Change is oh so good...right?

Of course it is, when it's happening for all of the right reasons, at the right time and when the "growth process" is going well and it's smooth sailing! Wouldn't it be grande if that's how life handed us all of our cards at once? Well, the thing about life is that it is quite the opposite and all that it encompasses is just the same. The one consistent thing is change! 

I am one of those peculiar people who embrace and even crave change along with a hearty helping of balance. For the "well" or even the average person change may be an easy process and a part of every day life.  They wake up, get dressed and go about the day as if any other day.  Perhaps a child in school in early years, happily playing with friends and vying for the newest video game or social media craze thus changing with the styles in clothing or tech data.  Maybe college or career age and growing into their own strengths as they make their mark upon the world in business, healthcare, education or philanthropic efforts while changing eating and workout habits to stay healthy; fully able to sustain the new demands of life / work balance.  

For those who have entered the world of chronic illness change can seem insurmountable, daunting and at first extremely uncertain.  The path of chronic illness; chronic pain and what appears to be the loss of what "was" may not appear to be "change" at all. In the beginning stages of this journey it may not look like anything.  I know because I have been in that exact position. It took me time to acknowledge, embrace and reframe the unknown into change and then growth. It is the very reason why we are here today as a non profit organization in expansion from our original vision with a passion like never before.  

Years ago we started Warrior Wednesday as a blog to share the stories of fellow warriors with chronic and incurable illness(es) and we will always share as you wish to remit your journeys.  Over time we ebbed and flowed back into my background as a certified coach to remind every person we come in contact with that they have a purpose and a plan; they have a truth within them unique to only one.  Illness cannot take that away.  I am no more a car by sitting in my garage than I am an incurable illness by a document handed to me by my physician. I am so much more! You are MORE!

Our mission and vision is total overall wellness through as many avenues and partnerships as we can offer to you and as much as you are willing to receive. We are not physicians yet we can encourage, love on, pour into, lift up and elevate you to your A-HA moment of freedom emotionally, mentally, spiritually and offer advocacy through philanthropy as we always have.  We can grow through what we go through.  Change in inevitable.  It will come; what will we do with it when it does? Are we grounded? Are we centered? Do we have the tools that we need? Have we set healthy boundaries for ourselves and others? Are we willing to release in order to gain? The power of questions is a beautiful avenue to truth and the truth truly does set us free.  

We hope you will join us for Warrior Wednesday the first or last Wednesday of each month. We have a wonderful time of growth, powerful discussions and gift giving. If you feel lost, left alone or are in need of some love then we are here for you. No one should journey alone. Love is free and we will gladly give it.  There is HOPE - Help Others Prosper Everyday - here. 

You are treasured, cherished and loved, 
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Recently, we held an empowering LIVE event within our community filled with tools to set us up for a healthy mindset, clean out our emotional closet and rebalance our wheel of life.  When living with chronic illness it is imperative to surround ourselves with those who promote the good in us simply because the physical struggle can be overwhelming on any given day.  Often times, these days can turn into weeks or even months.  

Any time we come before you and speak about balance, mindfulness or coaching we encourage you to remember all that you are and the marvelous gift you are to this world.  Waking up every morning and vying for an unrealistically "positive" life isn't what we are aiming for, although an attitude of gratitude does shift your perspective in any situation.  Where you find your personal freedom or your own "A-HA" moment is in the Acknowledgment, the Awareness of who you are and where you are and then Embracing you, your surroundings and all that you have to offer while asking important questions that pertain to your own life and circumstances.  The practice of asking questions is a powerful tool. You create the mindset and life that you desire within the constraints of your physical health as you figure out the answers that resonate with your authentic self...your TRUE self.  

As you begin this process of self discovery and feel the resonation of peace and harmony within your true self then you are able to clearly decipher those who encourage, lift up and pour into you and those who may be a weight upon your shoulders.  When "spoons" (as we call them in the chronically ill community) or your preservation of time, health, energy and so forth are ever precious to us, we must be warriors over these areas now more than ever.  You are worthy of love, affirmation, encouraging words, edification and so much more. 

