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20 Resolutions for 2020 || #betterliving

15 Saturday Feb 2020

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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new year resolutions, rheumatoid arthritis

Nothing to disclose.

Well, I am sure there is nothing novel about this post but I am on a huge “this decade is going to be better than the last” kick. The past ten years sucked so I’m pretty sure the 20s will be a massive improvement even if I don’t try at all.

2010  to 2019 marked giving up my dreams, my life as I knew it and a part of myself. I spent the past decade ignoring my Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis and fighting against my body. I thought if I ignored it, my condition would improve on its own. Obviously, mind over matter didn’t work because my RA could be better managed.

This decade I want to do better. I want to get my disease under control. I want to learn how to manage a full-time life so that I can re-visit old dreams and make them realities.

Scroll down to see if you have any of the same resolutions as me. Maybe we can keep them up together.

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

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I just didn’t do enough of it last year. I had a lot to say but never actually put thought to paper. They kept swirling around my head and weighing me down. Honestly, I think part of the reason I was not mentally well was that I did not provide enough of a release for my brain.

Sleep more

My body needs the rest. It wages war against itself. I battle fatigue and pain daily. I tire myself out, even more, when I fight against my body. I need to embrace it, the nap and better my sleep hygiene. If I sleep more, I’ll experience fewer or decreased Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms.

Drink more water

If it’s not summer I sometimes only drink 2, maybe 3, at most. That’s just not enough, especially with my autoimmune condition. If I want to feel better, I need to put in the work and hydrating is the best way to optimize my health.

Read more

I didn’t read enough last year. In total, I think I read maybe 10 books? Unacceptable. I love to read. I need to do it more. As of this post, I have already finished three books.

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

Spend even more time with the pets

My girls are getting older and I don’t know how much time I have left with them. I need to love them more, and more, and “the mostest ever”. Now.

Exercise more

I am not climbing right now so I’ve been exercising less. Exercising less means my joints are more stiff and painful than usual. If I want to increase my physical ability I better get moving! I’m building up my stamina with at home works outs (mostly dedicated to the abs so I can get back on the climbing wall!) I already feel more mobile and less like the Tin Man since the movement oils (no pun intended) the joints!

Make more videos

I like making videos. I have ideas I just need to film them.

Paint my nails more

I also love painting my nails. However, given my pets’ schedules, it’s hard to find a good chunk of time where I can sit and get them done. I need to include time for my hobbies because I enjoy them and they make me happy!

Eat better

I don’t mean diet or restrict. I just want to be more aware of the things I am putting in my body. My diet doesn’t completely affect my RA but eating better does reduce some inflammatory symptoms.
I take my daily Tumeric Milk Latte and am already noticing a small difference in physical symptoms.

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

Stick to a schedule

I think it’ll be better for my RA and my mind if I stick to a routine. If my body acclimatizes to a set schedule I will conserve energy and get more done.

Unplug more often

This is pretty self-explanatory. I spend entirely too much time on my devices. I don’t like that the first thing I do every morning is check my phone, log into email and Instagram. I should get up, open the window and look outside. Less digital, better mental health.

Listen to my body

I spent years fighting my body, hoping that if I thought about it hard enough my RA would just go away. Maybe it’s time to listen to my body and work with it instead of against it.

Be patient with myself

On the same note, I not only need to listen to my body but also not feel guilty when I take it slow. I am not able-bodied anymore. I have limitations. If I’m okay with them, maybe the mental change will positively impact my condition.

Stay organized

I have a tendency to live in organized chaos. Monica, repeat after me: clean space, clear mind!

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

Take something out, put it back

Same thread: putting things back where they belong is my first defense against chaos.

Waste less

I am already quite conscious of my waste. I recently started using washable, reusable cotton rounds. I use reusable tumblers for coffee and plastic or metal straws. They’re little things but I think I could do even better.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

When I thought about the amount of non-recyclable waste in my everyday life I was horrified (especially when it comes to shipping materials). I am making a cat tree out of old shipping boxes and trying to bunch items into fewer shipments.

