Founder of Authentic Sunrise.
Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and ulcerative colitis at the age of 12, I have been living with chronic illness and accompanying fatigue for almost 15 years. During this time, I have developed tips that I implement to cope with these disease processes.
During this time in my life, I am also working on chasing my authentic passion. I love creating things, writing, and connecting with others. I am experiencing what I call a “sunrise,” or inspiration to chase my dreams. Additionally, I am challenging my imposter syndrome and pursuing my goals despite the fears.
Lots of Rain and No Umbrella
Living with chronic illness is like being caught in a rainstorm with no umbrella or rain boots. The average, healthy person is naturally equipped with boots and an umbrella. Every task we complete–talking on the phone, going to an appointment, writing an email–everything causes a rain drop to fall on our heads. The healthy person can splash around without a care because they have the right equipment.
Chronically ill people on the other hand, get bogged down with rain water after a certain point. Some rain drops are larger than others, some are smaller, but after some time, we have to stop and rest or risk making ourselves even more sick from standing barefoot in a large puddle.
I believe that we all have a purpose that is tied in with our passions; however, it is difficult to pursue our passions when struggling with chronic pain and fatigue.
Our Purpose
The goal of this website is to provide tips and tricks to managing life with rain water. My aims are that you 1) don’t feel so alone. There are other people like me who are out here who understand your struggles, or similar struggles; 2) that you see an increase in your self-confidence through the material written in the blog posts; and 3) that you identify your support system and begin loving yourself.
Quotes
“You never know what light you might spark in others, just through your kindness and your example.”
Jennifer Rockwood
“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
J. K. Rowling
“Courage is not having the strength to go on; it is going on when you don’t have the strength.”
Theodore Roosevelt
Authentic Sunrise 