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I don’t know how to tell you this, but turning 21 isn’t going to be quite what we expected. Your life is not going to be a fairytale. You’re going to face some really hard times from which no one can save you. You’re going to learn that…

People tend to think of their animals as part of their family. They provide unconditional love and are there by your side through the good and the bad. That’s just the everyday value that a family pet provides. For those battling lupus, depression can be overwhelming, a feeling…

It wasn’t until I had to live with a low-sodium diet that I came to realize that salt is literally in almost everything! It occurs naturally in most proteins, and is added to pretty much anything that isn’t a fresh fruit or vegetable. Eating used to be a…

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness as a child can affect an individual on so many different levels. For myself, being diagnosed at age 14 with several chronic illnesses (including lupus) increased anxiety and stress in my life. My illness caused me to make decisions and choices that I would…

When people think of massage they often think of luxury — something to reward or pamper yourself with. Some may use it to alleviate stress, or perhaps a pulled muscle from a workout at the gym. Massage is not something many recognize as medicinal in nature, nor do they…

Looking back at when I was five years old, I remember dreaming like most little kids do of a life planned out. I recall thinking that I’d be married at around 30 years old just like my parents, have kids, and a full-time job. I never really thought too…

We love food. We salivate over it as we watch television commercials, spend hours enjoying it as we dine out with friends and family. And, if we fancy ourselves chefs, we spend time pouring over new recipes and finding new flavors. Still, we don’t always take into…

This time 10 months ago, it was the peak of the summer season here in the Southern Hemisphere, which meant that, in my little oceanside town and surrounds, business was in full swing and working hours were plenty. I worked at least five long, hot days a week…

It’s interesting how most of the world can just plan a trip and go. When you are battling lupus, planning a trip takes a few extra measures. There needs to be plenty of thought, even for a short trip, when you are dealing with unpredictable symptoms. The…

I miss waking up in the morning and being completely refreshed. I miss being able to work a long, busy shift on a Sunday, and then head out to drink and dance hours later, without consequence. I miss not having to swallow handfuls of pills every day. I miss…