I’m so so so so SO excited that for 2014 World Autoimmune Arthritis Day I’ve been given the opportunity to host a live chat!
My chat topic is based off of my blog title ~ It’s Just A Bad Day NOT A Bad Life!
Do you have tactics you use when you’re going through rough days? What do you keep in your positivity tool box? Have a certain family member or friend who always perks you up?
It took me a long time to be able to come to terms with pushing negativity away and embracing positivity and change. Once I had this ‘a-ha!’ moment I’ve never looked back. (And I’d love to share that with you!)
Take yesterday for example.
It’s been raining for 3 days straight, my knee joints ache (even my good one!), my hands hurt, it took me almost 2 hours to get out of bed and once I ate something for lunch my stomach started hurting so badly it sent me right back into bed.
I could have sulked all day, been in a bad mood and spent the day complaining BUT instead I decided to try to focus on the small, positive things that were happening.
+ My coaching call for school was such a fun hour! I’m learning so much and enjoying every moment of my Institute for Integrative Nutrition journey.
+ It was Wednesday, which meant I was picking up my CSA box – Yummmmyyyy local goodies!
+ And since it was raining, curling up in bed and watching some tv wasn’t quite so bad! (I still had a few episodes of Girls left!)
Everything’s a matter of perspective. It took me awhile to get to where I am now and it’s a constant battle when you have chronic illness. There are so many of us out there that can benefit from our community sharing their tactics for staying positive through bad days. I have a ton of things I want to share with you and I hope that you will attend and share with everyone your tips and tricks for staying positive!
BUT GUESS WHAT!
My chat is only ONE SMALL ASPECT of WAAD!
The online conference is going to be 47 hours long and continuously streaming live events! How cool is that? I think this event is such an amazing one because a lot of us with autoimmune arthritis can’t just hop on a plane and attend conferences … even though we’d love to SO badly!
What are some of the other events planned during this exciting online event?
Here is a look at some of the wonderful vendors that will be attending the conference. You will have the opportunity (if you register!) to visit their virtual booths! Again – How cool is that?!
In addition to the vendor booths, there will be live chats that take place. These chats will give you opportunities to interact directly with the event guests! Here is a list of some of the chats that will be taking place and that you’ll have the opportunity to participate in if you register:
Randy Horwitz, MD, PhDDiscuss this new perspective in disease and symptom management, blending conventional medicine with alternative approaches not typically included in a Western medical practice. While Western medicine slows the progression of many rheumatologic conditions, integrative treatment incorporates lifestyle interventions, mind-body approaches, and practices that can help improve quality of life.
Autoimmune Arthritis diseases all start out invisible because they begin on a cellular level. As the body continues to combat itself internally much of the damage occurring to tissues, joints, & organs remains invisible on the outside, even though the body hurts on the inside. Learn how to help others understand by discussing “The Spoon Theory” & how to deal with those who don’t understand what they cannot see.
Betsy Brown, News Reporter, Pacific News Center GuamWorking full time while managing Autoimmune Arthritis can be difficult, but depending on the severity of your disease, it’s still possible to have a successful career. Learn tips from Betsy Brown, news specialist working in Guam.
Health care advocate and award-winning author, Martine Ehrenclou, empowers patents to become proactive and effective participants in care. Learn to engage in partnership with medical providers and navigate your complex healthcare needs with confidence.
Life with Juvenile Arthritis offers challenges to both the child and the parent. What should you know about living with Juvenile Arthritis? Chat with Parker, co-founder of the Hi 5 Club & JA teen, about keeping a positive attitude & learn from Rochelle, Parkers mother, about ways to support your child through it all!
Julie Cerrone, Blogger & PsA PatientIt’s Just a Bad Day…Not a Bad Life
Meet Julie, PsA patient & blogger of “It’s Just a Bad Day…Not a Bad Life”, as she talks about how to manage your disease, even when it feels like it’s such a bad day. Let’s face it, having autoimmune arthritis isn’t the end of the world. It’s just another way of living in it!
Arthritis National Research FoundationThe Arthritis National Research Foundation will be featuring a special scientist who will talk to patients and supporters about working for autoimmune arthritis research, including what exciting findings have occurred and what could be on the horizon.
And that’s just a taste of what you can experience by registering to attend this conference.
The International Foundation of Autoimmune Arthritis (they’re the hardworking, outstanding, non-profit that puts this event on!) gives us two different options of attending.
Option 1:
If you’d like to attend the live events you can register for $5 before the event or $7 the day of the event.
Option 2:
If you know you cannot attend the live events, but would like access to the vendor booths and resources you can register for FREE and you will be sent the link once the live events close.
With these two options I don’t see any reason why you WOULDN’T register to attend! So what are you waiting for? Head on over to this site, check it out for yourself and register today!!
Stay tuned for more information about the conference as the month progresses. I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing opportunity and hope that you’ll join me!
Wishing You A Pain Free Day!