Keep better track of my finances

At the moment, keeping track of my finances is basically only buying necessities. I want to do better and actually log how much I spend and where. If I budget properly I keep track of my money and probably save it in the process.

20 New Year's Resolutions for 2020 | New Years Resolutions | Monica with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis Blog 2020)

Live more

I have become the biggest homebody.  I am mostly an introvert and completely happy on my own. Also, socializing usually means dinner and drinks which are super expensive. And, I just don’t like spending the money on those things. I don’t really have an excuse as I live in a great city with other low-cost activities, always! I should take more advantage of them.

Think of, at least, one positive thing per day

I felt really bad at the end of last year and I was mentally in a bad place. At the beginning of the year, I told myself I would think of one positive thing a day. Preferably in the morning so I start out in a good mood!


 

So, what about you? Do you have any resolutions for the new year? Are you keeping up with them? Comment below!

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August Blues 2019.2

02 Monday Sep 2019

Posted by MonicawithRA in Nail Art

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Nail Art, rheumatoid arthritis

Nothing to disclose.

I went to Colorado State University for my undergraduate degree and had to divert any dreams of continuing to vet school when I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Disease. My dream is to become a veterinarian and not pursing it is absolutely heart-breaking.

At the beginning of each semester, I see the fun, excited posts from the CSU and CSU vet school Instagram accounts awaiting new students, returners and excited DVM pursuers. These posts remind me I am not one of them and I don’t know if I ever will be again.

I miss college, I miss Fort Collins, I miss CSU. Every August, I feel blue because I am not getting ready for a new semester with my fellow Rammies.

Scroll down to see my corresponding blue nail art!

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August Blues Arthritis-Friendly Easy Dry Brush Nail Art ft. Zoya Rocky, Chanel Les Vernis Vibrato and Born Pretty Store stamping platesAugust Blues Arthritis-Friendly Easy Dry Brush Nail Art ft. Zoya Rocky, Chanel Les Vernis Vibrato and Born Pretty Store stamping platesAugust Blues Arthritis-Friendly Easy Dry Brush Nail Art ft. Zoya Rocky, Chanel Les Vernis Vibrato and Born Pretty Store stamping platesPolishes: Chanel Vibrato (vibrant blue), Fortissimo (dark blue), Zoya Rocky (light blue)

Stamping: Born Pretty Store stamping plate

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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Satisfied Sunday – 5/12/19

12 Sunday May 2019

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Tags

gratitude, rheumatoid arthritis

Nothing to disclose.

I cannot believe we’re almost halfway through the year! Time really flies (whether I’m having fun or not)…

This week I am grateful for…

Photo of Silver Linen Tableware….access to medical insurance. I moved forward with my sinus procedure and follow up appointments, both of which were fully covered by my insurance. Now, I am one step closer to controlling my chronic sinusitis!

 

What are you grateful for this week?

 

HI, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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The Great Sinus Situation of 2018

10 Friday May 2019

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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rheumatoid arthritis, sinus infection

Nothing to disclose.

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Oh, my lungs hurt? It’s the methotrexate. My ribs are inflamed? It’s the rheumatoid arthritis. My tongue is sore? That’s just the Sjogren’s. Your head is completely congested? That’s just your unrelated sinusitis.

white and yellow flower with green stems

I’ve been out of commission for months. Around October, my chronic sinusitis flared badly and I’ve dealt with infections ever since.

I wrote an article over at RheumatoidArthritis.net about how sometimes conditions are not all tied to my autoimmune!

Link: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/chronic-sinus-infections/

I hope you enjoy the post!

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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Help Wanted

13 Tuesday Nov 2018

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoidarthritis.net

I struggled to put the litter in the trunk and as I turned to return the cart a man…rushed up and said “Let me take care of that for you”.

