It seems like forever since I’ve put up a post! Probably because it has been forever and I have to say I’m not proud of the fact that I haven’t found a way to make time. This blog is more than just putting words down to express myself along with the experiences that I’ve had to live through. There’s a relationship that’s been established with some of you out there and it means a lot and always will! As I’ve walked through this journey over the last ten years, I’ve realized that I’ve gained some amazing friendships along the way. Its made everything just a bit easier to manage over that period of time.

First let me just say this! The support I get from family and friends is simply amazing! Since day one my family has been there for me in taking on this giant of a disease called CRPS and for that I am extremely blessed. God has placed so many good people around me and for that there are no words. I wish I knew what to say to each and every one of you because the love and support you show me day in day out through this journey means the world to me!

Over the past few weeks things have been really tough physically for me, not to mention just how exhausting its been mentally! My pain hasn’t been easy to control and there have been all sorts of times where I could have just as easily given up.  That’s when my extended family as I like to sometimes call them steps up to the plate to help. These are friendships that have been established in the chronic world with others who are chronically ill. Without fail they support me and I’m right there for them when they need me. We are a support system for each other that doesn’t judge but rather tries to listen to one other and motivate each other through all levels of adversity. When things get tough we push each other to get through what seems to be the impossible!

Sometimes you just need that support around you from people who are going through the same things as you are! When you make friendships within the chronic world there’s this common bond that you share with one another, and so right away you can identify with one another. I don’t think there is any need to explain what that common bond is! There’s no need to validate yourself or everything your going through, unlike when your trying to talk to someone who is healthy. Borders and boundaries that often stand in the way come down and it can be easier to open up to one another. You share in each others victories and support each other through the adversity.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve found myself discouraged and one of those friends shows up in my inbox with a kind word of encouragement. Or a text that inspires me to push through a day where the pain is super intense and I’m getting down on myself. What sets these friendships apart from others is in the ability to understand what each other is going through so very well. There are so many shared experiences in living and dealing with our chronic illnesses. Even when the illnesses are different there is still that common thread in what we’ve experienced, or what we have to walk through on a daily basis.

When I started this journey of mine ten years ago I never knew how important this community of friends was going to be. They motivate and inspire me to see past the roadblocks and barriers within my disability, and instead see that I can make so much more out of my life. So I want to take a moment to say ” Thank You” to any of you who have played a roll in any way. You have lit a fire under me to pursue advocacy for my illness CRPS, and chronic illness in general. 

Today I want to mention four individuals who I think we need to recognize for their leadership that they display within the chronic community. I want you to know that you are true leaders and that the tireless work that you do in raising awareness, breaking down barriers, or even helping others through their journey’s leaves me with no words! You are all very unique individuals that have been given amazing gifts to do great things with in your lives! I want to recognize you not only because of the amazing work that you do within your communities but around your country. You lead by example and when push comes to shove you are in the trenches fighting with all your heart and soul.

So those four individuals are Julie Cerrone ( itsjustabadday.com), Britt ( thehurtblogger.com), Anna Evangeline (sixhipsandcounting.com ), and Charles Mattocks ( charlesmattocks.com ). If you have a chance drop by their sites and get to know them a bit better then please do!

I could speak about each of these people and not run short of things to say about who they are and what they do for chronic illness. I’m also quite sure that there would be many who would back me in making this statement. I could get into each of their stories but that in itself is an entire post on each of them. Their experiences and own personal journey’s are amazing and will inspire you!

In closing I just want to say this! If you are fighting a battle with a chronic illness and have nobody to talk to then look around you and reach out to someone like me or one of the others I’ve listed above and we can connect you! You should not have to go through your illness on your own. Never say that there isn’t support because its right around the corner. You need to fight and be that person who never lets their disability stop them from accomplishing the hopes and dreams that they have in life!