5 Ways Psoriatic Arthritis Has Improved My Life

When asked how our chronic conditions have changed our lives, we often focus on the negative. Rightfully so, we're in so much pain and somehow we're the lucky ones who have won the chronic pain lottery. Life is so hard with crippling fatigue and all that comes with an invisible illness.

However, allow me to briefly open the optimism box and take a look at some of the positives of life with psoriatic arthritis. It couldn't hurt more than life already does...

I'm not saying it's easy.

I've come to realize that my attitude towards my condition influences everything I do. When I allowed anger and bitterness to fill my heart, I hated my life. I refused to enjoy pretty much anything. It was such a heavy way to live that bled into so many relationships and areas of my life. I didn't want to be that person anymore.

Of course, we're all allowed to have bad days. We should give ourselves permission to simply soak in the sadness - it will validate our experience. We can come out stronger if we see it through. Grow through what we go through, if you will.

Finding space for mind over matter

I promise you, I am not crazy. I don’t love being chronically ill, but I have learned to love my life no matter how I am feeling physically. Here is how psoriatic arthritis (PsA) has improved my life...

Life is short

Living with constant pain has made me realize that life is precious. I have learned to cherish the good times and to embrace those memories when riding out the rough patches.

Finding creativity

My condition has taught me to think outside the box. I may not be able to live like I used to, but by making changes and trying different methods I have been able to resume some of my former favorite activities such as going to Disneyland.

Closer bonds and friendships

Relationships that matter the most have improved after I accepted that needing help or assistance now and again wasn’t a sign of weakness.

Opportunity for honesty

The invisibility of my condition has created the opportunity for me to share just how difficult life with PsA can be with friends and family.

Carpe Diem!

Never knowing how I am going to feel has led me to embrace spontaneity. My old life was very structured. PsA has taught me to seize the moment and make the most of it.

The power of positive thinking

We all know that finding reasons to complain about living with psoriatic arthritis is easy. However, if you look hard enough, I guarantee you will find at least one positive aspect. Besides, what other choice do we have?

I challenge you to not let psoriatic arthritis control your life and mindset. It already controls and consumes so much. Go ahead and share one positive way your life has changed since becoming chronically ill. It might just make you feel better.