I started this blog because I want to encourage you and offer a little hope. I know how lonely and overwhelming it can feel to live with chronic illness. Since being diagnosed with Lupus in 2009, my path has been anything but simple. Along the way, I’ve also been diagnosed with CNS Lupus, Crohn’s Disease, an immune deficiency (Hypogammaglobulinemia/CVID), Asthma, and NAFLD. It’s a lot, and yet somehow, by the grace of God, I’m still standing.
Every day, I try to wake up with joy, no matter how my body feels. I don’t always get it right. Some days are just plain hard. But my hope is that something in my journey will encourage you as you walk through yours.
Even if there’s no cure for what we’re facing, we still get to decide how we live and how we find joy. It starts with God. Always God first. Then it takes consistency, grace for ourselves, and a willingness to keep going, even when we do not feel like it. Baby steps matter. It is a process. Be intentional, and let each day build on the last. Before we know it, we are waking up with joy, no matter how we feel. We can still live a full and meaningful life.
You are not alone. Whether you are walking through a new or ongoing diagnosis, dealing with discouragement, or just trying to make it through the day, I am with you. We are all learning how to fight for joy, for peace, and for purpose in life. We are warriors, every single one of us.
Thank you for being here with me on this journey. I am honored to share this space with you, and I hope in some small way, these words help you hold onto hope and find your joy.
With love and prayers,
God bless you,
Deena