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How many times do I see someone struggle to carry something or just need help reaching something from a higher shelf? How about something basic like holding the door for the next person. What about a plain old “thanks”? These little gestures seem par for the course, right? Wrong. It amazes me that true decency doesn’t exist in the world.

I am young…I look even younger. So, I’m fit, right? Why do I need a disability placard? Why does it surprise me that nobody helps when I don’t see anyone jumping to an elderly person’s aid?

So, when something amazing thing happened to me it meant so much more than just the kindness of strangers.

Interested in the rest of the article I wrote? Click here to see my full thoughts at RheumatoidArthritis.net!

  Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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Isolation is the Key to Destruction

08 Saturday Sep 2018

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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depression, rheumatoid arthritis

I’ve always been a bit of a loner. I prefer to stay on my own than go out with a group of people. So, when I was diagnosed with RA I wasn’t surprised I isolated myself even further.

Pride and embarrasment fueled this transition and I found myself pushing everyone away. I have always done this when I find myself weak: weak mentally and now, weak physically. I didn’t want people to see me in a state of pain, disability and sadness. But, friendship is a two way street and I would frequently counter the generic “oh wow, I haven’t heard from you in a while” with a “you could have reached out to me”. You know what my “friends” said?

“Out of sight, out of mind.”

Who can blame them. I hibernate and shy away from the world so how can I expect anyone to care enough to check in on me. There’s more to this, though. Most people find my RA a burden. I’m not sure why when they don’t have to live with this disabiling, disfiguring illness every second of every day. But, because humans are inately selfish, they believe that my illness affects them in some way.

I have never asked my friends for help or accomodations so I don’t know where this annoyance comes from. I know how to take care of myself and I know how to handle situations on my own so…

Why do people get annoyed with me for something I can’t control and that I don’t make anyone else’s problem?

 

Constant isolation destroys the human psyche. We are social animals who crave attention but honestly, I’ve only experienced negative feelings towards me so I continue to be on my own even though I know it will eventually lead to my own distruction.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

 

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Diary Entry #1 – August 2018

30 Thursday Aug 2018

Posted by MonicawithRA in Rheumatoid Arthritis

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diary entry, rheumatoid arthritis

August is always an odd month regarding my personal life so it’s only fitting my RA acted very strangely as well. On the 6th, my family mourns my mother’s passing. I generally flare just a little because I’m obviously not in a sunshiny mood but thankfully, my symptoms are never too bad.

I spend the rest of the month catching up on my online work, slow down my summer hours and gear up for the Fall season. I lower my Prednisone dose (sometimes unsucessfully) and just recharge for the months ahead.

Money is not necessarily tight but I do watch my dollars more because of Vet Day: The most expensive day of the year. Marmalade, Sunsilk and Affie all visit the doctor at the same time for their routine wellness and vaccines. While I know how much I’m spending it always hurts a little when I insert my card and watch all that money fly away. I’m honestly not at all fussed because I know how much I could be spending and if a few hundred dollars maintains their wellbeing than I’ll gladly fork that money over. By the way, all three geriatrics are happy and healthy!

This Fall was supposed to be special. I finally decided to get certified as a veterinary technician. I applied to the only community college that offered a good program and was all set to take the pre-requisite classes. I didn’t get off the wait list for the one orientation class and it is only offered in the Summer and Fall sessions. Well, it looks like I’m not getting into the program for another year. And, by then, what’s the point if I’m just going back to Colorado soon anyways? Do I really want to spend three more years here? I’m honestly not sure.

I don’t know, in general, August has been a funny month. I’ve found in past years it’s my “blue” month. I flare up and just feel unhappy, overall. This August has been fun in some ways though, but I know my head is not necessarily in the right place for seriously good things to happen.

Who knows what September will bring? Hopefully better opportunities.

 

Hi, my name is Monica and I have RA.

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