The battle is much between lengthy doctor appointments, family commitments, personal needs, medical expenses, nutritional requirements and so forth.  Often times, it consumes the life of a chronically ill warrior to the point of a forgotten place of self love, self care or even a desire to do so.  If I may remind you today: you are brave, you are loved, you have a purpose, you can do wonderful things even while being disabled and living in the confines of your home.  You are MORE than a diagnosis or diagnoses on paper.  You have a choice to embrace those words on paper or to look at them and say, "Okay, thank you. Now, let me breath, gather my tools, my support system and let's formulate a plan of care AND of action so that I remain steady". The moment of doubt or fear might still come your way. It is most likely plausible; however, continuously surrounding yourself with those who see in you the worth, value, talent and beautiful masterpiece that you are until you see it in yourself will keep you going. It does and will bring HOPE! Hold onto Hope....Help Others Prosper Everyday!  In your Helping - often times -  you will wind up receiving as well.  

Much love and stay encouraged! You are loved <3

#HoldontoHope #Help #Others #Prosper #Everyday #Love #Hope #Cheer #TogetherweFIGHTTogetherweWIN #StrongerTogether
​#TakeABite4GP 

Love, 
Glitter Queens Global
~Advocacy through Philanthropy

What’s your true Love?

I am asked time and time again about purpose. I often watch people go through life struggling to find their niche, "calling" and fulfill what they believe they are supposed to do.  Many times we breeze through our adolescent years and follow in the footsteps of our parents simply because that is what we know.  It is what we have been taught to do and "it" (be it walking into a trade, scholastic roles or even Motherhood, single-hood or carrying on a family business) feels comfortable to us. This may be what is expected of us and one was not given the option nor groomed or even coached in the area of walking in what is true to us.  Perhaps, you are fulfilling your purpose and those roles ARE  your truth. Congratulations to you if this is the case.  Even still, this writing is applicable for every single person.  You need not be chronically ill to gain wisdom here; however, having walked the path of one who has had to remember my own purpose,  I do believe that those who battle illness will find encouragement and hope wherever you are.  

What do you love? When you think of that word "love" in its true sense, what makes you feel an overwhelming sense of joy, excitement, peace and brings you to a place where you cannot imagine being without it? What is the thing or action that you think of doing, creating or perpetuating every single day? What do you do, give, say, and hope for without ever longing for reciprocation in any fashion, praise, accolades, monetary gifts, or even status and celebrity? If no one knew your name and you could live out any dream and money, time, space and health were not a factor:  What brings a never-ending smile to your beautiful face? This is an exercise of “YES” in order for you to discover, find and hold onto your truth with great value before we even move onto the action phase! Here, there is always a blue sky. The "n'ts" are locked away until you feel a completed resonation of joy, fulfillment with visualization of your purpose mentally and physically as you receive what we call in the coaching world your "A-HA" moment!

Now, write this moment down.  Journal it. Whatever your "LOVE" is, this has now become your purpose. I fully understand that the "n'ts" will try to creep in.  Those are the "can'ts', "won’ts", "don'ts" and so forth. For those of us who battle chronic and incurable illness we will have to make some adjustments in order to fulfill our purpose.  We may have some uphill mountains to climb to keep our love going; however, it is “our” love right? It is the very thing that is our truth? It is our core being? It is who we are? We don't need praise for it, we don't need anyone to give us money, accolades, pat us on the back or beg us to do so?  Just like Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, our favorite kindergarten teacher, mentor, author or even our family member who may have inspired us through their own love we now have this fire within us, reignited, and we have passion! Yes, we will need a friend, support system or a cheerleader filled with compassion and wisdom to hold us up when we feel discouraged; however, with our truth (love aka purpose) now rediscovered we know we will find a way!

As a chronically ill woman, I have experienced tremendous turmoil in my life even prior to any debilitating illness. I have respectively experienced an exuberance of joy! Receiving multiple diagnoses was not what made this journey difficult.  It is only if and when I give into the thoughts that cross my mind that can conquer and destroy my ability to fulfill my purpose.  I allowed myself to give in to the "I can't" and "now what" for a time and succumbed to a deep depression with anxiety.  There were many circumstances that seemed to be surrounding me at once and I did not see how I could possibly give back.  I did not understand how going from a full time job, working out at the gym, teaching as a volunteer, singing on the weekends and pouring into my family to laying in bed or riding in ambulances had any value to anyone but to the pocket books of the insurance companies. I even put my pen down and stopped writing music. My piano sat without a tune to be played.  It was a dismal road and I literally watched my health decline rapidly the more I pined over what I thought were my "losses" as opposed to trying to adjust the vehicle to fulfilling my purpose.  I was a coach for crying out loud and for whatever reason I was wrapped in sorrow.  I knew I had to fight for me!

