The Girl Who Cried Wolf - A Column by Kristi Page

happiness, love, Extraordinary doctors

“Kristi” is a surfer, barista, and university student studying for arts and science degrees in philosophy and mathematical modeling. Living on the picturesque Bellarine Peninsula on the southeast coast of Australia, she’s deeply passionate about salt water and amazing coffee — even though she’s not allowed to drink it. Above all else, she loves traveling the world! Diagnosed with stage IV lupus nephritis at 20, she’s determined to not be defined by her autoimmune condition. Using writing as a medium for self-expression, she hopes to share her life and journey to both raise awareness and support others in similar situations. A big believer in the concept of dialectics, she loves sharing and hearing unorthodox, sometimes controversial, views. She’s quirky by choice, inquisitive by nature, and smiling always!

How Lupus Was the Catalyst to Authenticity in My Life

At one point or another, everyone realizes that pleasing the masses is impossible. With that realization comes freedom. The freedom to finally live the way you have always wanted. The freedom to stop caring about what anyone else might think of you. Most people reach the “I don’t…

How I’m Reclaiming the Anniversary of My Diagnosis

As of May 22, 2020, I have lived with my lupus diagnosis for four years. I have commemorated the past three anniversaries on their exact date with a photo and paragraph. Half of me has always loved celebrating on the actual date of my anniversary. That’s partly because in…

Why I Don’t Want to Live Forever

I have thought about death and mortality more than the average 20-something. In fact, I love nothing more than debating the philosophy around it. To me, death isn’t a cause for anxiety or fear; it is a fact of life. A fact I have been at peace with for some…

Taking Advantage of Living in a Time Like No Other

We are living in a unique time, and I am not referring only to the COVID-19 pandemic. How many times in your life have you wished you had more downtime? How often have you wished for more time to do the less urgent, little things you never seem to get…

Coping and Thriving During COVID-19 Isolation

My last column focused on fear and other potential effects of being in isolation. As Australia continues to lock down, I have experienced different waves of emotions.   The first was anxiety. If you are overcome with anxiety, know that you are not alone in feeling a…

Energy Is a Casualty of Coronavirus Quarantine

As the novel coronavirus spreads across the world, my native Australia is slowly being coaxed into lockdown. At the start of this week, state and federal authorities announced they would shut down all “nonessential” activities soon. In my life, this means that training at the gym, Brazilian jiujitsu, and yoga…

Who Cares About Matching Body Parts Anyway?

Last week I went in for a day surgery to have a cyst removed from my left ear lobe. Unfortunately for me, the scar tissue trauma known as a “keloid” and my left ear lobe appear to have become staunch friends. This is the second time in less than a…

While I Am Napping Time Is Passing Me By

No matter what happens, the world keeps turning. It doesn’t stop for moments of happiness or moments of heartache. Sometimes I wish it would come to a halt. Not for too long. Just to give me enough time to wipe my tears and take that deep breath necessary to pull…

Throwing Myself off the Edge with Lupus

Lupus is my greatest motivator and most consistent catalyst for change. Its ability to uproot my life at any time has the potential to be devastating. But with the knowledge that all aspects of my life are temporary comes the courage to live in the moment. I’ve had four trips…