World ostomy day was a few days ago, but what have I been doing that I missed it? Living. The very thing that this ostomy has given me. I can’t tell you how scared I was in this first picture. Every time I changed my bag I would shake, I would dread bag change days, I would plan my bag less showers, I was terrified to return to work. The bag felt like 1000 pounds. But I also realized, it was time to start living. The feeling of being scared was only temporary, and it was time to live. Stanley girl, you have been the unexpected surprise in my life. You have given me confidence and taught me it’s okay to be unsure about the future. You have taught me that I can be happy, healthy and resilient. What does living look like to me? Being present. Not having to worry about food. Not having to be in bed all day. Just keeping myself busy and not concerned about being sick. Happy Ostomy awareness day and month to all of you! This surgery is not for the weak, so you are all troopers! Be well💜 #⁣crohns #crohnsdisease #colitis #ulcerativecolitis #ibd #ibdawareness #chronicillness #chronicpain #autoimmunedisease #ostomy #ostomate #colostomy #ileostomy #pain #stoma #health #surgery #recovery #mentalhealth #inspire #selflove #nocolon #nocolonstillrollin #happiness #postop #colectomy #quarantine