When I finally decided that I would go back to my truth; my love, then I worked harder than ever to pull out of that depression and anxiety.  Little did I know I would become a patient advocate and return to the truth of my childhood.  I am a giver, a teacher, a coach, a lover, an encourager, a forgiver, an uplifter, a cheerleader.  I am ME, all by myself.  The only difference is that I do these things from my bed or couch or even while sitting in doctor's offices.  Are you capturing the essence of the coaching goldmine here? In walking in my own truth, with merely an adjusted vehicle, I found many new family members and comrades along the way and so can you! You can sing, teach, blog, encourage, post, educate, affirm, inform, Youtube, craft, paint, advocate, change legislation and so much more even while chronically ill! You can even write a book and self publish nowadays! You can take up that platform for your child with special accommodations or that of a caretaker and truly effect change. The world is your oyster! Though we may need to take a break for days if you are migraine prone like me or weeks if you are in the hospital, that is alright.  We have an opportunity that some never get.  We are the CEO's of our own lives.  We get our choice to change our  vocation.  We, along with every healthy person, have the power to adjust our perspective and either get bitter or get better mentally, emotionally and spiritually!  

Some roads are longer and other struggles are deeper than our own; however, that is where the love, our niche and our truth comes together quite marvelously.  When we are secure in walking (metaphorically) in who we are then we can unite with others who are, likewise, fulfilling their purpose and may reach thousands.  We can touch millions.  You can band together with others and form a cause, a platform and raise awareness far greater than one.  When you are living your love then this is not an issue for you because your deep passion to see others changed and filled with freedom is your driver.  Your own desires of need (accolades, praise and so forth) are placed on the backburner and you long for others to succeed; to become significant and that becomes a mission.  Your seed becomes greater than your own need.  You will find others asking to join you and you will become filled up without even asking.  Those around you with like minds and passion will essentially pour into you as your pour into yourself and the lives of others.  I’ve often thought of coining the phrase, “No Warrior Left UnLOVED”!

My hope for you is that you find your truth.  I long for every person to live out their LOVE so much so that if no one was ever watching, reciprocating or paying them back one, red cent that they would do it no matter what because of the sheer JOY that you feel simply for being YOU! Here's a little extra tip for free...if you ever find yourself feeling as if you're not praised enough, noticed enough, valued enough or repaid enough then you're not living your truth, purpose or the true love of your heart.  I am not saying that we shouldn't ever receive an "atta boy or girl" or "well done" or "hey YOU are AMAZING". The key is IF you never received it - would you still love it? That is your purpose.  Whatever that is? Do that and do it well.  It's your life,  You can always change your vehicle.  We love you - whoever you choose to be. The only one who should really make you proud of you, is you!

​

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We were recently contacted by a represented working with the Diamond Headache Clinic, the oldest and largest headache center, who put together a presentation about different types of migraine headaches and symptoms in children.

Children between the ages of 5 and 9 often experience abdominal headaches, which can develop into more severe headaches later in life. As many spoonies become diagnosed at a young age, we thought this could be a great resource for our community

We have included a hyperlink to the Diamond Headache Clinic within the first sentence above.  Many of those who battle Gastroparesis receive a diagnosis of abdominal migraines and / or migraines either before or during their diagnostic process.  Migraines are extremely debilitating and present in a myriad of ways.  The types of migraines differ but the general consensus is that migraines stem from a neurological disorder.  

Thank you to the Diamond Headache Clinic for sharing this presentation and for allowing us to advocate in an area that effects patients within our community and beyond. 

#Gastroparesis #AbdominalMigraines #Migraines #Chronic #Pain #DiamondHeadacheClinic #ChildrensHealth
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Happy Warrior Wednesday! 

