I came across this quote and liked it for what it points out. I have no idea where it comes from, but anything that is short and sweet sure helps it sink in. Whether we are or aren’t facing health challenges, life will always be about change. We can choose to push forward, retreat backward or effectively avoid either by hiding away. No matter what, it is ultimately our choice to work with what we have and our lives will reflect those decisions. The timing in finding this quote is perfect.
This Fall, the focus here at My Life Works Today! begins to broaden its scope and explore the common themes involved in living with chronic illness.
Initially, I started this network in 2008 to bring some awareness and resources regarding lupus at a time when very little was offered here in Oregon. In 1998, I searched for local resources as I entered into a life with lupus and, in 2003, it was still difficult to find much of anything that felt relevant to my experience. By 2008, however, I tired of the empty void and threw into the internet cosmos an idea, making use of the burgeoning social media to help me putOregonon the lupus map. I had hopes to raise my voice and make the word “Lupus” more commonly heard so that when people Googled “oregon lupus”, something – anything – would pop up. It now does, along with the many other voices that have joined in, so my original MLWT project goal has been met.
Today, MLWT has evolved from a lupus patient-focused networking hub (pre-cursor to the online resources like Twitter, Facebook, Ning and other communities) towards a chronic illness health and wellness resource collective for professionals, programs, foundations, authors, advocates and service providers focusing on autoimmune and other syndromes or illnesses that are difficult to diagnose. MLWT is for those living with health challenges that are often referred to as “invisible”, simply because the true pain and chaos we are experiencing with our health isn’t generally visible to others making it difficult for us to explain.
This next phase of the project will be to incorporate general wellness resources already available, both locally and nationally, in a more cohesive manner recognizing that there are more things about us in common than truly different when living with a chronic condition. No matter what chronic disease diagnosis we have to accept, the common theme is that our health challenges are chronic and won’t go away. There is often pain and repercussions from medications. There is need for daily exercise and movement, requirements for proper nutrition and access to mutually-respectful medical support. These chronic conditions can be costly in many ways, but can be managed to some degree by taking care better care of ourselves. My hope is to continue to highlight the tremendous talent, services, programs and resources we have here locally to consider and/or explore in designing your own personal wellness goals.
My Life Works Today! began as a statement reinforcing the idea that life with lupus forces us to manage our daily expectations in order to self-manage our health over the long run. Lupus is what I know and I will continue to create this place of encouragement for those seeking a connection point to their own wellness possibilities. The tagline, however, is changing in order to reflect the new emphasis: Your Life. Your Wellness. Your Way.
I will write more about my new directions beginning September 18th, including online options for those living outside the Pacific Northwest. In addition to changes in the MLWT program and on the website, the MLWT Mailing list will be activated to send out seasonal MLWT newsletter updates (four each year). I will also be putting into motion the P.O.R.T program (People Offering Real Time) for those of you living here in Oregon and SW Washington. As is with change, there are bound to be some bumps along the way. I’ve been battling a number of them for the past month and hope I’ve cleared a smooth path to get us going. If things don’t look right, aren’t received or don’t work, you know my email…just let me know.
I do appreciate your patience and support during this exciting time for all of us.
Maria
