I’ve lived with—and at times, struggled to manage—this horrible disease called ulcerative colitis since 2011. Over the years, I’ve learned a lot (mostly the hard way), and I know I still have plenty more to learn.
I write to share what has helped me, in the hope that it might help someone else who’s walking this same unpredictable road.
When I was first diagnosed, I was scared, confused, and honestly, angry. Angry at my body for turning on me. Angry that something invisible could cause so much chaos. Angry that my life suddenly revolved around doctors, medications, and bathrooms.
But here’s what I wish I’d known back then: self-care isn’t selfish—it’s survival.
The Biggest Lesson: Make Self-Care a Habit
One of the most important things I’ve learned is that making self-care a daily habit is key to living a more balanced and healthy life with colitis.
Ulcerative colitis is a nasty, relentless autoimmune disease that can rob you of your health, your body, your peace of mind, and your time. It can strip away the version of yourself you used to know—and that can feel like grief.
But if we let it, it can also teach us something.
It can teach us to slow down.
To listen to ourselves.
To care for ourselves in ways we may never have done before.
What This Blog (and My Book) Are Really About
In my book, F*#K You Colitis, I share what I’ve learned through trial, error, and experience—the tools, habits, and mindsets that have helped me cope. Not perfectly, but honestly.
My hope is that in reading my words, you’ll find something that resonates. Something you can try for yourself. Something that brings even a little bit of relief, understanding, or clarity on the hardest days.
Redefining Self-Care
Self-care looks different for everyone. At first, it might even feel uncomfortable or self-indulgent—especially when you’re used to pushing through pain or putting everyone else first.
But if you stick with it, I truly believe the benefits will become clear.
For me, self-care isn’t bubble baths and candles (though those have their place).
It’s the conscious and active practice of safeguarding my well-being—taking small, consistent steps to nurture and prioritise my physical, mental, and emotional health.
It’s choosing rest over guilt.
It’s saying no when my body whispers that it’s had enough.
It’s finding moments of calm in the chaos.
And no, it’s not a magic cure.
But it’s something to stand on when everything else feels like it’s falling apart.
Because even with colitis, you deserve to feel whole. You deserve care. You deserve peace.
And if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s that you can live with this disease and still find ways to thrive.