August is, among many things, Gastroparesis Awareness Month.  Thanks to the effort of The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), Gastroparesis was awarded a place on the National Health Observance Calendar in 2016 for the month of August.  Organizations from the IFFGD, the AGMD, the GI Society (Canada), International Pain Foundation, HESA, WEGO Health, to a plethora of social media support groups of all types come together and advocate during our coveted month.  For those who battle the debilitating and incurable illness, we are ever thankful for the togetherness in advocacy and furthered awareness by other organizations this month as we aim to bring our Bill HR 1187 to the eyes of those who have never even heard of our disease.  

What exactly IS Gastroparesis you might ask? I can say that I and our entire team lives with the effects of gastroparesis on varying levels.  Although we advocate through philanthropy for all chronic illnesses, it has been this common thread that initially brought us all together.  Gastroparesis means "paralysis of the stomach".  It is a digestive motility disorder in which the muscles, controlled by the vagus nerve do not contract properly therefore leaving food in the stomach rather than moving it into the intestinal tract at the normal rate.   Gastroparesis is patient specific.  Symptoms and treatment options vary and at this time, there is no cure. Due to the fact that the stomach emptying process is delayed, patients with gastroparesis can experience a host of symptoms from early satiety, abdominal pain, distention, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux and / or GERD and can even lead to more serious effects such as malnourishment, extreme weight loss, chronic fatigue syndrome and may require hospitalization.  The most common cause of gastroparesis is Diabetes; however, patients are often diagnosed with what is known as idiopathic gastroparesis, meaning there is no discovered reason or root for the development of the illness.  Some patients develop gastroparesis as a result of surgical complications, varying medications and even eating disorders.  Due to the varying stages of gastroparesis we see patients that are able to enjoy the pleasure of food while other patients succumb to a liquids diet. Others receive hydration and medication management via feeding tubes and total parenteral nutrition. While research centers are constantly observing patients and offering / participating in clinical trials, as stated above there is no known cure.  

Won't you join us along with the millions of those across the globe who suffer with this debilitating illness and spread awareness for Gastroparesis? There are many ways to advocate.  You may search the hashtag #CureGP / #Green4GP 2 #CureGP for an event this August.  You may also search #Gastroparesis. Some wear green or yellow in support of those who suffer. You may participate in the GP Pie Face Challenge or donate to your non profit of choice.  Advocacy for our illness doesn't start or stop in August.  Awareness isn't for patient leaders or social media groups alone. There is a place for all.  Thank you for doing anything that you can to be a part this month, the next and in whatever way that you are able to bring change to the lives of those around you! #TogetherweFIGHTTogetherweWIN

We are extremely honored to be nominated for three (3) awards this year with WEGO Health.  Last year I was a Finalist.  If you would like to endorse Glitter Queens Global, simply click the badge below.  You may also go the entire list of nominees for further endorsements.  Many thanks to WEGO Health for all that you do for our Patient Leaders and Influencers.  We look forward to an amazing year. 

Last year we added a very special component to Glitter Queens Global; our blog.  This blog is dedicated to all warriors.  Here we share our journey's, stories, poetry writings, thoughts, educational material and any information that we can find in hopes to spread awareness and to advocate for all chronic illness(es).  Warrior Wednesday began and a hashtag populated to garner further awareness for debilitating chronic illness(es).  Many have sent in their stories which have been blogged and shared on social media.  Thank  you to all who have walked with us through our journey and continue to do so.  We will begin sharing the stories that remain and hope you will continue to spread awareness with us. 

January quickly came upon us and health seemed to decline. Warrior Wednesday is still present yet the blog postings were something we needed to place on hold.  I found that I needed to reassess our philanthropic efforts and the time spent on social media and truly focus on my physical health.  Although I have not written my story out, I speak about it frequently on social media or during our "LIVE" raffles.  I battle numerous chronic and debilitating conditions to which I spend most of my time either in bed, in pain or in specialists offices.  Gastroparesis has definitely taken a toll on my physical body and my out of state medical trips took precedence these last 8 months yet somehow we managed to pour into the lives of others with the support of a few faithful team members assisting behind the scenes. Our community has been a tremendous support in sending in items for us to place into our raffle baskets.  

