Why I Share My Life With IBD Online

I’ve posted a ton on this site over the past few years. Although I’ve shared a great variety of things, I think a lot of it seems to come off as tips or advice. Of course, it’s never medical advice, as I am no medical professional, but more of lifestyle with IBD advice. Whether you’re currently living with Crohn’s, colitis, or another type of inflammatory bowel disease. Whether you’re bed-bound or traveling through another country, I believe I’d like to believe I’ve shared something you can relate to.

But here’s the thing...

I don’t know everything there is to know about my condition. I’m no expert. I’m figuring it out as I go along and trying to spread a [mostly] positive influence along the way. I’m not perfect and I get a lot of it wrong. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve messed up throughout my “IBD journey.” I’m grateful none of these mishaps have been life-altering or life-threatening, but I’m human.

My mission is to conquer the world.

Pushing myself to things I never thought I could do

I want to do what I never imagined I could. Push myself and my body to new limits. *Not in an extreme sports kind of way.* Simply trying new things and experiencing everything life has to offer. I want to do this with all of my friends online. I want you guys to experience life with me, but I don’t want it to seem as though I’m pressuring you to do the same.

I was once in a place in my life when I couldn’t do much.

Physically and mentally limited

I was bed-bound. In-patient and outpatient. I know what it’s like to be limited. Physically and even mentally. I know what it’s like to have a life that’s 100% out of your control. I know what it feels like to lose yourself to your condition. I was there before and honestly, at times, I still feel as if I am there. My condition created so much of my identity. It made up so much of who I am today that at times I wonder who or what I would be without it.

This is why I want to share my life with you. This is why I take you through my day whether it’s entirely full of excitement and triumph, or medicine, doctors, and a tad bit of depression.

Why I share the reality of my life with IBD

1. To remind you that your current battle will not always be: When I was sick I would constantly be in this mindset of “why me?” Which makes sense. We bear such a heavy burden, but I thought this way because I felt like my struggle with my condition would never end. Although I am not cured [of course], I am proud to say, the battles I once faced with my condition, are not the same battles I face today. And for that I am grateful.
2. To show you there is life beyond IBD: I want to share my life with you [and anyone else who is willing to listen] to serve as a constant reminder that you can have a life beyond your condition. It looks different for all of us, but we can certainly tackle things beyond our condition. I mean hey, look at all of the training we’ve had!

I hope you will continue to share this journey with me. I’d love to hear about your own. I see this platform as truly as safe space for those of us living with various types of IBD. Good or bad, we’re here for each other and there is always someone who understands.