The Future of Colitis Ninja
Time Overwhelmingly Flies
I’ve been doing so much thinking lately. This is going to be a bit of a rambling post (sorry). These past 25 weeks have sped by faster than I ever could have imagined. Prenatal appointments, nursery preparation, and advocacy efforts are only a handful of things I have going on right now. I can tell you right now that I have gotten overwhelmed on more than one occasion. Who knew preparing to bring a little ninja into the world could be so complicated?
Divisions of the Heart
In all honesty, I have felt my heart divide over these past 6ish months. Awareness and advocacy have been my passions over the last three years. I love helping other patients living with IBD find hope. I thrive on being able to encourage someone who is in a really bad spot. My heart breaks over the millions of people around the globe who are being plagued by their own bodies. And now I have a tiny ninja growing inside me who relies on me for protection and care (and sadly, THIS is the easy part).
When little ninja makes her debut, my responsibilities will grow tenfold! Again, my heart is so divided right now.
What Does the Future Hold?
So, how is this going to affect my advocacy efforts? I honestly wish I could look into the future and see what my advocacy is going to look like moving forward. I don’t want to stop. And my plans are to NEVER stop until we find a cure for Crohn’s and UC. I can’t stop. I love advocacy and awareness too much. I will always be here. I want to be available as much as I can to listen, answer questions and help break the stigmas surrounding IBD. But how often will I really be available?
How many blog posts will I be able to deliver? I’ve already been producing fewer of them! My Twitter and Facebook availability have gone down. I know this. This tiny ninja has made a greater impact on my life than I ever thought possible.
Ain’t No Stopping Me Now
With all I have going on with baby ninja, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can work things out between being a Mama and IBD advocate. I think in time, once I establish a routine with baby ninja, I will figure things out. I don’t know how much time it will take to establish said routine, though.
Colitis Ninja has been my baby for three years. She’s stolen a piece of my heart. With each passing year that I am an advocate, I realize more and more that it’s what I’m supposed to be doing. Life wouldn’t be complete without it.
Obviously things that won’t change will be the Restroom Cards, Wristbands, Care Packages, Awareness Days/Weeks/Months. IBD events will still go on and I’ll still be attending those when I’m able. There’s still so much to do in the IBD community. There are still so many people in the IBD community who are hurting (and sadly, those numbers are growing). I’m definitely not going away. You can count on that.
You’re priorities are going to change as soon as little ninja arrives. Don’t feel guilty about stepping back, you have to for your own health. Hopefully you’ll bounce back once you’re in a routine if that’s what you want to do. Take time for yourself and your new family, you are in a fortunate position to have a child after what you’ve been through so enjoy it 🙂 your Ninja inspired me to keep fighting xx
Aw, thank you so much, Laurie! Your words have filled my heart! Thank you. I appreciate your kind words SO much. Take care of yourself!
That was so realistic and truthful. You are going to do great things. Being a momma is a lot harder and easier than we expect it to be. That may not make sense yet, but it will in a few short months.
I believe most of us understand how impossible it will seem to juggle blogging and morning, so it was very nice of you to take the time to explain.
Wishing you a great birthing experience. Please don’t stress on blogging, caring for a baby is one thing, but a Ninja… your going to need rest,patience,understanding, amd strength! Thank you!
Thank you, Crystal! Much appreciated!!! <3