With the American Fourth of July holiday approaching, I’m celebrating my numerous freedoms as an American citizen. Thanks to the dedicated men and women who have served our country, I can genuinely embrace freedoms that have been hard-fought not only for myself but for future generations.
Sometimes, living with a chronic illness feels like a restriction on these freedoms. I have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and for many years I felt trapped, even imprisoned, by this diagnosis and the limitations it unwillingly brought to my life. RA affects all aspects of my life, from my career choices, physical activity, and family planning to social interactions. It took me a long time to find freedom in day-to-day life and finally start living again.
Living with a chronic illness can present numerous challenges, but finding freedom within that experience is possible with the right mindset and strategies. Here are some ways I found freedom while living with RA:
Acceptance
Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation or surrender. It means acknowledging your reality without judgment or resistance. Embrace your chronic illness as part of your life journey and focus on what you can control rather than dwelling on what you can’t change.
Redefine Success
“Pivot!” has become my motto since I was diagnosed with RA. I had to dramatically shift my definition of success away from traditional markers like productivity or physical abilities and focus on small victories, moments of joy, and personal growth. Celebrate all of your achievements, no matter how small, whether it’s completing a task, managing symptoms effectively, or simply getting through a difficult day.
Practice Self-Compassion
Initially, it was hard for me to show myself kindness, but I had to learn to free myself from the hold RA had on my mental health. Be kind and compassionate to yourself, especially on your most difficult days. Recognize that living with a chronic illness can be challenging, and it’s okay to feel frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed at times. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend facing similar challenges, or better yet, treat yourself better.
Cultivate Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices have been what keeps my head above water when feelings of depression and sadness become overwhelming. Practice mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or body scanning every day to cultivate a greater sense of presence and awareness. I find gardening to be my most successful mindfulness practice, but if you’re not into gardening, there’s a mindfulness practice out there for you too. Mindfulness can help you connect with the present moment, reduce stress, and manage difficult emotions associated with living with a chronic illness.
Control What You Can Control
This remains an everyday challenge, but it’s incredibly freeing when you truly let go of the things that are taking up valuable space in your brain that you only had the illusion of control over in the first place. While there may be many aspects of your RA or chronic illness that are beyond your control, focus on the things you can control, such as self-care practices, lifestyle choices, and seeking support from health care professionals. Empower yourself by taking proactive steps to manage your condition and improve your quality of life. Don’t go into emotional debt dealing with problems that are outside of your control.
Set Boundaries
This was the hardest for me at the beginning of my diagnosis. I canceled so many plans, it was actually embarrassing. Now I realize that most of the time, despite what I may think, I really don’t even need to go! Learn to set boundaries with yourself and others to protect your physical and emotional well-being. Be assertive in communicating your needs, saying no when necessary, and prioritizing activities and relationships that nourish and support you.
Find Meaning and Purpose
RA showed me that there was so much more to life than I was living, and this has been an amazing journey of self-rediscovery in my 20s and again in my late 30s. Explore activities and hobbies that bring meaning and purpose to your life, whether it’s creative expression, gentle exercise, volunteering, or connecting with others who share similar experiences. Engaging in activities that align with your values can help you feel more fulfilled and connected despite the challenges of living with a chronic illness. Find your joy, even if you have to redefine it.
Seek Support
When it came to my new life with RA, I had to find support in different ways than I did prior to my diagnosis. I needed to find people who truly understood and could relate to how I was feeling too. Although my friends and family love me very much, they simply didn’t understand, and that is totally OK! It took me a long time to realize that they don’t need to totally understand to love me with all of their heart and soul! Finding new support systems helped me to feel support in my newfound freedom from RA. Find the support you need in whatever way works best for you. Some options include one-on-one talk therapy, group therapy, and support groups. There are even online and in-person options available for your convenience. Seeking support when dealing with RA can help provide validation, empathy, and practical advice for navigating life.
Finding freedom when living with RA, or any chronic illness, is not about escaping your reality but rather embracing it with courage, resilience, and a sense of empowerment. By cultivating acceptance, self-compassion, mindfulness, and meaningful connections, you can find a sense of freedom and fulfillment despite the challenges you face. This Fourth of July, while celebrating America’s freedoms, be sure to find yours and celebrate it too.
Be a More Proactive Patient with ArthritisPower
Join CreakyJoints’ patient-centered research registry to track your symptoms, disease activity, and medications — and share with your doctor. Sign up.
