Monday Message

[DonnaBoll]

Good morning or afternoon to you all!

Today is surely a day of reflection for me. As we age, I think we all look back on our lives and take note of what we have contributed to our world and those around us. Today I celebrate 74! I really believe that we all have to take 'stock' of our lives at some point and know that we have lived to the fullest. We all, when first diagnosed, felt our lives were over. There was no cure for this rare disease that we did nothing to cause it to happen to us. In time, though, I really believe we have to take ownership of what is happening to us and almost embrace it. This is our life now. We can either spend all of our energy feeling sorry, being angry, or just even doubting its existence, or we can own it and live our best life with it. Do we have days when we can hardly walk? Do we have days when the itch is unbearable? Do we have days when we can hardly move because of the joint pain? Yes to all of this for many of us. PBC is hard. There is no doubt about that. I know, just as you do, it is often a day to day journey for us. Yes, we are seeing ourselves as 'different' now in many ways. We might, on some days, hardly recognize ourselves. But.... we are 'in there' and this is us!!! Take your life and run with it!!!

[ortam]

Happy birthday Donna!

Your words are so true, I wake up every morning grateful.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to ortam]

I always intend to start a gratitude journal - just jot one thing in it every night before bed. Somehow it never gets started. Always something to strive to do for me...

[thelmareynolds556]

Happy Birthday Donna hope your family spoil you as you deserve to be, you are an inspiration to us all and help us through this strange and sometimes difficult journey that is PBC🍾🥂🎉

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to thelmareynolds556]

I just want every one of us to remember we still have so much living to do! give it your best effort -

[Sandie17]

Happy birthday Donna. I turned 70 yesterday 😳

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Sandie17]

Happy belated birthday to you!

[DCMurphy in reply to Sandie17]

Happy Birthday! 🎂 🎈

[4pjx__]

Thanks Donna! I’ve been telling myself to “own it” this morning since I first read it this morning. I guess I could say it seems to make it feel a little better (emotionally) anyway. Thanks for being here for us and Happy Birthday!

—Pam

—

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to 4pjx__]

Even to just begin to 'own it' is a step in the right direction. One day at a time.. it's not easy knowing your life is forever changed. We have to make sure we also know it can be a very positive change in ways we just need to look for.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to 4pjx__]

I thought of you 'owning it' this morning when I woke up. Hope this will begin our day with a somewhat better edge to our day. It's all in our attitude so much of the time. Did you 'own it' this morning ??

[Dora57]

Happy birthday Donna!I totally agree with your perspective of life! I am a 2 time survivor of cancer and have been diagnosed with PBC last August. I am a firm believer that a positive attitude based on taking action to address these issues was how I came out stronger AND happier. As a result of these experiences, I have a deep sense of gratitude and I can see beauty in things that I never noticed before.

Everyday is a blessing. Life is beautiful 😊

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Dora57]

Thank you for every word you wrote here. There is no guarantee that 'bad' things won't happen but how we deal with them and our attitude towards them can make all the difference! You must be a very strong woman indeed. I am convinced that often we don't know how strong we are until we are pushed to our limits... and then we can go on for more!

[butterflyEi]

Happy Birthday Donna

[FarahS]

Happy birthday Donna!

[Pumptrainer]

happy birthday. Been on the forum for years as a silent reader but your words today resonated so much. Thought I was going to die a couple of years ago with my diagnosis of PBC and cirrhosis but have fought hard to get fit as possible and healthy (ish) and now take each day as it comes, as you say pain, itch etc. Positivity is the best medicine 👍💕

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Pumptrainer]

You just made my day. If I can make a difference in one person's day, then I have done what I intended to do. There are so many 'silent' readers here, I'm sure. Thank you for responding. Knowing we have so much life to live, despite our 'not so good days', can make the difference between just existing and really living our lives. None of us can use PBC as an excuse for not doing just that. Hope to hear from you again.

[gwillistexas]

Beautiful. Very encouraging. Thank you.

[gwillistexas in reply to gwillistexas]

I apologize. My post was for Donna Boll.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to gwillistexas]

each of our days is what we make it... we all can meet all the challenges with as much grace as we can..... no doubt some days do have a lot less grace and that's ok.

[LindaVillanova]

Happy Birthday Donna! Have the best day!

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to LindaVillanova]

thanks! birthdays at 74 can be a 'bit' different than in my younger days. I have much to be grateful for.

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

Thank you for your kind words. I just don't want anyone to feel that having PBC somehow lessens their way of life.... is our life different? indeed it is in many ways. How we meet each day head on is the key.. good one and bad ones. I use that manta often too when I struggle with exercising. That is my nemesis for sure ---- my daughter once told me "Mom, just put your tennis shoes on." Just start..... we all have to 'just start'.

[YvonneGS]

Happy birthday! Hope you have a great day and blessed year ahead, Donna. You’re an inspiration to so many. Thank you for all you do.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to YvonneGS]

thank you! I just want everyone to feel we are all in this together. Knowing others 'get it' can be a source of comfort on those 'not so good days'.

[Ancolie]

Happy birthday Donna, I wish you à wonderful year surounded by your love ones. Have a great day ❤🥳