20 life lessons I have learned over the course of the last decade. In the last 10 years, I have been through it all. I have learned closely and painfully how precious life is. I have learned that life isn’t easy when you are healthy and is much more difficult with a chronic illness but following Christ allows you to see the lit path before you. Today, 10 years ago, I went states away following the lit path to have a surgery that was my only hope outside of christ performing a miracle. 10 years later to the day I look back to see that that surgery was my miracle. This was also a life event that changed everything about who I am, who I am going forward, who my friends and family are to me. and now we are a decade out. chronically ill, total pancreatectomy with auto islet cell transplant, pancreatitis, type 3c diabetes, diabetic life, chronic pain, neuropathic, neuropathy, migraine, narcolepsy, cataplexy, insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, anxiety, depression, splenectomy, appendectomy, surgery, hospitals, doctors, ready to be heard, feelings are validated, validation of pain, friend who understand , family understands

Being vulnerable with someone is vital to the successfulness of your life. However, it is important that you are careful when it comes to who you are vulnerable with. Life is hard and not every person you come across has your best interest at heart and therefore, shouldn’t be privy to your deepest thoughts, insecurities, and hurts. However, these are some examples of green flags. These are good signs that you can trust someone with your struggles and lack of understanding. People who want to enable you not take the fact that you don’t understand and use it to control you.

Finding a Doctor that respect you and listen to you is becoming more and more difficult. I have been able to create a somewhat successful process over the years and I want to share it with you. If this can help one of your appointments go a little better than it is all worth it. I lay out each step and how I go about finding the candidates. I then remind you that this is an interview for them. Doctor’s like to act like they are blessing you with their time but you are paying for them. Make sure you find someone who listens and respects you.

If Valentine’s Day has you feeling some type of way this year; Don’t let it. You are beautiful and truly precious. A single day where your entire love life is not decided by that one day. Breathe, don’t over think a holiday that does not define who you are.