New Year, New Decade, New Me?
There is some debate whether 2020 marks the beginning of a new decade or 2021 does; but for the purposes of this article, we’re saying it’s the end of the previous one.
The last six months have been extremely difficult for me. When it came to my feelings on RA, I turned into Jekyll and Hyde. One minute I hated my condition so much I cried; the next, I’ve smiled because I was pretty darn lucky in all aspects of the condition. I tried to stay positive until all of a sudden, I was reminded of what my life was supposed to be like and how far from those dreams I was.
I’ve written a fair amount of articles on these contradicting feelings, but I think there are more coming. 2020 is going to be a year.
Turning 30 with rheumatoid arthritis
My 10 year anniversary of a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis
First, July marks my 10 year diagnosis anniversary. That’s a pretty intense mark. Second, I’m turning 30. I have spent a whole decade of my life with this disease and not just any ten years, an entire growing period!
Looking back on what I learned about myself
I was supposed to learn how to “adult” and navigate life without school, new social obligations, life in general. Instead, I had to navigate a life-altering disease that side-lined me from life. If I am being brutally honest, I did nothing with those ten years. It was a waste of a decade.
I certainly didn’t find myself or define my life. It looks like I have to use my 30s for that.
So…where do I start?
I figured out how to maintain “suitable” health. I had my low periods but generally, I managed. But, not well enough; I could do better.
Practicing patience in my 30s
What should my new year or new decade resolutions be? Eat better, exercise more (the usual rubbish)? A zebra doesn’t change its stripes that easily, does it? At this point in my life, I’m pretty locked into my personality. Can I become a better version of myself?
I need to exercise patience. My 20s were a smorgasbord, a chaotic whirlwind of everything I was supposed to do plus the addition of a chronic condition. Yes, the rheumatoid disease stunted my development, but there was nothing I could do to stop it. I had no control. I don’t know what my 30s will bring, I cannot set goals or make plans. I have to be patient. I have to be kind to myself. I have to accept the timeline I am given.
Letting go of extra negativity
And, who knows, letting go of that burden, those extra negative thoughts may lead me to clarity, which could lead to a better lifestyle, which in turn leads to better health.
It’s a new year, a new decade, and hopefully, a positive, more engaged me.
Do you have any NY resolutions? Let me know in the comments!
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