Often times, we have to change the way we look at things.  This is why I chose the meme below.  When living with chronic / incurable illness of any kind it is imperative to accept your diagnoses.  When I say the word "accept" I mean the actual diagnosis in medical terminology. You have to research and become an advocate for yourself in the way of your treatment plan first. Then you must become an advocate over your time, space, energy, emotions, physical limitations and what you are able to give and receive.  You really need to reassess your entire life and make realistic adjustments along with expectations for yourself and others.  There is going to be a lot of "letting go" here.  This is a healthy process and one you should cycle through during the course of natural life. It brings a new perspective if you allow it to.  This is when the things we look at change.  This is where it's "okay" if the blog isn't posted every week or every day.  This is where it is "just fine" if I am not on social media every day commenting on every post or responding to every email.  When I say "I' here, I am speaking to the masses.  

I cannot nor have I been able to do those tasks but in spurts for years.  I am disabled. I have let go of this way of life for quite some time as I am physically unable to perform many things; however, I ask this: have other people "allowed" you to do the same? Are they as accepting of you, your boundaries and the limits set without some sort of retaliation, backlash or acting out? Are you accepting of yourself? I would offer this: 1) Set up boundaries in your life for others and yourself and make them known 2) Set up a rule for those who continue to cross boundaries i.e.: How many times is an acceptable practice before exiting from unhealthy relationships or changing the status thereof? 3) Go easy on you and your physical body. On your good days pace yourself so that you don't send yourself into bed for 2-3 days for "over doing it". I recently had this very conversation with a specialist.  We spoke of ways to re-arrange my kitchen and home.  We discussed Body Mechanics and the proper chairs and stools that would fit my personal needs.  4) If you set up a parameter for yourself and do not achieve it or if your overdo it; speak kindly to yourself.  Surround yourself with people who speak affirmations to you and over you.  The last thing we need to steer clear of when living with chronic pain, illness, fatigue and so forth is negative words / emotional wakes spiraling through our lives.  Words are extremely powerful. If you wouldn't say it to a child then do not say it to yourself let alone another.  

Be kind to you.  You deserve it.  Change your perspective often. It keeps life refreshing.  Keep your circle tight and uplifting  It makes this journey lighter.  When you're tired; rest.  

#RevivingtheBlog #Balance #Warrior #Wednesday #Chronicwarrior #CureGp #CureAll
#TogetherweFIGHTTogetherweWIN #liveLoveGrowINSPIRE 

Thank you, Cheryl, for sharing your journey with us.  We are sending you all of our love and support. 

Cheryl's Story:

In November of 1992 I found out that I needed my gallbladder removed. I had it scheduled at the local hospital. The surgery itself was laparoscopic and was supposed to only take two hours, so I and my family were told. Four hours later, my family was told that there were some issues but nothing to worry about and I was told the same story. I wasn't to be released until I had a bowel movement and was walking on my own. Through extreme pain I was forcing myself to walk around the nurses station.

Once at home, mind you only a few days have passed, I was in still severe pain, discomfort along with NO appetite, and experiencing weakness. My grandmother, God rest her soul, had come to see how I was and bring me flowers.  She looked at me with fear in her eyes. My grandmother said right off, "She needs to get to the ER immediately, something isn't right!!". So my mother, who was staying with me during my recovery, whisked my eleven and a half year old son, me and essentials and headed to the Emergency Room.  My surgeon was there that day and came to me.  When he looked at me he looked scared but went on to say "We need to open you up and see what is happening inside of your abdomen." So off we went.

I was under the knife again. Then I remembered bits and pieces, "She has holes in her bile duct but I can't find them". "We're requesting a bed at U of M". Actually U of M was the one demanding that I be rushed there from what some nurses passed along to my family. I remember my dad sitting next to me while I was in and out of consciousness but they kept me out mostly. Then a priest was in my room and my husband asked him to leave because "She's not going to die!!!!!" Next thing I knew I was rushed to U of M. I was still sedated heavily and kept on strong pain medication while they stabilized me over night. My new GI physician, Dr Raper, had come in the next morning with the news of my situation.  Pretty much I was doomed. I asked him about the holes in my bile duct and how it's to be fixed, and how long all the tubes will be in me?? He looks at me sadly and shook his head and said, "Your bile duct doesn't have holes in it. It was completely severed during the original surgery and a two hour surgery took four hours because he couldn't find the end to repair it. It's like a rubber band reaction. I don't understand why you weren't told the truth but this is what will happen next." Then he proceeded to draw me a picture of exactly what he has to do to save my life.

