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Hopelessly and blindly naïve through all my relationships, I thought I knew what it was like to be loved unconditionally. Sitting here, single and laughing at my innocent, younger self, I realize that what was once considered to be unconditional doesn’t even come close to reaching what my…

Recently, I moved to the other side of the world in search of better and affordable healthcare. Selling off all of my belongings in the U.S., I knew I was preparing for a new and great adventure. I’d traveled alone before, but the longest I was away from…

If I had to identify with one of the Seven Deadly Sins I would choose pride without hesitation. I always have been stubbornly proud, and it’s hasn’t always been a hindrance. But there are times, especially now, that I need to be able to put it aside.

I will be honest, I am that person who rarely asks why bad things happen. Part of that is because it’s an exercise in futility. Who is going to answer you? Often, asking why is a reaction I see as wallowing, and…

I’ve never been much of a rule breaker, but I’ve always loved to push the boundaries in the most positive ways. In 21 years things haven’t changed all that much, except that now I play by lupus’ rules and, regardless of the fact I’ll forever be facing consequences,…

You’ve probably heard of the book 50 Shades of Grey and you’ve more than likely figured out that it is code for “50 Shades of F’ed Up.” Interestingly enough, that phrase truly describes my being diagnosed and  having to live with lupus. Every day is a different shade of…

This year, in many ways, lupus has been the gift that just kept taking. But no matter how heartbroken I’ve felt in a single moment, I’ve put in the effort to find a silver lining to every single gray cloud that came my way. I’m not sure…

I am just gonna call out the white elephant in the room because everyone has seen the news about drug therapies and possible side effects but no one really knows who or how this affects someone with any chronic illness let alone, for me, with lupus. Let’s be honest, we…

I understand not everyone is comfortable about talking about his or her life with chronic illness, but I am, and if I make you uncomfortable I’ve achieved what I set out to do. That is my intent. If something is close to your heart and you’ve got a…

It may sound crazy to expect to be able to predict something as unpredictable as pain, so when I say “unpredictable pain” I don’t mean you should be able to set your watch by it; I mean you should have an idea of what level it will…