Newfound Appreciation for the Small Victories With PSA

You know, before psoriatic arthritis barged into my life like an uninvited house guest, I never thought I'd be the type to throw a mini-celebration for managing to unscrew a pickle jar. Or, Heaven forbid, actually feeling triumphant about making it through a shower without having to negotiate with my knees or elbows.

Yet, here we are, and here I am, discovering joy in the mundane. Because when you live with psoriatic arthritis, these small victories aren't mundane, they are minor miracles.

Opening a jar: A test of wits and willpower

Picture this: you're in your kitchen, eyeing that jar of peanut butter like it's the final puzzle piece in a marathon game of strategy. You're not just opening a jar but engaging in a delicate dance with your own dexterity.

But then, the lid pops off. It's not just a pop; it's the sound of triumph, the sound of independence. It's a small, everyday task, but it feels like a grand victory when your fingers cooperate.

The simple joy of taking a shower

Before psoriatic arthritis, showers were routine. Now, it's akin to planning a strategic operation. Can I stand long enough? Will my arms rebel when I go to wash my hair?

So, when I manage a full shower without having to play a game of Twister with my limbs, it's a good day—a really good day. I step out of that steamy sanctuary, feeling like I've conquered Everest. Pass the towel and cue the applause, please!

Taking a walk: My personal parade

There was a time when walking was just a way to get from point A to point B. Now, every pain-free step feels like a parade in my honor.

It's nothing short of glorious when I manage to take a walk and actually enjoy it without constantly scanning for the nearest bench or calculating how much longer I can last before a flare. It's freedom, it's movement, and it's a reminder that my body can still be a friend on the good days.

Making it home before a flare strikes

Ever raced a storm home? That's what beating a flare feels like. Watching the symptoms gather on the horizon while I'm out and about ignites a kind of hustle I never knew I had.

Making it home before the full force hits isn't just a relief; it's a strategic victory against my own rebellious physiology. And when I win, it's a silent, grateful collapse on the couch, not out of defeat but out of savvy avoidance.

Preparedness: My new superpower

Gone are the days of leaving the house without a second thought. Now, my bag is stocked like a mini-pharmacy—pain relief, anti-inflammatory gels, snacks for energy, and a backup plan for a backup plan.

Being caught unprepared is not an option. When I have what I need to combat pain while I'm out, it's not just being prepared; it's empowering. It's knowing I can still live my life on my terms.

The clarity of conversation

Listening to someone and actually processing every word isn't something I thought I'd celebrate. But psoriatic arthritis comes with brain fog, turning simple conversations into complex puzzles.

So, when I can focus and engage fully without that maddening fog, I feel like I'm truly part of the world again. It's not just communication; it's connection.

Waking up clear-headed

Mornings are a lottery with psoriatic arthritis. Waking up without brain fog or stiffness? That's the jackpot.

It sets the tone for the whole day. It means I might just be a normal human for a few hours, and every task won't feel like climbing a mountain.

A day out: More than just fresh air

Finally, the ultimate small victory is spending a day out of the house with or without repercussions. It's a full embrace of life beyond the four walls of my home. It's proof that while psoriatic arthritis is a part of me, it doesn't define me.

It's not just a day out; it's a reclaiming of independence with a bold underline beneath the word 'capable.'

Each of these small victories might seem trivial to someone without psoriatic arthritis. But to those of us in this exclusive club, they're not just daily tasks—they're daily triumphs. They're reminders that joy can be found in the smallest moments and that every little win is a step towards reclaiming our lives from the clutches of chronic illness.

Which victory are you celebrating today?