Empowered

If I had to think of one word to describe my year, it would have to be: Empowered. Last year, more than ever, I'd like to believe it's shown. Last year, 2018, was by far one of the hardest years of my life. Although my symptoms got better (then a bit worse) over time, I faced a lot of difficulties. From trying to care for my mental health, still growing and moving past my miscarriage, to my grandfather being diagnosed with cancer, this year hit me hard.

Doing things I've never done before

In spite of everything, I still managed to do things I'd never done before. Because of my condition, in the past, I'd been confined to my home. More specifically, my bathroom with frequent trips to the hospital when I'm really lucky. I never experienced freedom. I didn't know what it was like to leave my comfort zone and honestly, I wouldn't even call it that because although it was my zone, it wasn't very comfortable at all. Whatever you choose to call it, I stepped out of it this year. I pushed myself. Life had already pushed me to certain extremes. This year, I chose to push even harder. I chose to fight. I fought for my happiness and I'd like to think I've won.

This year, I hiked a mountain. I made friends. Real friends that care. Sure, I got hurt, but I bounced back. I didn't allow anything to keep me down. I refused to allow my condition to steal, yet another, year of my life. I was truly empowered.

Empowered

I would like to wish each and every one of you a happy new year. I wish you many blessings and new opportunities. I wish you the best year of your life because I know it's possible to thrive with IBD. Whatever that may look like for you. I wish you happiness and peace within your body and outside of it.

I hope this will be your year of triumph and empowerment. I hope you use your condition and your experiences in a way you never thought possible. I hope you break through the mold and accomplish things you never thought you would, in spite of your condition. I wish you loving friends and an amazing support system. I wish you happiness.

This year feels different for me

Normally I do not fall into the hype of new years, but for some reason, this one feels different. Because 2018 was so hard, I do have a sense of hope like never before. I am hopeful this year will bring so much positivity and happiness. Not only for me but for all of us.

As you look back on this year, I hope you are able to remember the triumphs and joys, not just the tears. I know living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease is hard, but I also know IBD'ers are some of the strongest, most amazing people I've ever met in my life. Maybe it's a side effect of our treatments...?

I wish you joy. Most of all, I wish, I hope, I pray, we get a cure!