A Healing Journey Milestone: Embracing Victory Over Chronic Illness

Dear friends and fellow travelers on the path to healing,

Today, I want to share a truly joyous moment in my life—a milestone that brings tears of gratitude to my eyes. After several years of battling the excruciating joint pains caused by my lupus, my rheumatologist delivered news that made my heart soar—I can finally bid farewell to Methotrexate, the oral chemotherapy that has been my constant companion in this journey.

This moment feels like a victory—a hard-fought battle won. When chronic illness becomes a part of our lives, it's easy to feel overwhelmed, lost, and unsure of the future. I know the weight of that burden all too well. But today, I stand here as living proof that even amidst the darkest storms, there is hope.

Methotrexate has been both a blessing and a challenge. It helped alleviate my pain, but it also came with its fair share of side effects and adjustments. Life became a balancing act—managing my condition while holding onto dreams, relationships, and a sense of normalcy. It wasn't easy, but I kept reminding myself that this medication was a stepping stone toward my healing. Each dose, though challenging, brought me one step closer to the day I could bid it farewell.

Today, as I share the news of my discontinuation with Methotrexate, my heart overflows with gratitude and joy. I have been reminded that healing is not always instantaneous; it is a process that often demands endurance and patience. I am reminded of the strength I've discovered within myself, the resilience that carried me through countless doctor's visits and moments of despair. This victory is not just about Methotrexate—it's about reclaiming my life, my identity, and my hopes for the future.

I want to extend a message of encouragement to all of you who are still grappling with the challenges of chronic illness. Hold on. Keep fighting. I know the pain, the uncertainty, and the doubts that creep in. I understand the countless doctor's appointments, the missed social gatherings, and the longing for a life unrestricted by pain and limitations. But please, don't lose hope. Even when the journey feels never-ending, remember that you are not defined by your illness. It's natural to question our purpose and wonder if relief will ever come. But please, believe me when I say that healing is possible, even when it feels like an eternity away. Remember, healing takes time. It requires patience, self-compassion, and unwavering faith.

As a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Coach, I firmly believe in the power of our mindset. While we may not have control over our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them. By embracing a positive perspective, seeking support from loved ones, and nurturing our faith, we can find strength in the midst of our struggles.

Hold onto hope, my dear friends. Know that you are not alone. Seek support from loved ones, reach out to communities of individuals facing similar battles, and never underestimate the power of prayer and faith in your journey. Trust in the healing process, for it may unfold in ways you never expected.

In this journey of healing, I draw inspiration from the following Bible verses that resonate with my own story:

1. "For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." (Isaiah 41:13)

2. "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me." (2 Corinthians 12:9)

May my story be a beacon of hope in your own journey of healing. Together, let us celebrate the small victories, find solace in the moments of reprieve, and hold steadfast to the belief that a brighter, healthier future awaits us all.

Spreading Light and Encouragement,

Powla

---

Powla Largo is a compassionate Cognitive Behavioral Life Coach who has dedicated her life to guiding women towards healing, freedom, and lasting joy. As the heart and soul behind "Learning While Healing," she brings a blend of professional knowledge and personal understanding to her work. Having navigated her own challenges with anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, Powla offers an approach that is as authentic as it is effective. Through her website, she shares a wealth of resources rooted in her unique integration of CBT principles and Christian faith. Join her on this journey towards transformative healing at LearningWhileHealing.com.