a lot of fear with that stay. Once it was under my belt, many changes lay ahead. For the first time in over a year, I was optimistic.

Your Opinions and Advice Are Now Considered Garbage

I research every medication I am prescribed. I have doctors explain my test results as if I am 6 years old. I ask questions and when doctors don’t answer in a way I fully understand, I rephrase and research. I weigh the benefits and risks before deciding to take…