In the past year, I have been on a journey to regain my health. In November 2005, I went to the doctor because of pain in my feet. After numerous tests, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I didn't know much about the disease but I was in a lot of pain.

Doctors wanted to treat me with drugs but I wanted to heal without them. My journey included chiropractic, naturalpathic care, major nutritional changes, acupuncture, and energy medicine. One year after my diagnosis, I see tremendous change in my physical, mental and emotional well-being. .

These changes are due to working with my diet, energy medicine as well as my attitude and emotional well-being. I had been searching for answers in the past with no success. This dis-ease has given me the opportunity to find my answers and to start growing again as a person. I have learned to:

1. Release anxiety ? I used to get a knot in my stomach when I started feeling overwhelmed from thinking about so many things. Now, I stop and breathe and let the oxygen give me the strength to focus and find my balance. I am training myself to address the things I can take action on; If I can't take action immediately, I write it down which is enough action to help with the feeling of overwhelm.

2. Focus on health ? Once I learned how to release the anxiety, I could focus on my health and healing ? not on my dis-ease. Learning how to use the energy of my own body to help me heal was an amazing discovery. The effects of appropriate nutrition to assist in the healing process have been a benefit to my health as well as my family's.

3. Enjoy and express gratitude for my family ? I always loved my family but I think I also may have taken them for granted. Now I enjoy watching my boys with a sense of gratitude. Volunteering to help in their classrooms and spending time with my family is wonderful therapy for my mind, body, and spirit. My blessings include a wonderful husband, fantastic parents, exceptional in-laws and friends that support me in my quest for better health.

4. Do tasks with acceptance and joy ? I look at my daily tasks differently now. I ask for help from my family when I need it; I have reached out to other Moms so I am not isolated.

5. Release emotions ? During my journey I have gained clarity about many of the feelings I was holding inside and not expressing. I can now see a relationship between not expressing my emotions and the dis-ease which has had a major impact on my digestive system. I have learned to accept myself as I am and love myself unconditionally.

6. Strengthen communication skills - Part of releasing my emotions was communicating more effectively with my husband. Asking him for help when I am feeling overwhelmed is a great relief. He is supportive about my alternative health treatment even though it isn't covered by insurance. I am also learning that I need to make sure I am communicating honestly with myself.

7. Continue growing mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have made significant progress and I am still striving to improve these areas. Listening to soothing music, and reading from a variety of inspirational, motivational, and nutritional literature adds to my healing and growth. Writing down affirmations and my thoughts have also been fabulous therapy.

What I have learned over the past year has helped me to understand why my health deteriorated. This blessing in disguise is helping me to discover my authentic power. Now, I am trying to share what I have learned and help others who may have health challenges.