A positive, hopeful outlook and RA ++….

[Brushwork]

I had an annual review with a Rheumatologist yesterday… it was a different consultant and I was asked when I was first diagnosed. 27 years ago, I received the devastating news and had no clue what the future held…

Now, I know a lot about RA, about the many conditions that accompany it and about how they affect me. It has been a learning curve and I have been fortunate in so many ways.

My lifestyle accommodates the gremlins, but also supports my body to keep the gremlins at bay. It’s not easy, and I often dip into the less healthy, for me anyway, choices, only to be reminded by my body’s reaction that those choices are not wise.

There have been many traumas in my life, we all have a story, which have threatened to completely derail me - a suicide, rape, a revealed secret leaving me not knowing who I really am, to name a few. I’m still here and I am ok.

Whenever, I face anything difficult the wise words of my grandmother see me through: “everything will pass in time” and “ count your blessings everyday, there are always blessings, and touch your toes”

I’m not preaching here, I have been to the depths of despair, been completely overwhelmed, felt and still feel very alone, been afraid to leave the house, spent days on the sofa in a pit of misery, and on many, many occasions wondered what the point is.

Thanks to modern medicine my disease is fairly well controlled. I know I have conditions, but they are managed and I can still enjoy life. I am grateful for all that life has given me, it’s part of who I am and I’m happy with who I am, flaws and all….

I have today, I hope for tomorrows, and am thankful for all of my yesterdays.

[sylvi]

What a brave person you are Brushwork, many others wouldn't be able to stand with what you have been through. Like all our RA friends you are the true meaning of a warrior. Sending you loads of love and support. xxxxx

Blue flag Iris.

[Pippy25]

Thank you for sharing this and for your wise words...and your grandmother's too.

Warm wishes to you Brushwork xx

[AgedCrone]

Great to hear you stood firm & you are happy in your own skin.

[springcross]

What a lovely post. In spite of all those traumas, you have come through with such positivity - that shows in your beautiful paintings Brushwork. Long may it continue. Thanks for sharing. x

[Amnesiac3637]

Well done to you for overcoming all of those biggies and still being positive! It's easy to just fold up under adversity but in a perverse way it can make you stronger and more able to cope with what ever life chucks at you. You’re proving it!

[Neonkittie17]

You are very strong, courageous and resilient. Long may that continue. 🩷

[Creakywrists]

Thank you for sharing that - I wish you the very best!

[medway-lady]

This is a lovely post and I live well with RA and not to say no problems at all but I too am grateful for medications and the relief they provide. My mum had a saying “ what don’t kill you makes you stronger” a farmers daughter and wife her life was one of one of hard work even with RA the bullocks needed turning out and sheep lambed. She never moaned and gave me a good example of how to appreciate the things you can do and not focus on the stuff you can’t. All our lives are different and with a single point the same but it’s the way we deal with that point that makes us different. Whether that is because of medication, financial circumstances or simply attitude to life we should still love life and lead the best version of it possible. I’ve just booked a couple of weeks in October to Gran Canary the dry heat really is good for me and I don’t intend to be the richest corpse in the churchyard but the one who left good memories and property but no money. My husband needs the break too. RA takes a toll but for me the CKD is worse and the changes that brings and will continue to bring are challenging but it does no good to focus on the negative which changes nothing but focus on every day that is in addition to the one 5 years ago that changed everything.

[janmary]

thankyou for such an uplifting post

[janmary]

”count you blessings’ was a family mantra for us too ( from an old hymn) Has worked for me many times. A 5 year old at work once told me that ‘luck’ is for oneself, but blessings are for passing on. Out of the mouths……

[Jackie1947]

Amen

[Luludean]

are you an artist Brushwork? I paint .

Will read your long post more carefully today. L

[Wollerton]

a wonderful attitude to the ups and downs of life. Bless you for sharing, have a great day.

[Wonderfullifeandmore]

Hi Brushwork, this is a great post and reading it has given me a real wake up call. I’ve been feeling really down lately and last year was a terrible year. But I’ve got to change my mind set. So thank you.

[allanah]

A proper RA warrior x

[Tiggertom]

Thank you 🙏

[Durrell]

wow Brushwork I felt really emotional reading your post, so many others would have buckled, your strength & resilience have certainly been tested, yes your grandmothers wise words have carried you when tested & feeling alone. Thank you for sharing your story, like you say many of us have our own but I do think yours weighed heavy more than most. I hope you’re wearing a lovely smile today for you & your grandmother, weren’t we lucky to have them & to hold on to the precious words they gave us 🌸

[netballnow]

very moving. Thankyou

[lovemydoggy]

Words to live by. 🙏🏼