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February is often a month filled with love. Valentine’s Day, cozy moments with people who care about us, and little reminders that kindness and warmth go a long way. But for those of us navigating chronic illness or just facing life’s everyday challenges, this time of year can also bring feelings of exhaustion, loneliness, or the weight of all we’re carrying.Lately, life has been nonstop for me. Student teaching in a third-grade classroom every day from 7:30 to 3:30 is rewarding, but it takes every ounce of energy I have. Add in flu season, and my body has felt like it’s constantly fighting off cold symptoms. Some days, it’s frustrating. Some days, it’s completely overwhelming. But in those moments, I try to find the things that remind me that, even in the hardest times, there is still good, there is still love, and there is still so much to be grateful for.Finding Your “Lucky” Moments Feeling lucky isn’t about having a perfect life. It’s about seeing the good that exists right now. When I look for these little moments, they add up.<ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>The way my students make me laugh, even on the most exhausting days.</li><li>The relief of my IVIG finally arriving with all the correct lines and needles.</li><li>Knowing that my IVIG is giving my immune system a boost right when I need it most.</li><li>A text from a friend reminding me I’m not in this alone.</li><li>These are all signs that even when life is hard, there are still things to celebrate.</li></ul>Your Strength is Something to Be Grateful For Some days, it’s easy to feel like we’re not doing enough. But if we take a step back, we realize how far we’ve come. Whether you’re managing an illness, navigating school or work, or simply showing up for yourself, that is huge.For me, IVIG nights used to feel so isolating. The soreness, the swelling, the fatigue, it’s hard. But I’ve learned that even in these tough moments, I can create little routines to make them feel just a little bit better. One small thing I do? I wash my bed sheets and blankets before my infusion. Knowing that after a long night, I get to cuddle up in a cozy, fresh bed makes the whole experience a little easier. It’s a small act of comfort, but it makes a difference.<figure id="figure-9kub1yjuqpm6jga4wt"><img id="9kub1yjuqpm6jga4wt" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5atUhnXikXDXmKUwpb8MqO2MM168bUV2JTykeaUaoyhwsAZkvSzCMVjzUYEiPD5m.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 75%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="75%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5atUhnXikXDXmKUwpb8MqO2MM168bUV2JTykeaUaoyhwsAZkvSzCMVjzUYEiPD5m.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 75%;"></figure>Bringing Good Energy Into the World When we feel grateful, we naturally start to give more to the world around us. And the best part? It doesn’t take grand gestures to spread love and good energy.<ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>A kind word to a stranger or friend.</li><li>A deep breath before reacting with frustration.</li><li>A small act of self-care, as silly as it sounds but remaking and cleaning my bed-because taking care of yourself allows you to pour into others.</li><li>February is a reminder that love exists in so many forms. It’s in our friendships, our accomplishments, the little joys we collect along the way. And no matter where you are in your journey, you are worthy of love, joy, and all the goodness life has to offer.</li></ul>So today, take a moment to feel lucky, not because life is perfect, but because even in the hardest seasons, there is still so much to be grateful for. 💛🧡❤️🩷<figure id="figure-xi0fvndjubm6jgepvz"><img id="xi0fvndjubm6jgepvz" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 selected" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-mce-selected="1"></figure>

Feeling Loved & Lucky: Finding Gratitude in Every Season

There’s something magical about the start of a new year. It’s a chance to pause, reflect, and reset. But if you’re living with chronic illness or navigating life’s challenges, the idea of a “fresh start” can feel overwhelming. How do you set goals and embrace new beginnings when your body or circumstances feel out of control? This year, I’m focusing on realistic, empowering goals that honor where I am, and I want to share how you can do the same.1. Reflect Before You Reset Before you dive into new goals, could you take a moment to reflect on the past year? What worked well for you? What brought you joy? What challenged you? Reflection isn’t about dwelling on the hard moments but about learning from them and celebrating your resilience.Ask Yourself: What am I proud of from the past year? What did I learn about myself? Please write it down: Journaling your reflections can help you understand the year ahead. 2. Set Goals That Feel Right for You When living with chronic illness, traditional goals like “work out every day” or “stick to a rigid routine” may not always be realistic. Instead, focus on goals that align with your needs and celebrate progress over perfection.Be Flexible: Set goals that can adapt to your feelings. For example, “move my body in a way that feels good” instead of “exercise for 30 minutes daily.” Focus on What You Can Control: Whether drinking more water, practicing gratitude, or keeping a consistent sleep schedule, choose goals that empower you without overwhelming you. Celebrate Small Wins: Every step forward is progress, no matter how small it may seem. 3. Create Intentions, Not Just Resolutions Resolutions often feel like rigid rules, but intentions are about the mindset you bring to the year. Instead of focusing solely on outcomes, think about how you want to feel or what you want to prioritize.Examples of Intentions: “Prioritize my health and well-being.” “Approach each day with kindness toward myself.” “Find joy in the little moments.” Intentions can guide you, helping you stay grounded when things don’t go as planned.4. Build in Rest and Self-Care Starting fresh doesn’t mean you have to do everything at once. As part of your new year’s plan, prioritize rest and self-care. Living with chronic illness has taught me the importance of pacing myself and listening to my body.Schedule Rest Days: Make time for intentional rest to recharge physically and emotionally. Practice Daily Self-Care. Small acts of care, such as journaling, meditating, or sipping your favorite tea, can make a big difference.5. Start Fresh Every Day The new year's beauty is that it reminds us that we can start fresh—not just on January 1st, but every single day. Some days will be harder than others, and that’s okay. What matters is that you show up for yourself again and again.My 2025 Intentions This year, I’m focusing on a few simple, meaningful intentions:1. Stay Present: Embrace the moments of joy, even on hard days. 2. Advocate for Myself: Continue tracking my health, journaling, and speaking up for what I need. 3. Celebrate Progress: No matter how small, every step forward matters. Nurture Relationships: Strengthen the bonds with my family, friends, and community. 4. Find Joy in Creativity: Write more, embrace my passions, and share my journey with others.A New Year’s Reminder You don’t need to have everything figured out by January 1st. The new year is about progress, not perfection. Be kind to yourself, embrace where you are, and remember that every day is an opportunity to move forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.Here’s to a year of growth, resilience, and fresh starts, glitches and all.What are your goals or intentions for the new year? Please share them on the Contact page, and let’s inspire each other to make 2025 a year of hope and strength!

