Look at that sky, life’s begun
Nights are warm and the days are young –DB
Recently published for RheumatoidArthritis.net:
Twenty-two years is a long time. It’s especially long to live with chronic pain and illness. But I can still remember my pre-pain life, for good or bad.
“When what you’re used to is irretrievably gone, it’s hard to believe in something new.” —Rachel Cusk
Reading is one of my favorite forms of self-care. It’s relaxing, and being able to escape into a book is a way to escape the pain and sickness of RA–even if just for a little bit.
Here’s an article I wrote back in March about RA and reading: “RA Reading List”
Happy Fall Reading!
“Being sick isn’t a fashion accessory.” –Kara Nesvig
Many people in the RA/chronic illness/chronic pain communities are up in arms right now over Kimhēkim’s latest runway show during Paris Fashion Week–where leggy models traipsed up and down the runway sporting minimalist “SICK” T-shirts and IV bags. So…they’re gorgeous models who happen to be “sick” yet can still strut their stuff and look “cool” while doing it? What exactly is the message here? Is it supposed to be funny? Quirky? I don’t see the humor in it.
Since when did “sickness” become a fashion statement?
I’m still trying to figure out how I feel about this. Some immediate reactions include: disgust, disappointment, surprise, anger, frustration, and irritation. It seems like “sickness” is being made into some weird sort of gimmick or caricature, therefore demeaning and disrespecting the real lives of those of us who struggle with illness on a daily basis. I’ve been “SICK” with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for 22 years, and I’ve never once thought it was “cool” or anything close to it. It’s been a nightmare.
The following links are a couple of articles about this controversy, if you want to read more:
Teen Vogue — “Kimhēkim is Being Called Out on Instagram for Using IV Bags as an Accessory”
The Independent — “Kimhēkim: Fashion Brand Criticised for Using IV Drips in Runway Show”
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left
I should be crying but I just can’t let it show
I should be hoping but I can’t stop thinking…
Just published!
“Pain Awareness Month” via RheumatoidArthritis.net.
September is “Pain Awareness Month!” What are you doing for it?
“The pain passes but the beauty remains.”
—Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1841-1919
Renoir, as most of you probably already know, was a brilliantly gifted and masterful painter. He created some of the most beautiful and well-known works of art during his lifetime. But did you know that he also struggled with severe, crippling rheumatoid arthritis?
(PART 2)
Exciting news! I’m partnering with Pfizer to launch a photo-essay series on Arthritis.com on what it’s like living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In each photo of the series, I want to help lift the veil of confusion and misconception that often conceals the truth of RA by making the illness a bit more understandable. In all of its pain, struggle, grief and frustration, RA is worth being seen and can even impart lessons of hope and beauty.
Exposing RA Through Photography, Part 1 – “Meet Angela”
Exposing RA Through Photography, Part 2 – “The Inspiration”
I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you!
