Columns

Investing in the Future, and Hoping it Will Pay Off in Time

When you think of investment your mind goes straight to things of monetary value, like shares, stocks and property. You only invest what is deemed most valuable and for most people it probably is money. But for me it’s a little different, as the most valuable assets in…

The Importance of Managing Stress

Recently, I realized my life needed to be assessed. I have learned over the small period of time that I have been battling lupus that stress is a huge trigger. My body is always willing to hop all over stress, causing a flare of pain. I used…

Beauty and the Beast that Lupus Tried to Create

With beauty playing such a pivotal role in our society, women often are criticized for changes in their appearances. About 90% of lupus patients are women, which can make dealing with the disease more difficult. Lupus can wreak havoc on the body and change a person mentally and physically. While…

Ex-Pat’s Stress-Free Living Requires Stressful Travel

I have shared that, because of the quality and cost of healthcare in America, I decided to leave in hopes of finding more affordable healthcare. I sold all I own and moved to Thailand. Thailand has a wonderful culture, and the people here are amazing. It’s…

A Letter of Thanks to My Friends

There are so many things to say and, though I’m certain this one column won’t completely suffice, I’ll do my best to turn my feelings into words. “Thank you” doesn’t quite cover it, but that’s where I’ll start. Because for many of you, it’s long overdue. I never…

‘World’s Greatest Moms’ are not Defined by Lupus

Having lupus has meant a lot of things to my family. It’s meant weekly doctor visits, sleepless nights, missed choir and band performances, and too many cancelled vacations to count. When I wasn’t sick from lupus, I was working just to maintain my health insurance. Living with…