Good Evening everyone! Wow, it’s been a while! Each time I take a moment to begin a post, I get distracted by one of the many responsibilities that exist in my life right now and fail to continue. This is one that I started approximately one year ago, and although an entire year has gone by, the message still holds such great value!
Category Archives: Diagnosis and Treatment
Walk to End Lupus Now!
This weekend my family, friends, and colleagues supported me as we walked with the Lupus Foundation of America to find a cure for Lupus! I have been fundraising for a little over a month now and thanks to everyone who made a contribution, my team was able to raise over $1,500 towards Lupus research! It was amazing seeing so many people working and walking together for the same cause! I look forward to continuing this work and I am praying that with continued awareness, advocacy, and fundraising efforts, this world will someday soon be a world free of Lupus!
More Chicken Parm Please!
Meal prepping this weekend could be a challenge due to the holidays…but not with this extremely simple recipe that I found! This is such an easy way to ensure lunch and dinner for the week! Don’t forget to modify ingredients based on your specific health needs and taste preferences! For those of you who are gluten-free, you can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free option (Ian’s are pretty good)! Comment below letting me know if you try it as well as whether or not it worked out for you! I hope you enjoy!
I Just Need A Nap!
Yesterday was one of the most beautiful days New York City has seen in a while! The sun was shining, there was a light breeze in the air, it was between 75° and 80° for the majority of the day, everyone that I encountered was in such a positive mood–just beautiful! I woke up early and headed straight to the hospital for another follow-up appointment with my rheumatologist and a pulmonary functions exam. Thank God, things are beginning to come back normal (back to how they were prior to my hospitalization) and I’m able to do more and more each day! Following my doctor appointment, I had plans to visit an old co-teacher that I hadn’t spent time with in a while, but first, I had to run an errand with my mom. By the time I made it to the upper west side, I was bit tired! Ironically, when I got to my friend’s apartment, both of her kids were taking their naps…the life right?! This got me thinking…why don’t adults get to take naps during the day?! Especially people like me with Lupus. I’m sure napping during the day has its benefits…
Put It All Into Perspective…(Dos and Don’ts for Supporting Lupus Patients)
Being diagnosed with Lupus, or other autoimmune diseases, doesn’t only affect the patient, but the people in their lives as well. One of the most challenging yet necessary tasks that is given to friends and family members, is the task of giving support. When you love someone dearly, it is only natural for you to want to do all that you can to help them feel love and encouragement. To some, this may come naturally, and to others…not so much. Take my mom for instance, from my perspective, my mom handled my diagnosis so well! She never shed a tear (or so I thought), she was always there when I needed her (and still is), and was always prepared with a word from her heart to provide me with encouragement. This post is less for patients and more for friends and family members of them. What are some “Dos and Don’ts” for supporting someone with Lupus?
Continue reading Put It All Into Perspective…(Dos and Don’ts for Supporting Lupus Patients)
Surprisingly Satisfied! (The Resolution for Women Reflection Series)
Hi Everyone!
So, I’ve decided to bring you along with me as I read The Resolution for Women By: Priscilla Shirer! In this book, Shirer challenges women to live their lives intentionally and spirit-filled based on God’s image of us. As I’ve been reading, I’ve also been jotting down parts of the book that really resonate with me and reflecting on the topics that are unravelled. Every Friday I will be sharing my notes and personal thoughts on what I believe are the big ideas of each chapter. I hope that you not only enjoy checking in each week, but that you also spark some discussion, perhaps learn something new, and reflect on whether or not you are open to resolving to be a woman that exemplifies God’s image and walks in your purpose through Him.
Continue reading Surprisingly Satisfied! (The Resolution for Women Reflection Series)
All Things Come To An End…
If you read yesterday’s post, “Jump Start Your Morning Right!”, you’ll know what I’m referring to when I say that I’m “eating my frog”. Yup, my blog post today is my frog. I awoke this morning, not really sure of what to write about. I usually write about topics that are put on my heart to share with others, but there wasn’t anything coming to me. I didn’t stress it though! I still woke up at 5:30…still began my quiet time…and then BAM–inspiration…
Jump Start Your Morning Right!
Mornings are the most challenging time of day for me. I usually wake up feeling just as exhausted as I did when I went to sleep and have no choice but to get ready for my day. During my time away from work, I’ve adopted this routine that I plan on continuing upon my return. Doing each of these things in the morning has set me up for success thus far and I hope that it continues to when my daily physical demands are higher. Try it out for a week or so and let me know if it works for you!
Life After Lupus (5 Tips for Management Following a Diagnosis)
I remember sitting across from my rheumatologist 7 years ago and hearing her say that my test results were consistent with what she sees in Lupus patients. Lupus? An autoimmune disease where the body basically becomes confused and begins to attack itself. Okay, so how do we cure this? There currently isn’t a cure for Lupus. It took quite some time for me to process that last line. This thing called Lupus was stuck with me now…a part of me and my everyday life. I wouldn’t wake or sleep without it, and according to my physician, I never would. Continue reading Life After Lupus (5 Tips for Management Following a Diagnosis)
Fight the Fog (Including 7 Strategies for Coping)
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Lately I’ve been noticing that I’m having a difficult time remembering information–dates, where i put things, tasks–and I’m a teacher! I’d write my to do list and lose it, commit to completing a task and forget its due date. Oh! Forget about the professional development meetings where I’d be asked to reflect on a lesson and have such a hard time remembering what I even taught! At first these occurrences seemed sporadic, then suddenly they became more and more frequent. I would laugh them off to hide the embarrassment, and in the back of my mind question what was happening to me.
Continue reading Fight the Fog (Including 7 Strategies for Coping)
Joezette's Journey: My Everyday Walk With Lupus 