Into My Future....

Imagine having the opportunity to see yourself 20-30 years down the road....would you want to do it? Would you want to see how your life could be or would be? I'm faced with a somewhat unique opportunity and I'm not thrilled with it to be honest. As I previously mentioned my mom has been very sick. She has an autoimmune disorder and it is a very close relative to the autoimmune disorder I have been diagnosed with. Talk about adding a complicated twist to all the other emotional baggage that comes along with watching a loved one struggle with their health. It is very hard not to look at her at times and wonder if this is what my future holds for me? I know there are a lot of other variables in play but, it has provided me with an almost haunting glimpse at what autoimmune disorders can do to you. I know, I've heard it a million times in the last few weeks....I have every opportunity to take care of myself, I'm not advanced in my age, I don't have the other co-morbidities, and I'm very aware and in tune with my body and am more assertive about engaging my doctors in my care. I guess life is about choices and as sad and upset as I am to see my mom in this position, it has provided me with a chance to see what my future holds for me if I don't take care of myself and don't stay engaged in the management of my disease.

I wouldn't be honest though if I said it hasn't shaken me and rattled me to my core at times. I realize from the research I have done that sometimes no matter what they do, the autoimmune disorders sometimes are the victor but today, I can't think about that. I can only think about the things I can control - my diet, my medications, regular follow-ups, etc.

This experience has reminded me yet again what things are important to me....my family, my pets, my friends, and myself. So let me remind all of you to look around you...don't take things for granted. Tell the people who are important to you that they mean something because everyone needs to hear it and we get too busy in our day to day life to make sure people know just how they impact our worlds and make them a better place.

Wishing the world a more harmonious place....

xOxO

Pandora