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Finding our ways to the balanced seesaw of chronic illness

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 life, while the other part is continually reminded of the need to slow down, conserve energy,…

How ChatGPT helped me prepare for a doctor appointment

About 200 million people worldwide, including almost 68 million Americans, use Open AI’s ChatGPT weekly, according to Backlinko. In January 2024, the average ChatGPT session lasted 13 minutes, 35 seconds. There are many contrasting opinions about using artificial intelligence (AI) systems such as ChatGPT to understand critical issues like…

What to do when the guilt of taking a rest washes over you

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 to family, friends, or opportunities. For those of us with lupus or similar diseases, saying…

The importance of advocacy in the chronic illness world

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 my life. The speaker explained how the term also meant “helper, counselor, intercessor, or someone who…