Someone recently asked me: “What do the Rheum to THRIVE support group meetings feel like?” I’ll be honest with you, it’s hard for me to put into words because each meeting brings up so many different emotions and we connect on so many different levels.
A safe place to feel your feelings
We process grief, relief, frustration, joy, confusion, and elation all in the course of one hour. We might go into “learning mode,” with a 5 minute deep dive into pain science. Then, we might shift to “emotional support” mode where we help each other cope with fluctuating, unpredictable symptoms. As cliche as it sounds, we might truly laugh and cry in the same meeting!
Rheum to THRIVE members come from all around the globe to support each other, and you can truly feel the warmth through the Zoom screen. Just check out this photo from one of our rheumatoid arthritis support group meetings, shared with permission:
“I’m not the only one”
Each group is different, but one thing that always occurs is that someone says: “I swear, I thought I was the only one who (felt this, or did this!)” I love seeing relief wash over someone’s face as they discover that they’re not the only one who struggles with fatigue. They’re not the only one who has dropped a mug and cried when it shattered on the sink. You’re not the only one who’s been petrified to give yourself an injection of arthritis medication!
We spend time learning and problem solving. We also hold space for each other when we encounter problems we simply have to cope with, because not all problems are solvable in the present moment.
Connecting as Humans
In Rheum to THRIVE , we make connections related to our chronic illnesses but also beyond them; we discuss our favorite books, TV shows, foods, pet peeves, and hobbies and connect as full humans, united by more than chronic illness.
Last December, after completing the initial Rheum to THRIVE program, Sherri said: “I’m grateful to have met this group of fun and resilient people and to benefit from the fantastic psychoeducational materials Cheryl painstakingly put together.”
And I loved what Katie shared recently about her experience with Rheum to THRIVE, check it out here:
Embracing a New Normal is Easier with Community
I really liked what Erin shared: “Connecting with people with similar lived experiences helped me accept a new normal and recognize that I have a right to take up SPACE in this world! Now that I’ve graduated the program, I still return to the helpful lessons and continue to enjoy connecting with the friends I have made.” (Erin, 2023)
As Raquel said: “I am so thankful to have found a community where I feel valued, accepted, and free. Your weekly group is something I always find myself looking forward to.” (2023)
I truly wish that everyone who’s struggled to cope with rheumatic disease had the opportunity to experience the support that’s found in Rheum to THRIVE . I don’t want you to miss your chance to join the upcoming groups.
5 more days to register for the Spring 2024 groups!
I wanted to be sure you knew that enrollment is open for 5 more days. As of today, there are still 4 spots in the Monday group (which meets at 7:30pm EST) and 8 many spots in the Tuesday group (which meets at 5:00pm EST).
You can take the self paced course anytime, but the support groups are only open twice a year.
Enrollment closes at the end of the day on Sunday, February 11th 2024 and won’t open again until September. See all the details or sign up here: Rheum to THRIVE
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