Life Lessons From a 35-Year-Old Lupus Warrior

Living with lupus amongst other chronic illnesses is an uncharted journey that demands resilience, adaptation, and a strong spirit. When I got diagnosed with lupus, I was 27 and did not know anything about this disease or if I was even going to make it to 35. But, here I am!

As a 35-year-old lupus warrior, I have walked paths that have tested my limits and redefined my perspective on life. Lupus is an unpredictable autoimmune disease that has changed my life forever. Yet, amid the chaos, it has taught me profound lessons about strength, self-love, and the importance of community.

Lesson 1: resilience is a superpower

Getting diagnosed with lupus made life more challenging and it was only until then that I truly understood what resilience was. Lupus taught me that I always had a choice. It was not just about enduring pain or setbacks; but it was also about finding ways to rise despite them. There have been so many days when I was so exhausted or when I was in a flare and the most mundane tasks were so hard to complete. However, I learned to adapt. Whether it was pacing myself or just learning to rest without feeling guilt. Lupus gave me the strength to keep moving forward.

Lesson 2: The importance of listening to your body

I was always the type to just be on the go and did whatever it took to get things done. But, lupus has taught me the importance of truly listening to my body. I’ve learned what my triggers are and have found ways to mitigate the effects. Pushing myself too far would results in flares and I would pay for it for days. Rest is no longer a sign of weakness; but an act of self-preservation.

Lesson 3: Self-care is essential

I knew self-care was important, but I always neglected it. There were more pressing items that needed to be taken care of and it was always put on the back burner. But, this diagnosis forced me to reevaluate that mindset. Self-care is essential and I practice this every week now sometimes even twice a week. This can be reading a book, or putting on a face mask or even just taking an afternoon nap. It was a way to recharge and just relax from all the everyday chaos.

Lesson 4: Cherish the small joys

Lupus has taught me to savor life’s little moments. Whether its finding a missing sock or getting a good sale at the mall. These were mundane things that I never thought twice about before getting sick. But, now I cherish the simple things that make me smile and feel giddy.

Lesson 5: Community is everything

The journey with lupus felt lonely even with the support of family and friends. They all truly didn’t know what I was going through. So, I wanted to find people just like me who understood my struggles. I am forever grateful to the internet and social media because it allowed me to connect with so many lupus warriors from all around the world. Their help and support plus my family and friends created a community of hope and joy for me and made me realize that I am never alone in this journey.

Lesson 6: It’s okay to redefine your goals

Living with lupus often means reimagining what success looks like. When I was younger I had a life plan all set out. But, lupus threw a wrench in my plans and I’ve barely accomplished anything on my list. I learned that I had to pivot and find a new path in life and it was ok to change directions. I needed to set realistic goals and eventually let go of what I thought was going to happen to focus on the future coming ahead.

Lesson 7: Advocacy empowers

One of the most empowering lessons I’ve learned is the importance of self-advocacy. Maybe I was just naïve, but I truly thought that our healthcare professionals had our best interest at heart. But, throughout this journey, I learned that I am my best advocate and it is up to me to be vocal and be heard. Raising awareness about lupus has also been great helping to educate others, combat misconceptions, and create a more understanding world for those with chronic illnesses.

Lupus has shaped me

At 35, lupus has shaped me in ways I could never have imagined. But it truly has made me into such a stronger person. Now when people call us lupus warriors, its not because of the daily challenges that we face, but also because we continue to thrive despite it.