Time for another Pass the Mic. This week's guest was the first other woman of color I met (via social media) with myasthenia gravis. She agreed to share her story with us. Everyone let's welcome Artheena! What's your name and where are you from? Artheena Regalado, 31, Los Angeles, Ca How old were you when you were diagnosed? What events led up to the diagnosis? Junior year of high (2006) I was sitting at the computer and the left side of my face went completely[...]
We’ve all seen them: the positive quotes, the affirmations, the inspirational posts prompting us to look on the bright side. We all love them right? Maybe not. I was scrolling Instagram the other day, when I saw a post about toxic positivity. It was my first time ever hearing the term. I was lost. Toxic and positive almost seem like an oxymoron to me. As a self-proclaimed realist, I’m definitely not the Positive Patty of any group. I tend to see most situations with both perspe[...]
It's the most "wonderful time of the year". At least that's what the song says. Sorry Andy, I'd have to firmly disagree. Starting around Thanksgiving and lasting until post Valentines day, I tend to get a little down in the dumps. Since I'm in the middle of an episode, I thought it was as good as time as any to address dealing with holiday depression. Holiday depression isn't the same as chronic illness depression. As much as I'd love to blame my funk on my chronic illness, I can't. I[...]
Welcome to 2020 spoonies! I don't know how you spent New Years Eve but I'm almost certain it was better than mine. When midnight struck I was home alone, in bed, watching Gossip Girl on Netflix. Don't get me wrong, I didn't want to be out painting the town red as they say. I just would have preferred to actually be Happy for the New Year. My spirit was restless rolling into 2020. Not really sure why. A lot of people love the new year. There is a myth that however you bring in the new year is[...]
I've shared with you all before that I'm not the biggest holiday lover. I'm not anti holidays, but this time of year always leaves me feeling melancholy. In an effort to fight back this year, I've turned to journaling and mediation to help me navigate these murky waters. One thing I've come to realize that one of the underlying factors is that I take myself too seriously. So let's dig into this and discuss the dangers of taking yourself too seriously. Personality Types Not sure how famil[...]
Knowing what to say and how to act around someone with a chronic illness is a riddle. The "right" thing to say or do is as subjective as beauty. Unfortunately, it's a cross that friends and family of a spoonie bear. While I empathize with the game of Mindsweeper (who remembers that game?) that is navigating relationships with spoonies, let me tell you as a person with a chronic illness, going to gatherings or being around people in general brings a new level of anxiety and stress. It’[...]