Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to all my readers out there! January is a great time to think back and reflect on what we've been through and how far we've come. If you're feeling great these days, try to fully appreciate it. Remember some of the things you vowed you'd do once you felt better (clean out the basement? exercise? wrestle the kids?) and make a renewed effort to actually do those things. I myself am kicking my own butt to get more physical activity like I promised myself I would during my last flare up.


What if you're not feeling so great these days? Focus on a 2013 that's all about being kind to yourself. Cut yourself some slack for not feeling well. Don't carry around guilt and misery, and don't take it out on those around you. Instead try to think up a short list of things you could do to feel a little better. Like check in with your doctor, avoid pizza, do some morning stretching, keep a journal, take up a low impact hobby, make a weekly phone call to a loved one. Etc, etc. Physical pain and trouble is horrible, I know, but it does not have to define your life. Don't give up on finding a treatment that will help, and don't let how you feel physically become the ONLY thing you're feeling!

Now is also a great time to make sure that the other areas in your life are getting attention and getting organized. Can you review your financial buget and get things balanced? Do you have some loved ones you've been neglecting? Got a corner of the house, or even just a shelf that could use a good clean out? Maybe your spiritual side needs some TLC? Now's a good time to take action, don't just talk, read and think about it- do it! You'll feel great and won't be letting your IBD keep you down!

Have a Great New Year, and thank you for reading!!

~Brightside