I had many visits from our church and my fathers employer. My best friend was there every day, all day, especially when my husband couldn't be. So, I had to have drainage tubes in my abdomen and a drainage tube that had to stay in 4 months so my organs could heal from the acidity of the bile damage to the organs in my abdomen. My surgeries were not done; I wasn't in the clear. I had to prepare for my reconstructive surgery in March of 93. In between this time I was back and forth to Howell where I lived to U of M in Ann Arbor because the drainage tube in my liver through my ribcage was constantly trying to come out. That was fun! U of M is still a second home to me.

Next came my reconstructive surgery in March, a ten hour surgery which I can only imagine how tedious and daunting for those performing it while my family waited in the waiting room. My best friend walked me down to surgery and was there when they wheeled me out. I miss her so. That's another reason for my depression that I may explain later. Anyway, my doctor sat in my room with me later when I was conscious enough and told me exactly what I was to expect. First he stated that if I survived the next five years that I might be able to try to get pregnant, but he's not sure my body would carry full term. Second, the trauma to my body had caused it to age at least ten years and I WILL FOR SURE DEVELOP HEALTH PROBLEMS earlier than expected. Arthritis, for one and any issues that come with aging along with unknown conditions that at that time could not be determined, of course, and that I wasn't to over do it due to the size of the scar (38 staples). I will develop adhesions and alot of scar tissue. You see they had to open me up to perform this surgery. I have a scar straight across my abdomen. The scar literally looks like I was cut in half. Of course you're thinking "Well, she definitely has a lawsuit!!!!" Well, I had a lawyer that got paid off by the other "screw-up" surgeon is my guess because they both disappeared. Good thing I have all my medical records.

It has been a long, long, long time since I've really told my story but it really hasn't ended because my condition never really was great after. I have been miserable ever since because when you have any surgery on your intestinal tract you're going to have issues. Mine just got worse and worse until my GP was finally diagnosed to explain why I had been in the ER from 2007-2012 due to misdiagnosis and stress triggering episodes so often. I had been extremely sick with pneumonia in 2011 when I made an error at work, a fixable error, but my attendance caused them to decide to terminate me. They tried to deny me unemployment but because they knew I was sick and the judge didn't think my termination was fairly executed, he granted unemployment. Thankfully and quickly.  

I started having anxiety attacks in 1999-2000, during my divorce. Also, during this time my best friend was killed in an accident, she went out one night in August of 2000 and had been drinking so she pulled over on the side of the expressway and witnesses stated her flashers were on but still a Stockhaller semi driver had fallen asleep at the wheel and smashed into her car and ran it into an overpass. He fled the seen and she was killed immediately. For the longest time I blamed myself for not being with her that night. Many reasons to be unhappy but I do try to be happy.  My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago. Three winters ago he had frozen lung which along with the stress of taking care of my mother with Alzheimer's, doctors say caused the cancer.  He went through the treatments like a trooper and I would stay with mom so it lessened the stress on both of us.  That's when we decided it would be best if I just moved into their house because it is way too big for just the two of them and my dad and I decided we can help each other. I have no income now but we're frugal and spend wisely.

I've been fighting for my SSDI since November of 2011.  Of course I've been denied, but I am not giving up, I wasn't properly diagnosed then. I was finally diagnosed with Gastroparesis in 2014 after many different tests, ending with the GES. I worked all of those years even after what I had gone through. My body, though, has decided enough is enough. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to get my story out. I know so many others have been through alot also and I hope this will help get us the research needed for a cure. I aa nauseated daily at 49 years old.  As we spread awareness and get closer to a cure may our younger ones have a chance to fulfill their goals in life

​#Cure4GP #invisibleillness #GPWarriors

New year, new groove or was it? I woke up this morning with a migraine so intense that I was fully prepared to head to the ER and I began to run through my script, "Why are you here, ma'am?" or "What do you normally use for your migraines?" and the usual "Did you eat anything that may have triggered your migraines?" as if to imply I brought this upon myself and am now wasting their time.  I decided I would battle this out at home because I was in no mood to deal with the condescending glances of yet another physician who may have marked my chart as a potential drug seeker and I most definitly was not subjecting myself to harsh treatment or being berated by someone who has never experienced that pain of a migraine let alone a simple headache.  Thankfully, a twenty-four hour pharmacy was able to find one refill of my migraine medication and by 3 0'clock I was feeling somewhat "human" again. 

