30 Things I’m Grateful for Learning While Having RA and Turning 30

1. The unconditional support of my family and boyfriend
2. The support of my friends
3. The health and happiness of my family and friends
4. My Birkenstocks
5. Hand and foot cream
6. Lavender candles and oil – lavender anything really!
7. My rheumatologists in Chicago and New York
8. Just Dance on the PS4
9. Fudge (our pet snake)
10. MBSR and trying to practice meditation daily
11. Therapy
12. Walking on the treadmill and having no pain
13. Taking on more than I did two years ago
14. Humira
15. Grateful for the days I feel well
16. My gastroenterologist
17. My new internist
18. Epsom baths
19. Rheumatology Research Foundation and hope for new treatments leading towards a cure
20. Dogs (hoping for a mini goldendoodle in the future)
21. Rheumatoidarthritis.net – the community of people
22. Reading a great book
23. Watching mindless TV
24. My homemade chicken soup
25. Stretching on my yoga mat
26. Gym shoes
27. Iced green tea
28. Travel
29. Manicures
30. Cozy pajamas, my hot booties and ice packs

asbRA was diagnosed with RA in November 2012 at the age of 27 and fibromyalgia in 2013. Through therapy and MBSR meditation asbRA found her calling in journaling her experience and is writing a book on how to navigate an RA diagnosis in the prime of one’s life. As a strong advocate in the autoimmune community asbRA shares her wisdom in hopes of helping others. @AllisonSBerger