As a single mom with APs, Hashimoto’s, Thyroiditis, and lupus, living with an autoimmune disease has been challenging. Everyone around me sees me as so strong and roots me on but most days I am tired and can barely move. I got to a point where I was actually managing it quite well then had to have a stent placed due to poor circulation. 

Since then, my body has been attacking me which I am now going into the 6th month of coping. I was starting to feel helpless then started to google. I’m still going through it but what I found is helpful is arming myself with education and learning as much as I can about triggering flares. 

Also accepting my limitations helps me from pushing it too far which is hard when us single moms are used to playing super mom. This year is coming to a close tonight is this lupus journey is about 10% the disease and 90% our reaction to it. I’ve learned to cry when I need to, be angry if I am, and rest when I have to. That it’s all ok to have weak points but not to just sit and sulk in but rather use it as my own super power to push myself forward. 

Finding a support team in my friends and family has been instrumental too. My favorite is blaring "Live Like You Were Dying" from my playlist while I clean or doing something hard to remind myself doing these hard things is really a blessing. I’m also planning on jumping out of a perfectly good plane to honor my bucket list. My journey is far from over and, compared to many others, is just starting, but finding hope in fellow lupus warriors gives me hope and a bit of resilience to carry on.