During my down time and in between "sleep and awake" I pondered as I often do.  Another new year; another new day with a chronic condition...many chronic conditions! My visual memory log swept over the years gone by and I smiled as I clearly saw a healthier me working out in the gym, gardening and replanting every season with new flowers I would choose carefully to catch the eye of those who drove by our home. Gardening was always a passion and a form of release for me as was playing the piano and singing at our local church.  I was once a prominent figure as a local worship leader and the first grade children's teacher on Wednesday nights.  I worked full time and earned my certication as a Career Coach with a Life Coaching supplement and Work as a Spiritual Path.  I was filled with vibrant life and joy was ever on my lips.  I gave to those in need, volunteered as often as I could, and at one point held the honor of being on the Board of one of the Arts Programs in a city nearby. Life was invigorating and I captured every moment I could while teaching my son to do the same. 

As I curled up in bed,  pleaded  and prayed for this migraine to release, I thought of where I am now and I have to say that I have no regrets with this illness.  This sounds so bizarre laying in a cold dark room, waiting for the migraine medication to take effect, with ice pack number four wrapped around my neck, I know. I slowly flipped through the catalogs of my journey over the last seven or so years and time and time again I was reminded of something I wanted to pass along.  A key that I feel is powerful and has carried me through this journey.  It is gratitude!

I have been asked too many times to count how do I do it? How do I remain so positive while battling all that I do? How do I manage in the midst of not only Gastroparesis but also chronic migraines, neuropathy in my feets and legs, osteoarthritis that riddles most of my body, a hernatied neck with compressed nerve and facet damage, bulging discs in my back and nerve damage there as well, fibromyalgia, pots, reynauds, scoliosis, chronic nausea and fatigue, paralyzed intestines, IBS-CIC, seizures and so on.  We could be here all day! There are hundreds of thousands of people across this world who have illnesses worse than I and I am deeply sorry for their pain. I would not wish pain or illness of any kind upon anyone.  We don't overcome by simply ignoring, avoiding or even saying "I'm going to be positive today" and this will make my life better.  We need a daily system of tools and mechanisms that we practice and then live out. I cannot speak for everyone, but since I have been asked frequently, I felt I would share.  To that, I firmly believe that each one of us can make a difference in the  life of another if only we would be willing to release what we have within us.  What have you been through? What have you conquered? What have you overcome? What piece of wisdom can you pass along to those in need? Think you can't make a difference while being chronically ill? Hear me when I say you have a purpose and a plan. Dig deep (for some perhaps just below the surface) and you have exactly what someone has been looking for to be set free. 

For me, this is how I live my life, before and moreso, with chronic illness:

* Build relationships - Understand that a strong friendship does take time and work on both sides.  I have heard it said that if you have five loyal and true friends during your lifetime then you are exceedingly blessed.  Take the time to cultivate your relationships and be wise with those you allow into your inner circle.  Be honest, open, loyal and trustworthy.  I never make a decision about one of my friends and especially will not treat them differently based upon anyone else's experience either.  I can talk to my friends about anything. They know my heart. True friends will last a lifetime, I guarantee.  

* Steer clear of martyrs or what I call the "chess players" - I am sure we have met one or two over the course of our lives.  These pieces of personal wisdom aren't aimed at any one particular genre of people, mind you.  I once was close to a woman before I became ill and she was quite the "player". Her favorite game was the "one up" game. Her world was not complete unless chaos or conflict was up front and center.  From her house, her job and even her car; everything was a mess.  She, internally, was a mess.  It eventually brought turmoil, chaos and tore the very fabric of our friendship apart. I felt a great release when she parted.  Be mindful of people, places, things, doctors, organizations; even relationships that your children have with others -- anything that isn't bringing you up will eventually bring you down. Take inventory of how you feel before, during and after you are around any of the above mentioned and more. That is a tell tale sign of whether or not change is at hand. Follow your peace. 

