Reflecting and Welcoming a New Year

A Happy New Year! Wishing everyone a happy New Year ahead for all of us. Wishing you all happiness and nothing but the best for our health. Reflecting on the past year that has gone by, and welcoming a new year with positivity. It's been a year full of ups and downs. It's been full of happiness and sadness. But this is all part of life.

I started off the year with Cosentyx

It was my fourth biologic, not counting all the other medications I've failed. Trial and error as we all say. It's something I hate with a passion when failing one and having to start another. Thankfully, my stubbornness came in handy. I was about to quit on Cosentyx and call it a day, until I read from other patients in a Facebook group that are on the same drug, it works slowly. It would take time to see benefits. Even my rheumatologist wanted to switch me. I am glad for the community.

Now I am ending the year 2022 and going into the New Year 2023 with still being on Cosentyx. I am happy that I didn't let it go. It has helped me in so many ways. It's given me a bit of life back. It's still not perfect. I still get flares. I still get bad days. And I still get those days where I second guess if this medication is working. But it's safe to say I am not in the condition where I was. I know that I won't feel perfect and I am okay with that.

This year, I have learned to take care of myself

I have learned the importance of having self-care. There was a point I forgot to make sure to schedule some time for myself. To take time and take care of myself, my body, and my mental health. This year I focused on making it a priority. As a mom, a wife and most of the time not feeling well being chronic ill, it's easy to forget to take that time. But it's so needed and so important to do so.

I now make sure to listen to my body when it needs to rest. Taking a long hot bath with some music. Writing in my journal about how my day went. Reading a new book. Taking a small walk. Watching a TV show I enjoy. Ordering a meal on Uber, instead of cooking. Picking up my favorite coffee from my favorite local coffee shop. This is part of self-care. No guilt needed. It can be from the smallest thing to for yourself. Like brushing your hair, putting some makeup and putting some clothes on (when this happens it's a big accomplishment for me). I know sometimes this can be hard for some. But when I find energy, it makes me feel good.

This year, I stopped putting pressure on myself and making unrealistic goals

I know that will only put me more down and then I won't want to do it. Instead, I made small little goals that are more achievable and I know I can do. Instead of going to the gym planning to work out, which I hate and for me, risks in feeling worse and going into a flare. I knew taking small little walks would be more for me. Instead of jumping in a strict diet full of restrictions, I knew it was best to start making small healthier choices to make my health a little better, and not for just weight loss.

I am welcoming the New Year 2023 with open arms

I am welcoming it with excitement. I don't know what it will bring, but I know I will continue to do the best I can and what works for me. I will continue to take one day at a time. I will continue to work on me for me and be the best version for myself. One thing I have learned throughout all of this, no one will come and save you. You want to make a change? You have to do it.

You have to get up, put your brave shoes on, and keep pushing through like a warrior you are. Because with this disease this is what you are and need to be, a warrior, my friends.