Hello!
I’m so excited I just want to get right to it…
If you read Wednesday’s free post you already know that this Sunday, May 19th, is World IBD Day.
As someone who was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease over a decade ago and is an avid advocate, this week I committed to sharing a little bit more about my journey with chronic illness and the wellness practices that have helped me and supported me through it all.
Grateful for the Connections
One of the most incredible threads of support in my life, especially since being diagnosed, has been people with whom I’ve had raw conversations that have inspired me and invited me to shift, think differently, or at least consider a different perspective than my own.
After getting down to 95 pounds (mostly due to malnutrition) and ending up in the hospital for several weeks, I got to a point where I felt pretty hopeless.
I got the opportunity to share a room with other folks with the same condition.
We spoke about the pain and the difficulties, but mostly I had many uplifting and inspiring conversations that helped me realize the importance of community when living with IBD or any chronic condition.
Chronic illness can be lonely, and connecting to other people on similar journeys can give you support, perspective, and resources that you would have never known about before.
I’m grateful to many, and especially to Àngela, Ivon, and Lídia, who shared their journeys with me and empowered me during some very low and scary moments.
Gràcies, amigues.💛
Welcome to the Living Well Series!
I’ve wanted to bring guests to my podcast, The Pause, for a while, so, what better way to kick it off than to chat with another Chronie?
Valerie, who is now also a yoga teacher, strolled into the Friday Vinyasa Flow I taught at a local studio a couple of years ago.
Since then, we’ve practiced numerous hours of yoga together, and have had profound conversations that I wish others with similar conditions would get a chance to drop into.
Valerie has lived with Crohn’s Disease for over 20 years and has so much wisdom and insight to share, that I think you will find this conversation inspiring and full of resources.
Valerie is an absolute gift of a human being, and I hope you will enjoy this chat.
Stick until the end for a fun This or That generated by Artificial Intelligence. 😶
World IBD Day Free Class this Sunday
I want to invite you to an online class this Sunday, May 19th to raise awareness for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and spend some time practicing in community from the comfort of your own space.
Find all the details and add the class to your calendar so that you’re notified 5 minutes before I go live!
Alright friend, I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this episode, and if you’re a fellow Chronie, Hollaaaaa 💩
Until we meet again, pause often, breathe deeply, and be kind - especially to yourself. 💛
Much love,
Laia
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