Blog Post #1
Alright people in internet land. Disclaimer: I know nothing about blogs. Zip-zero actually.
I do know a fair amount about IBD though.
Ulcerative colitis. I’ve lived it for the past 7 years. It has been quite the ride. Lots of struggles. A few successes. I’ve learned a lot. And I continue to learn and heal…
My goal here is create a place where people living with IBD can come together and chat. Support each other. Share stories. Lean on each other.
The struggle
This blog is as much for me as it is for you. I want it to be healing. I want to share some of my experiences and a few of the lessons I have learned.
Most of all, I want to create a blog that lets people living with IBD (and other chronic illnesses) know that it is sometimes ok to NOT be ok.
On any given day, many of us are NOT ok. We all have our struggles. Bad days. Everyone’s experience with IBD is unique.
I find that those of us living with IBD are often bombarded with messages that we need to “fight every day”. Or images where people have “conquered their disease”. Or stories where someone is thriving and living their best life. It can be exhausting and demoralizing.
Don’t get me wrong, we all need role models and sources of motivation. But what if you are one of those people who are NOT thriving? Where do you fit in then? Don’t you matter just as much?
THESE are the people that we don’t often see. They are often voiceless. Invisible. People like me. Perhaps, people like you too.
Many individuals living with IBD feel shame for not living up to lofty standards. We have day-to-day struggles.
These struggles are rarely glamorous or Instagram worthy. They are often hard and ugly and painful. But this is the area where support is needed – in the struggle. This is where we heal.
Healing as a Journey
Suffering is part of the human condition. And IBD sucks. Period. Not everyone can be the person who had their colon removed and runs a marathon a year later (if that is you, high-five!) A lot of people have complications. Healing is almost never linear.
If you have IBD and are struggling – this blog is for you. If you have IBD and are doing well, this blog is also for you. Share your wisdom.
Let’s support each other. And be gentle with ourselves. Sometimes, it is ok to NOT be ok. We can still move forward and persevere. We can still find space to heal.
Walk with me.
Thank you for reading.
I needed to thank you for this fantastic read!! I definitely loved every bit of it. I have you book-marked to check out new things you postÖ
Thank you so much for the kind words:) This project is very near and dear to my heart. It is something that I have wanted to start for a long time now.
I’m hoping the site will grow into a place where people everywhere who are living and thriving and struggling with IBD (or friends, loved ones, whoever) can come for support and reassurance.
A safe place, that recognizes everyone is at different stages in their healing journeys. And that it is ok to struggle sometimes.
Feel free to share your own story, experiences, learnings or questions on anything IBD or chronic illness-related. I find the greatest wisdom comes from those who have lived it!
Wishing you happy and healthy days,
-Chris