Embracing Resilience: Navigating Life with My Autoimmune Squad

Living with a team of autoimmune diseases for over two decades has been a journey filled with unexpected challenges and undeniable resilience. My autoimmune squad (as I affectionately refer to them ) comprised of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vitiligo, a brain tumor, and ovarian failure, and my most recent addition, Crohn’s Disease, occasionally unleashes havoc in my body, resulting in what I've come to term as "autoimmune storms."

These storms, unpredictable and relentless, have taught me that even when I'm doing everything "right" – from medications to supplements and a carefully curated diet – they can still rebel, causing chaos for days, weeks and sometimes months before settling down again. Accepting that these storms are an inevitable part of my journey has been a crucial shift. It took away some of their power, allowing me to focus on rebuilding and moving forward once they pass.

Navigating Autoimmune Storms

In the midst of these storms, I've learned not to blame myself. Rather than dwelling on what I might have done differently, I now understand that these flares are a natural part of my autoimmune journey. They come and go, and I've embraced the understanding that I can weather the toughest of them. This acceptance doesn't diminish my efforts to prevent and manage flares, but it does free me from unnecessary self-blame.

Building Resilience

Living with this autoimmune squad has undeniably made life more challenging. Yet, paradoxically, it has also cultivated a profound resilience within me. I've come to appreciate the good days more, never taking my health for granted. On the challenging days, I've learned to ask for help without hesitation and to release the pressure I used to put on myself. These conditions are a part of me, but they don’t define me.

I refuse to let my autoimmune squad dictate the course of my life. Instead, I choose to pursue my passions while prioritizing self-care. This resilience, forged through countless storms, propels me forward even on the most difficult days.

Join Me on This Monthly Series

This post marks the beginning of a monthly series where I'll share the ongoing chapters of my journey with autoimmune conditions. I invite you to join me, share your experiences, and be a part of a community that understands the unique challenges we face. Each month, I'll delve into different aspects of living optimally despite diagnoses, sharing stories, strategies, and the lessons I continue to learn.

Let's navigate this journey together, embracing resilience and finding strength in our shared experiences. Subscribe for updates, and feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments. Here's to living our optimal lives, one month at a time. 🌟

XO, Indie