Life Keeps Moving Forward with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Way back in 2008 when I started this blog. I had no idea where I was going with it. All I knew was that I had a lot of emotions sitting in my heart and mind that needed to be released and writing helped me to make sense of all of them. I had been living with rheumatoid arthritis for four years and felt that medications had failed me. I was about to embark on a two year journey without medications to give alternative medicine a chance. In my quest to live a healthier life, I was also looking more within to find the one true Cateepoo. It is a journey I will never regret! In 2008, I was also a homeschooling momma to two and active in our groups as well as a part-time adult education instructor.  A lot was happening.

I have never loved the name of my blog, but the other day it occurred to me that it fits. My blog has been about my life and my adventures, good and bad. Those who have been with me from the beginning have watched my children and border collie grow up, witnessed my rheumatoid arthritis progression with and without medications, and shared in my journey as a woman trying to do her best for her family, students, community, and herself.

Somehow along this journey I became an advocate for rheumatoid arthritis, chronic illness, and self-care. I have denied it at times because it wasn't something I set out to do, it somehow just became a part of my journey. But it is a part of my journey I am extremely proud of. I have always tried to be true to myself and nothing more. Sticking to this goal, it feels good to know that I have made so many friends on this path and been able to connect with other people living with RA to acknowledge my own fears and accomplishments as well as their own.

Starting in July, I am taking my health advocacy to a new place. I am really excited! I will be joining the Health Central team as both an RA social ambassador and a health guide. The release of  my first article this month is really what caused me to reflect on the name of my blog because the title is Are My Symptoms RA or Menopause? How did I get from writing about how my rheumatoid arthritis affects living with young children to discussing RA and menopause?  The Life and Adventures of Cateepoo is the right name for my blog.

I will still be writing here on my personal blog but hope that you will also join me on the Facebook page of RAHealthCentral.