MAKE MAY MEANINGFUL Lupus and Celiac Awareness
Do you know someone with an autoimmune disease or invisible illness?
I have LUPUS + fibromyalgia + migraines + anemia + asthma + IBS...
It's Lupus Awareness Month
I just counted it up... I take NINETEEN pills everyday! (More if I'm having a flare or particularly difficult day.)
But please don't assume medication is my only approach to treatment. Essential oils, diet, exercise, naturally-based shampoo, epsom salts, saunas, hydrotherapy, and rest all play vital roles in my overall healthcare and wellness journey.
But the Balm that gets me through it all, that holds all these delicate pieces together, that tenderly comforts my anxious, and at times, depressed spirit, is Jesus!
Dear friend, there is a Balm - a soothing, healing ointment - for whatever you're going through, too.
Some advice?
Visually document your life, especially the hard stuff.
And when God opens the door to share your story, do it. That's exactly what Mom Photo Balm is... an open door for you. I'd like to personally invite you to come on in! There's a place here for you, your story, and your photos to be both seen and heard. Join me in The Heartfelt Motherhood Project where you'll connect with other compassionate Mommas as you gain confidence behind and in front of the camera.
Let's make May meaningful!
Perhaps you or someone you know has an autoimmune disease, another invisible illness, or personal struggle that others can't see? I want you to find ways to use your photos to bring awareness to a cause, an organization, or story that might otherwise go unnoticed, all with that aim to promote compassion, understanding, or in some cases even a cure!
I mention all of this to you now because the month of May happens to be Awareness Month for both lupus and celiac disease! Both of these autoimmune diseases mean something to me. You see, not only do I have lupus, but nine years ago, when my son was just three years old, it was confirmed through biopsies he has celiac disease. At that point in my life I had never heard the words autoimmune or gluten. As a mother, those first few months (honestly, years) learning what gluten is exactly and how to avoid it were extremely hard! At the time (2009), I knew no one going through a similar situation. No one. I was overwhelmed, scared, and determined! Determined to learn all I could, to educate my family & friends, and to advocate for my son. What a journey it has been!
Training a service dog to detect gluten
Yep. Dogs can do that! I think it fascinating and miraculous! My son's dog, Johnny Cash, will raise his paw to alert when he smells gluten. They have been training hard together for almost a year now. Having Johnny double check food, especially when we go out to eat, will be a tremendous help!
How can you make May meaningful?
First, let me ask you a question:
What topic, cause, organization, or struggle came to mind as you've been reading this? Take pictures of that!
Second, join The Heartfelt Motherhood Project. (It's FREE!)
There you will find helpful content and material that will enable you to take photos that truly capture what life looks like and how it feels. Your story and mine are much more alike than we both probably realize. I'd be honored to come alongside you and help you visually document the people and things closest to your heart.
Friendship is the finest balm,
Kat