Thursday's Thoughts

[DonnaBoll]

What - if anything - has been positive about being diagnosed with PBC?

[DonnaBoll Administrator]

For me, having any chronic illness we can all too easily forget the small things in life that often go overlooked. I try to take the time to look at the sky, the sunsets... even the flowers in my own yard are so appreciated. Friendships are something I've always valued and kept current. There is nothing more 'comfortable' than having a long time friend that when you see or talk to her, it's as if time has stood still.

I am well aware of how some days you don't want to even get out of bed. I've been there many times myself. I understand the fatigue and the itching that seems relentless. Somehow despite all of that, we have to remember to look around and 'see the beauty'. Don't let PBC - or any disease - consume you. Live life to the fullest as often as you can. I hope all of us take the time to just look. When was the last time you could 'see the beauty'?

[butterflyEi]

PBC has introduced me to wonderful people in the virtual world. People I will never meet in person but who care about others. PBC caused me to take early retirement so I get to enjoy my garden, I don't care for roses but I do stop to smell theair, admire clouds and sunsets too.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to butterflyEi]

Your reply just made me smile! In my former support group, we met twice a year at a member's home. I traveled to someone's home and whom ever could attend came. We spent the afternoon just chatting, learning, eating, and sharing. So many lasting friendships have come from these "meet and greet' sessions. Even if we don't ever meet in person, you are so right about making friends even if it's virtually. In a way we feel we get to know them. Sounds like your retirement was a good thing for you - allowing you to 'see the beauty' and live life.

[DebatDG9]

It has curbed my excessive drinking of alcohol- for a few years I was totally alcohol free but now I restrict myself to having only 3 units per week shared over Fri & Sat

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to DebatDG9]

That is a huge positive for you! Good for you..... being able to limit yourself takes a lot of self control and determination. Your overall health is surely better without all the alcohol.

[Michi1]

My PBC diagnosis caused me to take my health much more seriously. To do a deep dive into holistic health and ultimately become a certified health coach. This week I am on vacation after finally closing my law practice. Next week, I begin a whole new chapter as a burnout prevention educator and speaker. I never would have considered these changes without having been diagnosed with PBC. Also, probably because of what I have learned in my health journey, I just had an assessment of my cardiac health condition. I told me I am “eight years younger“ than my chronological age, and at 59 I no longer experience the brain fog I was experiencing in my 30s. I attribute all of this to what I have learned and the lifestyle changes I have made due to my PBC diagnosis.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Michi1]

Everything you said you have to wonder if would have happened without your diagnosis. I think you are right about that. I love that you've become a certified health coach. I'm sure your empathy clearly shows in your care of people. As a nurse for more than 40 years, I know all too well about 'burn out'. What a huge thing that is to help those with burn out to meet those challenges and still feel good about themselves. You are really making the world a better place for many. I have no doubt that you are taking care of Mich1 as well.

[Gaspereaux]

i really think it made me reflect upon what it is in life that I love most….what makes me the happiest….and, it is my dearest friends, my family and my grandchildren. I pushed myself yesterday to take by granddaughter (12) and her bestie out fishing in our scow. Hubby started the motor for me (the joints wouldn’t let me!) and i pushed myself to do this. So glad I did….her friend actually hooked a sea bass! The whole excitement of the catch and the look on their faces was worth every extra ache and pain!

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Gaspereaux]

This post just made me smile ☺️ Doing what truly makes us happy just lifts our spirits to new heights. Being with family and friends can make our 'less than good' days, in the end, the very best! Savoring those moments makes our life so much richer. I'm so glad you have these times to treasure.