At the beginning of the year , I changed my Facebook account from a personal to business account .This is so I could BLOG and share about my life and journey living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
I stated that as a disclaimer and for family and friends who may wonder why I’m telling “my business” it’s because my experience has been that even the people closest to you don’t understand … and it’s more important for them to pay attention because genetically some are predisposed to the same conditions and without diet and lifestyle changes including limiting stress. Often we can befriend, relate to, discern and minister to and empathize with strangers easier and better than those we’re actually RELATED to. Sad but true.
My purpose though, has been constant- Awareness and Education. EDUCATION IS KEY🔑 if you use what you know to open the door.
This month marks 2.5 years since I was displaced, and it has been HARD, humbling ,humiliating, lonely, depressing, infuriating and exhausting state to exist in. I have talked about physical pain and changes caused by RA, but not so much about the financial fallout. After you lose your job, quit or by whichever means your career ends, or you exit the workforce you maybe able to use savings, 401 K to pay off big debt, or to keep you afloat for about a year, then you get creative. I created a Poshmark store and sold resale items online to get some income while I applied for my Social Security disability benefits, got denied, appealed… TWO YEARS + before I was awarded my benefits. Lump sum, you owe people, share some ,save some, move, splurge, pay bills. I had my 1st car repossession in life during this time. So I bought another car cash (being smart-no payments). Bottom line, that money evaporated quickly.
When your income becomes “fixed” ie social security disability your lifestyle and the things you can afford becomes very limited. I moved from daughters , to my own apartment again but during the same time was the Covid crisis, housing costs increased and my rent increased from $945 to $1400. My income was still FIXED at the same amount, so I couldn’t afford to stay there. I moved out which started the family rotation. Basic things like food, personal items, medical products ,transportation was all I could cover without extra help from family, friend or community resources . On the other hand, applying for housing assistance is a nightmare with waiting lists that are YEARzzz long.
Depression sets in😩 Socializing decreases, you get left behind more, calls to say hello happen less, because a “Chronic” illness last longer and are more definable than some relationships…
I have had to change providers and doctors a couple times based on what side of town/family member I’m staying with at the time. I have had to travel almost 2hrs to check my P.O. Box where all my mail goes or ask family to check it if I’m looking for anything in particular. Thank GOD where my dog and I have been most lately, (my cousin) my financial obligation has been minimal which allows me to save and /or take care of other projects like develop RAW JOY, LLC take a few trips for self development or treat myself to an occasional manicure or brunch which for a minute makes me feel like my old self .
A couple weeks ago, I got a notice that I was awarded a voucher which I THANK GOD ✨🙌🏾✨️for , I have been in limbo for so long. But even with that I’m-challenged with finding an acceptable place for Georgia & I within the area the voucher covers.
I am a 56 year old, black woman living with RA who has had to REALLY redefine and RE-redefine myself , my roles and my purpose in the last 6 years. I refer back to my degree in social work, years of experience serving people in the community, and my creativity to help me to share my experiences , struggles, victories as a real person so that another “50 something” who is going through similar life challenges will know they are not alone…
If you need to talk, and someone to listen reach out. If you need to cry, scream, someone to whisper a prayer with you or give you a virtual hug or a laugh I’m here.
I feel your pain. Morning is coming. 🌅
Psalm 30:5
RA WARRIOR JOY 