"I'm Fine"

05/24/19 • 53 min

RA Guy and Friends: A Curiously Hopeful Podcast

In this latest conversation, we talk all about how and when we need to get beyond "I'm fine," when asked how we are doing. We share our personal stories of realizing (after years of using this response all the time) that it might be better to more clearly communicate how we are doing at any given time, to those who really need to know.
We discuss the experiences that led us to the place we are now, and open up about how challenging it was (and still is) to get past feelings of sounding like a broken record (Am I complaining too much?), and of the desire to "protect" our loved ones from what we're going through. (But are we really protecting anyone when we do this?)
We share ideas about how to reach this point where we can a little more easily tell our loved ones exactly how we're feeling: patience, small steps, practice, journaling, or maybe even changing the questions we ask one another. Join us on this journey of getting beyond "I'm fine," and let us know what's worked for you!

Previous Episode

New Beginnings

In this episode, we talk about overcoming the fears that are inherent with recording oneself for a podcast (just like we're doing for this inaugural episode!), and how this relates to the day-to-day challenges that one encounters when living with chronic illness. We discuss the importance of growing our circles of care, because while we have to do a lot on our own, we can't do it all by ourselves.
We focus on how all of this requires strong and healthy communication (and patience, and humility) in both directions. We need our loved ones to listen to our dreams, hopes, and fears, just as much as we need to understand their issues and concerns, and how this disease impacts them, too. And while building this foundation of communication isn't always easy, it is most definitely worth the effort, because we know that we are all stronger when we walk this journey together.

Next Episode

Never Give Up!

In today's conversation, Kat and I talk with our good friend Wendy about resiliency, and about never giving up!
We share stories of always moving forward, and trade ideas as to what to do during those moments when we feel like we just can't do this anymore.
Kat and Wendy discuss what it's like to have lived with this almost their entire lives, and offer advice to the parents and friends of infants and youngsters who have been diagnosed with JRA.
We go around the table and open up about the aspects and challenges of living with rheumatoid arthritis that still manage to surprise us. We talk about feelings of anger and frustration (and even more importantly, how we work through these feelings). And we share our favorite quotes and affirmations; those words and thoughts that keep us moving forward even during the most difficult of times.
Join us for a heartfelt conversation on the ups and downs of living—and coping—well with this disease, and share moments of true inspiration and awe, as the three of us share our experiences of never giving up, no matter what challenges come our way!