New Year, New Goals: Starting Fresh, Even Through the Challenges

Be Authentically You: Embrace your whole self. Your illness doesn’t define you; your heart, passion, and dreams do.Own Your Journey: Your path is unique. Focus on how you respond, not how you compare to others.Let Others Be: Everyone has their battles. Live your journey and let others live theirs without comparison.Stay True to Yourself: Be unapologetically you. Your authenticity is your power; don’t let anyone dim it; that makes you you.&nbsp;Find Your Balance: Balance rest with living fully. Hard days happen, but life is still worth enjoying.Stay Connected: Lean on friends, family, and community. Connection keeps you strong.Take Time for You: Prioritize your emotional and mental health. Rest and recharge without guilt.Eat Well, Live Well: Fuel your body with balance; healthy choices matter.<figure id="figure-a40eb92xaam65gqul3"><img id="a40eb92xaam65gqul3" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/353AuZXwoi89aj4XZLVqtxldTZGfSZEGfdhmIYlTTb7kNakLfSLr9wrPKiwnhPlk.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/353AuZXwoi89aj4XZLVqtxldTZGfSZEGfdhmIYlTTb7kNakLfSLr9wrPKiwnhPlk.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>Say “Yes” to Life: Take risks and embrace new experiences. Life is still full of opportunities.Love Yourself Fiercely: Celebrate your resilience and journey. You are enough, and your strength is unstoppable.

The 10 Key Things I Try to Remind Myself Everyday & You Should Too.

Living with a chronic illness like Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) has taught me that advocacy starts with yourself. Learning to be your strongest advocate can feel overwhelming initially, but it’s one of the most empowering things you can do for your health and well-being. Here’s how I’ve embraced advocacy in my life and what I’ve learned along the way:1. Track Everything: Creating a Visual and Written Record One of the most essential tools I’ve discovered is documentation. My journey has shown me the value of keeping a running file of photos and notes about the random symptoms on my body. These records have been invaluable during doctor’s visits, helping to identify patterns or pinpoint what’s going on when something feels off.Start a Photo Album: Take photos of any new or unusual symptoms, such as rashes, swelling, or discoloration. Your medical team can refer to these images. Daily Reflections: I’ve created printable daily reflection sheets to track my symptoms, food intake, energy levels, and overall mood. These sheets can be kept in a binder and brought to appointments to give doctors a clear picture of your health over time. You can download and print them here.2. Journaling for Clarity and Support Writing down how I feel each day has been a game-changer for managing the emotional and physical challenges of chronic illness. Journaling helps me process my feelings and provides a tangible record of what makes me feel better or worse.Notes of Inspiration: I write encouraging notes to myself on tough days. Reminders like, “You are strong” or “This is just a glitch, not the whole story,” can shift my mindset. Track Your Triggers: Keeping a food journal has helped me identify triggers like gluten or red meat that worsen my symptoms. This awareness allows me to make informed decisions about my diet.3. Be Organized: Plan and Prepare Staying on top of appointments and medications can feel like a full-time job, but organization is key. Here’s how I manage:Schedule Appointments in Advance: Create a calendar to track upcoming visits with specialists or routine checkups. This ensures nothing slips through the cracks. Prepare Questions for Doctors: Use your daily reflections to jot down questions for your healthcare team. Going into appointments prepared ensures you get the most out of your time with them.4. Empower Others to Advocate for Themselves Sharing my experiences has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. I encourage kids and parents to take ownership of their health by creating binders filled with records, photos, and notes. Advocacy isn’t just about asking questions at appointments; it’s about taking an active role in your care.Advocating for yourself is more than managing symptoms; it’s about reclaiming control and finding strength in the uncertainty. Whether you take photos of a strange rash, journal your day, or simply remind yourself of your resilience, these small self-care acts add to a larger picture of empowerment.You are your strongest advocate. By tracking, journaling, and preparing, you are managing your health and owning it.Resources to Help You Start:<a data-mce-href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGcO0dfhVA/uHxHh1oPd90mSZgx8hT_UQ/edit?utm_content=DAGcO0dfhVA&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=sharebutton" href="https://www.canva.com/design/DAGcO0dfhVA/uHxHh1oPd90mSZgx8hT_UQ/edit?utm_content=DAGcO0dfhVA&amp;utm_campaign=designshare&amp;utm_medium=link2&amp;utm_source=sharebutton">Daily Reflection Sheet: Print your copy here.</a> Advocacy Tips: Check out The Mighty for stories and strategies from others navigating chronic illness. Let’s connect: What do you do to advocate for yourself? Share your tips and experiences with me through the contact page!

