Day 309 – Nolo Contendere

Art Apple - Day Three Hundred NineI am guilty of wanting to get something big to happen in the world of spondylitis awareness. It has been my whole mission and constant and full time work for over 10 months – many days working 10-12 hours much to the dismay of my husband and family. I have had a single mindedness and felt so driven that at times didn’t border on obsession – it has been an obsession.

I have been guilty of passionately wanting something so badly. I want for people to understand what AS means as much as they understand what diabetes or RA or Lupus means. I don’t want anyone to have to deal with the huge lack of understanding that exists. I believe that in sharing my project and my art and in sharing our stories while living a positive life in the face of the pain and illness, that we have a chance of going beyond our community – which is what I see is needed to raise awareness. We cannot have the world know about this disease if we only speak to those who know about it already.

I am guilty of wanting to help. I have made some wrong turns but, I have fulfilled my commitments – every day. All I can do is continue in the face of difficulty, work as tirelessly as I have, and believe in myself and my intentions and my heart. That is all I can do. So I will.

Until tomorrow.

Jenna

Day 309 was created in mixed media – pen & ink, thread, acrylic, and watercolor.

10 Replies to “Day 309 – Nolo Contendere”

  1. How wonderful for you to feel that passion…if it borders on obsession, so be it! A passionate life is a fulfilling life! You’ve done SO much already….with the amazing Apple-a-Thon still to come. I wish I had a resevoir of energy to help in the struggle for awareness. I do what I can to educate those around me. If each of us with AS can spread the word a little, it will amount to alot.

    I admire your tenacity, strength & talents, Jenna. Keep on, keepin’ on! xo

  2. You are amazing (guilty and obsessed and all). Yes, if we all do our part, however big or small, then what more can we ask for. You inspire me to do my part. Thank you, Jenna.

    1. Well that is cool – so nice you like me just as I am 🙂 And… I adore your blog Kim – I’m so glad we’ve connected even if it is because we share the difficulties of AS. xox Jenna

  3. Having watched the journey, we know that every day was done with the objective of AS awareness. You need passion, and determination and courage to reach beyond the boundaries of insularism.

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