* It's not all about positivity! I'm often criticized for being so cheerful, but the fact is I literally was born this way. Even my MBTI (Meyers Briggs) and Enneagram shows I look on the sunny side up. I am an enthusiast; however, that alone won't get you through.  Someone once said, "What you focus on the longest will become the strongest in your life". Powerful words indeed. Even on my worst days, like today. Pain was high, I felt extremely nauseated and weak.  I was not in a position to mentally "go" yet I have the tools and I know how to put them into practice.  I placed my focus on the attitude of gratitude. Chronic illness is horrible. Yes, it is; however, the overwhelming knowledge I have gained about this illness has been priceless.  The friendships I have made are immeasureable. Because I am chronically ill I am right here within these communities sharing my backstory of childhood abuse, trauma, alcholism, drug abuse, divorce, miscarraige, overcoming those things, building my faith and redefining my purpose within this new body realizing that I have an illness..I am not an illness. Meditation, CBT (cognitive behavorial therapy), talk therapy, support groups, close knit friends that I can vent to and who grant wisdom right back in return are all vehicles that allow for a healthy release so we can all thrive each and every day! Couple all of that with a healthy and positive outlook and you are in the best position each and every day. Don't ever let anyone tell you how to live your life. This is about you, not them. 

* Letting go - If you cannot change it then let it go! This is and will be extremely cathartic for many. Letting go applies to every area of our lives. We have all heard the catch phrases: "you can't cry over spilt milk", "you can't unscramble eggs" and so on. Exactly, There is no point in stressing out over things that cannot be changed, especially people and their unhealthy behavior.  If it's not serving you a healthy purpose in your life, then I encourage you to take your power back and release the toxin.  Gain some spoons and do whatever you need to to keep them. During one of our LIVES we discussed the fact that we cannot just cut off or let our family go. True.  What we can let go of is the toxic emotions or negative emotional wakes that are caused by their behavior. You're not a bellhop and you don't have to carry their baggage.  Respectively, if anyone in your life, doctor's office, school, present, past (you get the point) or even on social media is turning you the wrong way then unfollow or just don't engage.  Maybe you have been "friends" for a while or maybe they have helped you out in the past; however, if that help has now become a co-dependency of sorts you may want to re-evaluate that. Is it now a form of silent bullying if you're not going with their flow? Are you constantly being "guilted" into doing things or having conversations that make you uncomfortable?  You don't have to. You're the boss of you! Let it go!

* Balance and Down Time - Take time for you. Take time for your family as well.  Social media will be here when you get back.  I can't always get out due to my health, but I do enjoy music, movies and even just rest. I turn off my sounds, notifications and the ringer on my phone and sleep in until the pain in my body makes me get up. Even one extra hour or two in the morning is just the thing I need to create a healthy head space. Our cells regenerate while we sleep. Place some essential oils in a diffuser, sprinkle them on your pillow, run a warm bath or take a nice hot shower. These are simple things you can do for you that do not require getting dressed or using too many spoons or funds to do. Sometimes some good quality "you" time does a body good. 



There are so many other things that I can share and I will continue to do so as I am able. I would like to hear how you have lived a healthy, stress free life (pre-diagnosis too).  How have you embraced your journey and how do you cope, thrive and lift your spirits each and every day? Every day isn't going to be magnificent. Every day isn't going to be horrendous either.  Our life is filled with four major categories where we can place everything from our own personal thoughts, self talk, physicians, relationships, groups, religious affiliations, exercise routine, diet and so on. They either add, subtract, multiply or divide.  May you be ever encouraged to look at this year and fill up the add and multiply category while stepping farther away from anything that subracts or divides in your life.  

See, it's not always about being positive.  I am grateful for, focus on and place what time and energy I do have into adding and multiplying into the world around me.  Hopefully, I am not only successful but moreso significant in the lives that I am so honored to be a part of. 

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey! I am grateful for YOU!

#attitudeofGratitude #PracticemakestheDailyeasier #IBelieveinYou #IbelieveinME
#Significant #GainingSpoons #Refocus #FindingourPurpose #LivingourDream