I am Navigating Health Uncertainty: A Journey with Colitis
Iconic Cares | Our new series elevating rising voices, community leaders and their stories
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I am Navigating Health Uncertainty: A Journey with Colitis
Iconic Cares is my new fall/winter series dedicated to amplifying voices and stories that aim to conclude 2024 on a positive note. My organization strives to inspire hope, steering clear of fear. We need something hopeful going into 2025. I start with my own story of hope and resilience.
We aim to demonstrate that, despite the challenges faced, Americans are actively engaging every day with their personal issues to advocate for a better nation, stronger communities, healthier families, and more resilient marriages. Indeed, there's much to discuss and many things that are amiss. However, dwelling on these constantly can be counterproductive.
Consider my health, for instance. It's not always optimal, but I refrain from lamenting or grumbling about my chronic pain in my newsletters. What benefit would that bring? Instead, we continue to advance the Iconic mission, fostering a community that genuinely cares for the world we inhabit.
Life has a way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. For me, it began with persistent health issues that led to a diagnosis of colitis. The symptoms—abdominal pain, fatigue, and digestive troubles—were challenging enough, but the lack of clear answers about my condition added a layer of frustration and anxiety.
The Unexpected Twist: A Negative Pregnancy Test
Amidst this health journey, I experienced a moment of hope and confusion. I thought I might be pregnant. The idea of expanding our family was both exciting and daunting. However, the pregnancy test came back negative1. At 39, with two wonderful children and a supportive husband, this news left me with mixed emotions. On one hand, relief that I wasn’t facing another major life change amidst my health struggles; on the other, a sense of loss for what could have been.
Resilience in the Face of Medical Uncertainty
This experience has taught me a lot about resilience. As a family, we’ve had to adapt to the unpredictability of my health. We’ve learned to cherish the good days and support each other through the tough ones. Resilience isn’t about being unbreakable; it’s about bending without breaking, finding strength in vulnerability, and leaning on each other when times are tough2.
The Possibility of Growing Our Family
The negative pregnancy test made us reflect on our family dynamics. While the idea of another child was appealing, it also made us appreciate the family we already have.
Moving to Our Dream Home
Amidst the health challenges, we’ve also been planning to move to our dream home. This move symbolizes a fresh start, a place where we can build new memories and create a sanctuary for our family4. It’s a reminder that even when life feels uncertain, there are still dreams to pursue and goals to achieve.
Leaving a Legacy for Our Kids
Ultimately, this journey has reinforced the importance of leaving something meaningful for our children. It’s not just about financial security or a beautiful home; it’s about teaching them resilience, love, and the importance of family. We want them to grow up knowing that life can be unpredictable, but with a strong family foundation, they can weather any storm5.
Conclusion
Navigating health issues like colitis while managing family life is no easy feat. But through it all, we’ve learned the true meaning of resilience. We’ve discovered that it’s okay to have mixed emotions and that it’s possible to find joy and hope even in the midst of uncertainty. Our journey continues, and with each step, we grow stronger together.
Iconic Cares: Iconic Partners with The Felecia Killings Foundation for a Heartwarming Holiday Prolife Campaign in ATL
The Iconic/CCM Hurricane Response & Scholarship Awards:
Holiday Prolife Campaign
The Holiday Prolife Campaign, spearheaded by The Felecia Killings Foundation by
Coach Felecia Killings is a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting families during the holiday season. This campaign focuses on providing resources, education, and support to families, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive. By partnering with this campaign, Iconic is excited to extend our reach and impact even more families.
This year, we are highlighting "First Care Women's Clinic," which has been in the area since 1985. They are a Christian Evangelical non-profit organization.
Suddenly, communities in Atlanta were hit by Helene’s devastating winds and rain causing flooding, power outages and more across this area of GA. Then an explosion happened at the Biolabs in Conyers. A lot has happened over the weekend. Currently, Georgia’s ban on abortion after 6 weeks have been lifted meaning up to 22-weeks now is the cut-off for abortion services. This is why our work at Iconic with the CCM is so important.
Since we were working to help moms already, we decided to add especial emphasis on finishing this campaign because moms in this area now need the additional support. We also want to help give away FREE scholarships to moms in the area to train as leaders in their respective careers.
We at Iconic are stepping up to contribute books and to push the campaign to our audience because we believe in activating to help families especially during national disaster recovery.
How You Can Get Involved
We invite you to join us in this meaningful campaign. Here are a few ways you can get involved:
Donate: Click the link below to give directly
Subscribe: Upgrade to Iconic+ in order to support Iconic and this new mission.
Spread the Word: Share this campaign with your network to raise awareness and encourage others to get involved.
Facing Uncertainty
How do you and your family navigate through uncertain times? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s support each other through life’s unpredictable journey.
Facing health challenges like colitis can be incredibly tough, but here are some pieces of advice that might help other families navigate through similar situations:
1. Communicate Openly and Honestly
Share Your Feelings: It’s important to talk about your fears, frustrations, and hopes. Open communication helps in understanding each other’s perspectives and provides emotional support.
Involve Your Kids: Depending on their age, explain the situation to your children in a way they can understand. This helps them feel included and reduces their anxiety about the unknown.
2. Seek Professional Help
Medical Advice: Always consult with healthcare professionals to get the best possible treatment and management plan for your condition.
Mental Health Support: Don’t hesitate to seek counseling or therapy for yourself and your family. Dealing with chronic illness can take a toll on mental health, and professional support can be invaluable.
3. Build a Support Network
Family and Friends: Lean on your extended family and friends for support. They can provide practical help and emotional comfort.
Support Groups: Join support groups for people with similar health conditions. Sharing experiences with others who understand can be very comforting and informative.
4. Focus on Self-Care
Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest. These can help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can help reduce stress and improve your mental state.
5. Adapt and Be Flexible
Adjust Expectations: Understand that some days will be better than others. Be flexible with plans and activities, and don’t be too hard on yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories, whether it’s a symptom-free day or a fun family outing. These moments can boost morale and provide hope.
6. Plan for the Future
Financial Planning: Ensure you have a financial plan in place to cover medical expenses and secure your family’s future.
Legacy Building: Think about what you want to leave behind for your children, whether it’s values, memories, or financial security. This can give you a sense of purpose and direction.
7. Stay Positive and Hopeful
Positive Mindset: Try to maintain a positive outlook. Focus on the good days and the progress you make, no matter how small.
Hope for the Future: Keep hope alive for better health and brighter days ahead. Advances in medical science are constant, and new treatments and solutions are always emerging.
Remember, every family’s journey is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The key is to find what best supports your family’s needs and to stay united through the challenges. How does your family find strength during tough times?
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