Raw Joy is a blog about me learning to live joyfully with Rheumatoid Arthritis & chronic pain. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, then RA at age 32. For the last 24 years, I have been in a whirlwind… trying different treatments and therapies in an attempt to control the disease. I had multiple surgeries just in the last 7 years, including knees replacement, shoulder, and even an eye due to the ravages of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. Then I lost my job. I could no longer afford my own home. I lost my ability to feel anything but pain. I felt isolated and alone. Mentally, I was exhausted. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I knew I had to make some major changes if i wanted to live.
Like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon🦋 creative & colorful, I am no longer hiding behind my pain. I hope to inspire and support other warriors battling with physical and/or mental dis-ease.
I found the key to healing and wellbeing is to release…
Release all fears. Release all doubts. Release all worries. And to focus on the things in life that bring joy., because joy eases pain.
Follow my blog and stay tuned. Let’s see where JOY takes us. 💓😊🦋
RA WARRIOR JOY 