Why Are These Small Victories?

Originally posted September 7, 2011…

For those who don’t know me personally, I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for the past 10 years now. I was diagnosed after my first darling son was born. I, like so many others, didn’t know what Rheumatoid Arthritis was or how it would so greatly impact my life. The disease has taken it’s toll on my body these past 10 years, but I would like to think it’s made me stronger in spirit.

Since I am also a full-time working mom of 3 active young kids, I definitely have a full plate. As many parents know, it’s tough enough being a parent without adding physical limitations that RA has imposed on me. I came to a turning point after the birth of my third child…I could continue feeling sorry for myself that I can’t be perfect or I could change the way I think. I am far from perfect, no matter how hard I try. So instead of focusing on what I cannot do and trying to keep up with the Joneses, I am focusing on what I can and the things that make me happy.

So at the start of the New Year, my Superhubby and I discussed ideas for a blog. He was excited about me changing my outlook and the positive nature I wanted for my blog. So to this point I only mentioned my RA in one post. I realized, however, that RA is part of who I am and why these are small victories. If someone does not know me, they might think, why on earth is a recipe a small victory?

Well, the answer is…I see it that accomplishing anything with RA is a small victory. There are days when I flare that every joint hurts, so getting out of bed and getting dressed is a small victory. Walking to work with laptop, lunch bag and purse in tow with a bit of a limp. Going to work and typing all day with RA hands that are stiff, popping and cannot be straightened out. Making a healthy meal for my family (that they actually enjoy!) when it’s hard to grip or chop. Making Tickling Monster noises at my kids and watching them run screaming (knowing very well I cannot catch them!). Cataloging memories of my kids in pictures and photo albums although its hard to type or grip a regular pen.

When I started this blog, I used it as my stress relief when rocking my youngest to sleep. I’d think about my day and the good things that happened. Given the time, I’d write a blog about it after I put him in bed. That was 9 months ago and although the rocking chair has been given to another loving family, I still go through the same exercise at night…appreciating what went right in my day. Although I can’t blog everything that’s good, there are just so many things for which I am thankful…this blog has certainly helped me appreciate the small victories in my day, no matter how small.

This blog has been my coping mechanism, my stress relief and my own self-imposed therapy. It’s given me a better outlook and made me happy of what I can do. I hope it helps readers out there appreciate the good in their lives or brings a smile to your face. RA or not, I’d love to hear about your small victories too…we could all use more good news these days.

Thanks for reading!