{This little light...}

Did that make you start singing? You know the song I'm talking about from childhood Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, etc. 

This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine.

This little light of mine,

I’m gonna let it shine.

Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

You're signing now, aren't you? You're welcome :-) Want all the words so you can sing it in your head all day? Here ya go... Now back to where I  was going with this...

It has been entirely too long since I have written a blog post. Looking back, it looks like it's been over a year and a half! There's been a lot of activity, positive and negative, and it's all finally heading in the right direction. 

Long story, kinda short... 
Since December 2013, I have been on a roller-coaster (pain from AS; loss of my job at NCLM; new job with Avison Young, etc.). A "flare" of my autoimmune arthritis (ankylosing spondylitis) began in mid/late 2013 that wouldn't go away, no matter what I tried; I imagine part of this stemmed from the stress of my potential job loss. I finally got a referral to a new rheumatologist (hadn't seen one since ~2009) and sought answers and relief. Over the last year plus, we have tried several pain medications and biologics in hopes of helping me overcome. 

During the last year and a half, I have also been broken - mentally and physically. I would venture to say that no friend or family member, my husband included, knew how broken I really felt. I have always been good at hiding the issues associated with AS and I wasn't going to let anyone see me as weak.  

Several months ago, I reached my absolute breaking point. I was sick and tired of being broken; I had lost hope. I knew there had to be a better way. I wanted to change my health; I wanted to feel good; I wanted me back; I wanted what everyone else had and I knew it was possible with the right tools and mindset. 

I reached out to a friend about a nutritional rebalancing and cellular cleansing program she had mentioned on Facebook. I had done a fair amount of research before I reached out to her, but needed validation. Once I talked with Renee about her being free of her Crohns symptoms, I was beyond ready.  

I started following the program the first week in April. Since then, I have had significant changes in my life. I feel confident in saying that I am no longer broken. I am no longer without hope. I am happy. I am (nearly) free of all symptoms associated with AS. The changes I have made have brought back my light and I cannot keep from sharing it. I am excited to see what the future holds for me. I am looking forward to advocating more about health, educating people on AS and other autoimmune arthritis conditions, and continuing to be the best me possible. 

This is just the beginning.