I’m not posting the pic of my silly dysfunctional belly out of vanity: our relationship is complicated, to put it mildly.
But today is a special day, today is a purple day!
Today is WORLD IBD DAY!
And later this year I’m gonna celebrate my 2nd anniversary with Ulcerative Colitis. I wish I didn’t, not gonna lie: accepting any chronic illness as part of yourself, of your identity is tough. I feel grateful that my doctors are not debating surgery, I have no scars or bags yet every day is a challenge for me too. But I don’t wanna hide this part of me nor feel ashamed of it: yes, my body can be a real asshole at times but loving myself? Taking care of myself? I don’t have the best record for it…but I owe it to myself. If there’s one thing this new journey taught me is to appreciate all the small things that would easily go unnoticed or taken for granted: a painless day, the smile of a stranger, a doctor taking the time for a little friendly chat, friends sending supportive texts, every little display of kindness.
So today I wear my purple tank and I’m gonna wear purple on my graduation day.
And I #GetMyBellyOut: an illness can change your life, but that life is still yours!
Happy World IBD Day, my brothers and sisters UC sufferers and Chronies all over the world. Sending you love and positivity 💜