One of the lessons that we learn from illness is that life is always changing. Yet, humans seem to be hard-wired to avoid change. But because life keeps moving, nothing stays the same forever. In other words, we aren’t in control of everything that occurs in our lives, even if we think we should be. […]
I am really happy to present you with my redesigned Website. I have been working on this with Bryan Hoffman of Spigot Design for a few months. A big part of this process was moving to the WordPress content management system, which will make it a lot easier for me to keep my site updated. […]
Two steps forward, one step back. Two steps forward… If you are facing the challenges of a chronic condition, this phrase most likely has special meaning to you. The successes, the frustrations, and those unexpected curveballs that can come your way. But, yet you keep yourself going, one step at a time. Psychologists call that […]
Practice compassion. If you are walking around with a lot of self-criticism, chances are you are also directing this blame toward others. Show some compassion toward yourself. You’re human. And other people are, too. If you can show yourself a lot of self-love, then it becomes easier to let other people be who they are. […]
I am glad to see that the "swab" home HIV test has been approved, and that this test will very soon be available for individuals who want to test themselves at home, and hopefully at a reasonable price. On one hand, it is evidence that HIV is being viewed as a treatable chronic condition and not a death sentence. On the other hand, being diagnosed with HIV brings up a lot of feelings, and the stigma around HIV has dissipated but hasn’t disappeared. I am concerned that not everybody who receives an HIV+ result will know what to do with their emotional reaction, an
I had a call from someone recently who wanted to join a support group for caregivers. Unfortunately, she had a time conflict with my group.
I talk to so many people who are dealing wit some form of uncertainly in their lives. I am at the point where I feel like economic uncertainty is the universal condition. I don’t know anyone who isn’t either struggling or doing okay but conceerned about the future, or somewhere in between. That means we are all feeling a little, or lot of, anxiety. A medical diagnosis, adds yet another layer of uncertainty. Dealing uncertainty, and the frustrations of life, begins with admitting how you feel, not sugar-coating reality. Lif
I talk to so many people who are dealing wit some form of uncertainly in their lives. I am at the point where I feel like economic uncertainty is the universal condition. I don’t know anyone who isn’t either struggling or doing okay but conceerned about the future, or somewhere in between. That means we are all feeling a little, or lot of, anxiety. A medical diagnosis, adds yet another layer of uncertainty. Dealing uncertainty, and the frustrations of life, begins with admitting how you feel, not sugar-coating reality. Lif
I am heartbroken by the loss of a very good high school friend to cancer today, May 17. Throughout her treatment, she exhibited bravery, optimism, and a sense of humor. Another good friend of mine, Deborah Emin, has written a wonderful book, Scags at 18. If you buy Deborah’s book, she will make a donation to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer. How is that for synchronicity? Here is a link: http://sullivanstpress.com/products-page/e-books/scags-at-18-ebook/