Long story short: I need to do a creative nonfiction piece for my creative writing class, and at first I was going to just do it on my shoulders... but then the page length req was extended. I'm extending my content to my entire ordeal with RA.
For inspiration, if anyone would like to give some "RA is..." e.g.s that would be great. I'm looking for specific examples of stuff you've gone through, for example:
RA is not being able to put on my favorite dress by myself
or
RA is avoiding the subject on a first date because I don't know how the hell to explain myself.
NOT
RA is pain
RA is terrible
etc etc
I'm also maybe going to touch upon the idea of hating a disease, when in actuality this disease is part of ourselves, so does that extend to self-hate? For the record, I don't subscribe to the "I HATE THIS DISEASE" camp, though I do get angry... I don't see RA as seperate from myself, really. ANYWAY.
Any suggestions are appreciated :) And I'll post part of it when I'm done.
RA is...a raging war silently attacking.RA is long restless nights trying to find a comfortable position to sleep.RA is like background music ... sometimes it blends in, and other times the tune comes to the forefront and gets stuck in my head for a while.
Ra is planning and pacing yourself for company coming doing as much in advance as possible so you can enjoy their visit. being prepared as possible and organized . but being willing to say 'NO' if you don't feel like heading out to a day of shopping with others. no hard feelings. pacing is the key each and every day.wow thanks you guys, this is all great so far :) Everyone else feel free to chime in... Mine:
RA is having to say "I used to be a musician".
RA is listening to my body and treating it with kindness. It's about being courageous in the face of new treatments and celebrating every success. It's about discovering what's important in life and taking control of things you can control. It's about laughing at those crazy brain foggy moments. RA is alot of things... it makes you listen to your whole body. your mind, heart, and soul. RA allows you time to ponder the big questions of who you are and why you are here. even though your body is at war on the inside tearing it up. you become peaceful and quiet and still. content with how God made you. not perfect but special. we learn to appreciate one day at a day! w.w.R A is no longer being able to work
R A is looking at life in a different way
R.A is adapting to a new life style
R.A is feeling guilty not supporting the family
R.A is about acceptance.. the hardest thing.
Boney
oh foregot about the hate .. yes i hate this disease and what it has done
to me. i was super fit and working 24/7 . had a pretty good life.
do i hate myself . good question. i suppose i do . i hate the disease
and the disease is me.. 13 years and i still can not accept this disease.
and can not accept the way iam. i hate not being able to do what i once could.
a disease that deystroyes the joints. but the joints are mine the RA is mine.
i never caught it.
Boney
hey a lot of hate here...
RA has helped me appreciate every day of my life even more.