Hardest Part of Remission

​I have never been in histological remission. My scopes have always come back with active Ulcerative Colitis and inflammation. I have my fair share of symptoms and bad days due to my active disease and other gut issues. With that being said, I have been blessed to have a number of good days or dare I say great days. The hardest part of feeling “good” is the unknown for how long it will last. Knowing I could be hit with a myriad of symptoms at any given moment can make it hard to fully relax and unwind or enjoy the present moment. I struggle to quiet my fear and to truly be present.  I work hard on being intentional, grateful and thankful for each day and especially the good days where I feel like my true self.
 
Remembering to cherish the good days and savor every moment is much harder than it sounds. It can be so easy to get caught up with the busy world we live in full of technology and many moving parts. I am guilty of this. Living with IBD has taught me to stop. Stop and smell the flowers once and a while. Look out the window and enjoy the sky no matter what it looks like. Take a walk even if it’s short or slow going. Breathe deeply and be thankful I can fill my lungs with air. As dark and as depressing this disease can be, it teaches us strength and shows us how to be truly grateful. Find something to be thankful for every day.