Becoming Your Own Advocate: Lessons from My Journey

Friendship isn’t just about shared memories or inside jokes; it’s about finding people who stand by you through life’s most challenging moments. My journey with chronic illness has taught me so much about what true friendship looks like, and at the heart of it all is Grace, my forever friend.Grace was there when high school didn’t start as I’d hoped; the start of my high school journey was filled with hospital stays, uncertainty, and a body that felt foreign to me. She saw past the weight gain from prednisone, the exhaustion, and the fear and reminded me of who I was. Grace didn’t just stay when things got hard; she stepped up, making me feel seen and loved when I felt like a stranger to myself.But real friendships aren’t without challenges. Grace and I have had our share of ups and downs when jealousy and miscommunication tested our bond. Sometimes, I worried about losing her, especially as she formed new friendships while I was in the hospital and pursued her passions. I learned that friendship isn’t about clinging to someone out of fear but trusting the foundation you’ve built together.One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that true friends show up, not just for the significant milestones but for the small, everyday moments. Grace has been there to celebrate my wins, hold me in my losses, and remind me of my worth when I doubted it. Through shared experiences like navigating dyslexia, we’ve embraced each other’s “glitches,” laughing together and supporting each other unconditionally.Our friendship wasn’t always easy, but it was worth it. Hard conversations, moments of distance, and even heartache didn’t weaken our bond. That is what strengthened it. They taught us to communicate openly, forgive wholeheartedly, and love each other as we are, flaws and all.If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: good friendships are messy, imperfect, and full of challenges. But they’re also transformative. They teach you loyalty, resilience, and the power of showing up for someone else. So, thank you to Grace and all the friends who make life a little brighter. You’ve shown me true friendship is one of life’s greatest gifts.

The Lesson of Good Friendships

Family has always been the cornerstone of my life. Family is the steady foundation on which I’ve built who I am today. It’s not just about shared DNA; it’s about the people who walk with you through the highs and lows and hold you steady when life feels impossible. Through my journey with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA) and all its challenges, my family has been my rock, my light, and my most significant reason to keep going.From the beginning, my parents have been my unwavering support system. My mom, my ultimate fighter, has been the one pushing for answers when doctors couldn’t, staying up late researching, and holding me close when it all felt too heavy. Her persistence and resilience taught me that strength is love, patience, and hope. My dad, calm and steady, was the stability I needed. Whether rubbing my back all night to find some rest when sleep was a foreign thing to me due to the high dosage of prednisone or simply listening when I felt overwhelmed, he showed me the value of quiet, consistent support.My siblings have been my teammates, my confidants, and my cheerleaders. They may not have always understood my struggles, but they’ve shown up in the most important ways, bringing laughter when I needed it and simply being present when words weren’t enough. Even when I felt different or like a burden, they never made me feel alone.And then there are my cousins and extended family, who’ve been there through every chapter. We’ve shared countless memories, from Sunday dinners to family vacations, and their love has been a constant source of comfort. They’ve laughed with me, cried with me, and reminded me, even in my most challenging moments, that I’m more than my illness.Family isn’t just about being there when things are easy. It’s about showing up in the messy, challenging moments but learning to love each other through differences, challenges, and pain. My family has taught me resilience, patience, and finding light even in the darkest times.As I move forward, I carry their lessons with me: love deeply, show up fully, and remember that no matter what life throws at you, you’re never alone. Family is my backbone, a source of strength, and a constant reminder that life is worth celebrating , even with glitches.

The Lesson of Family: Aways as a Rock

Annie Strong

My awesome life thriving through the everyday struggles of chronic autoimmune diseases. It will get better; I found my way. Maybe I can help you find yours?

Blog

Feeling Loved & Lucky: Finding Gratitude in Every Season

New Year, New Goals: Starting Fresh, Even Through the Cha...

The 10 Key Things I Try to Remind Myself Everyday & You S...

Becoming Your Own Advocate: Lessons from My Journey

The Lesson of Good Friendships

The Lesson of Family: Aways as a Rock