Happy one year diagnosis birthday to me!

Where has this last year gone? Today, more than ever, I am reflecting on the journey I have been on. There have been so many highs, lows and everything in between. I have learnt so much about this disease and myself, whilst adapting to life with rheumatoid arthritis.

It feel like only yesterday I was sitting with butterflies in my stomach, watching the goings on in the rheumatology department, whilst nervously waiting to start my appointment. At the time I was naïve. I thought I would be given some medicine and sent on my way, never to return again and pick up life from before my symptoms started. I had no idea life, as I knew it, was about to be flipped on its head.

Now twelve months later, I am managing a chronic illness through medication and holistic practices.

I am no longer scared of needles and self inject up to twice a week.

I am confident in managing my shed load of pills.

I am strong in the face of a flare up and trust in my ability to ride out the storm.

I have a strong mind and can protect it more from intrusive thoughts.

I can recognise the limits of what I can do and have become more assertive in asking for help.

Most of all I am proud that I have become more at peace with my diagnosis and generally “don’t sweat the small stuff” … ok, as much as I used to. I am genuinely so proud of how far I have come in such a short period of time. If you were to tell me a year ago that I would be where I am today … wow, I would not have believed you for one second. As I look forward (and being a type A person), I want to set goals and things to strive for, but I think this is counterproductive after finally being more at peace. So, this year I’m going to focus on approaching life joyfully. I’m going to aim to laugh and enjoy life with my friend Arthur. To focus on becoming rich in adventures with family and friends, but most of all abundant in love.