There I am, scars and all. I used to be really conscious of the scars. I would fret about not being perfect and about being judged. Then I realized those who judge have a lot bigger issues than lupus. Being diagnosed with lupus seemed like a death sentence in the beginning; granted, it did come with complications (the biggest of which is a platelet disorder called TTP). Both are lethal. My first thought was, "How do I get control of this thing?" Took a few years of trial and error, but the answer was patience, diligence, and a profound respect for my body. I changed every aspect of my life to do battle with this thing. The way I eat, the way I think, the way I work, I even had to change some of my friends. Yep, it's true. When you get really sick, you find out some people just can't hack it. For me, those were the "just be quiet and let the doctor run the show" people. They don't want to take anything that's not prescribed. They don't want to learn about nutrition. They don't want to lose weight. They don't want to expand their mindset. They THINK that a person has no control over what happens to them. It's always out of their hands. My take on that was, and still is, BULLSHIT!
It is NEVER out of your hands. Of course things will happen that you can not control. Like, who knew my dad was a carrier for two of the most deadly illnesses on the planet? But you work with what ya got, and you make lemonade out of lemons. So I studied and asked questions from every doctor I had. Wanna know what I found out?? Outside of their specialty—they are clueless. The other thing I learned is, if you don't demand it, they don't share information until you are critical. Getting a dialogue going was not easy. After I started looking into alternative medicine, it was even harder. However, as I turned around and got stronger, they opened up and started taking note of my input in the recovery process. My determination to be proactive was paying off.
Flash forward seven years. I thankfully remain in remission from the TTP, and my lupus in manageable. It is a blessing in every sense of the word. I guess my point here is that you can make a difference in your own life if you roll up your sleeves and do the work. Now I wear those scars with pride. They are signs of a battle won. Will there be more? Probably. They will add to my character and dimension.
About the Creator
Miss D.
I have worn many hats, lived in a few places and lead a couple of different lives. Stories abound.
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Day 4 of Quitting
If this is how sobriety feels, maybe it’s better to go through life a little buzzed… this, along with other hits like, I want to kill myself, I wish I was dead, and I’m going to throw myself off a bridge have been the only thoughts on rotation these past few days. I promise myself that if, in a month, I still feel like this (‘this’ meaning despondent, full of rage, and simultaneously numb) I can go back to smoking. Until mid-February though? Nicotine is off the table.
By sleepy drafts14 days ago in Longevity
Greenland's People Must Decide Its Future, Says Nandy
In a recent statement, UK minister Lisa Nandy emphasized that the people of Greenland must have the primary say in determining their future, underscoring the principle of self-determination in the face of growing international interest in the Arctic region. As geopolitical tensions intensify and the Arctic’s strategic and resource potential becomes increasingly valuable, the minister’s remarks highlight the delicate balance between foreign interests and local autonomy. Greenland’s Strategic Importance Greenland, the world’s largest island, has become a focal point in global geopolitics. Its location between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans offers strategic military and shipping advantages. Melting ice due to climate change is opening previously inaccessible sea routes and exposing natural resources, including rare earth minerals and potentially vast oil and gas reserves. These developments have drawn attention from countries like the United States, China, and European powers, each seeking to secure their interests in the Arctic. The island is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own government handling most domestic matters, though defense and foreign policy remain under Danish control. Greenland’s growing autonomy has fueled discussions about whether the island should pursue greater independence or maintain its current relationship with Denmark. Nandy’s Statement and Its Significance In her address, Nandy stressed that any decision regarding Greenland’s future should be led by its people, not dictated by external powers. “Greenlanders must have the right to chart their own course,” she said, emphasizing the importance of respecting local voices amid international debates about the Arctic. Her comments came in the wake of increased international attention, particularly from the United States. Former President Donald Trump had previously proposed purchasing Greenland, a plan that was widely criticized and rejected by Danish and Greenlandic officials. However, the idea highlighted the geopolitical importance of the region and the potential for foreign powers to influence its future. Economic and Environmental Considerations Greenland’s future is not solely a political question. Economic development and environmental protection are deeply intertwined. The island’s economy relies heavily on fishing, tourism, and public sector employment. However, the melting ice and new accessibility to minerals and hydrocarbons present both opportunities and risks. While resource extraction could provide significant revenue and accelerate Greenland’s path toward economic self-sufficiency, it also carries environmental costs that could threaten the fragile Arctic ecosystem. Nandy’s emphasis on local decision-making implies that Greenlanders should weigh the trade-offs carefully, balancing economic ambitions with environmental stewardship. Global Implications The Arctic is increasingly becoming a theater of strategic competition. Russia has expanded its military presence along its Arctic coast, while China has labeled itself a “near-Arctic state” and is pursuing partnerships in the region. NATO has also shown interest in monitoring and securing Arctic sea routes. In this context, Greenland’s political choices carry broader international significance. By affirming the principle that Greenland’s people must decide their own path, Nandy signals that external actors should respect self-determination while engaging diplomatically. Her comments implicitly caution against attempts to pressure Greenland politically or economically, emphasizing that sustainable development and stability depend on local leadership and consent. Local Voices and Autonomy Greenlanders themselves have voiced a mix of opinions about the future. Some favor greater independence from Denmark, hoping to leverage natural resources to build an economically self-sufficient state. Others prioritize maintaining ties with Denmark, which provides financial support and international security guarantees. The debate is further complicated by the need to balance traditional livelihoods, such as fishing and hunting, with the economic promise of resource extraction. Experts note that ensuring meaningful participation of Greenland’s people in these discussions is essential. Policies imposed externally risk undermining social cohesion and could provoke resistance or unrest. Nandy’s comments highlight the importance of empowering local governance structures and supporting informed decision-making. Conclusion Greenland’s future is a complex tapestry of geopolitics, economics, and environmental stewardship. As international attention intensifies, the principle of self-determination remains crucial. The UK’s Lisa Nandy underscored that Greenlanders must be the ultimate decision-makers regarding their political and economic path. Whether Greenland moves toward full independence, strengthens its autonomy within Denmark, or negotiates partnerships with global powers, the key takeaway is clear: the island’s people must lead the conversation and shape their destiny. External interest, while inevitable, must be guided by respect for local governance, environmental sustainability, and the democratic will of Greenland’s residents. As the Arctic continues to transform due to climate change and strategic competition, Greenland stands at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming years will not only define the island’s political and economic future but also serve as a benchmark for how global powers respect the sovereignty and agency of small, strategically important territories.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi3 days ago in Longevity
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