When I got home last night, I had an e-mail from a sweet blog reader who is in the midst [...]]]> Yesterday I read a fantastic post by my friend Ali about her battle with Crohn’s disease and her current flare. Go read it. I’ll wait here until you get back. Seriously. Go now.

When I got home last night, I had an e-mail from a sweet blog reader who is in the midst of an Ulcerative Colitis flare and feeling much like I did at the end of my sophomore year of college — in a  ”why me?” kind of slump.

Here's me, all sad and pathetic in that jail cell again. We'll say I was feeling colitis-y. Really, I was on vacation and happy, but it'll do.

And while I know they both know this, especially Ali “I am a Ray of Sunshine and Positivity” Feller, today’s post is for the two of them, and anyone else who’s feeling all Crohnsy or colitisy today.

First, you need to know that it’s okay to be pissed off or sad or stabby or any other emotion you feel about your disease. These diseases are chronic, and right now there is no cure for IBD. So the fact of the matter is, it’s likely that you’ll deal with this for the rest of your life. I truly believe that there are no “bad” emotions. The lows help us enjoy the highs; the bad days make the good days look even better. Yes, I realize how cheesy and optimistic that sounds. I’m sorry if I made you want to puke. But it’s true.

It’s okay to spend a day cussing out your disease or crying at your best friend. Heck, you can even do what I do and write your disease a letter telling it exactly how angry you are. You should see the strings of expletives I’ve written to Frank. It’s not pretty. But it helps me move on. And that’s what you have to do next.

Dear Frank, I hate your stinkin' guts. You make me vomit. You are scum between my toes. Love, Alfalfa... I mean Lauren. (Bonus points if you get this reference.)

Once you’ve taken your mad or sad time, choose to be happy. It’s hard sometimes. It’s especially hard when you are so tired and anemic that you can hardly function, and you’ve spent your entrie week in the bathroom. Do something that makes you smile anyway. Get a hillarious book or a trashy magazine to read on the toilet. Grab some bubble bath and take a little soak. Paint your toenails bright pink or purple or polka dotted with stripes. Curl up and watch your favorite movie.

Don’t be afraid to talk about it. Ali has this one down to a science. The more I talk about my ulcerative colitis, the more the people around me understand. It is easy to downplay this disease. To tell ourselves how much worse other people have it. To downplay the symptoms when people ask. I used to do it all the time, and I all I can tell you is this: don’t. When you make it seem like no big deal, then of course no one understands when you are curled up in the fetal position cancelling plans at the last minute. Tell your friends how serious it is. Your true friends will understand. Invite those people over for a movie marathon. They won’t mind when you have to hit pause 97 times to run to the potty.

Most importantly, remember that it gets better. The good part about this disease is that flares are usually followed by periods of remission. In remission, everyday life feels a million times better because you’re acutely aware of just how bad it can be. And you’ll get there. I promise. One day at a time.

Help my friends out. What do you do to make yourself feel better during the bad times?

I taught for three years.

I have a different job now, and I absolutely love it. Still, there are a few little things about being a teacher that I miss. Because, you [...]]]> I graduated college in 2007 with a degree in Elementary and Special Education, and every intention of teaching until I retired.

I taught for three years.

Legit teacher badge. So fancy.

I have a different job now, and I absolutely love it. Still, there are a few little things about being a teacher that I miss. Because, you know, when you spend your day with grown-ups instead of ten year olds, there are things you can’t get away with. Here are some of those things.

I miss read alouds. I have a terrible habit of reading aloud to people. I’ll find an article or blog post I like, call my mother, and make her listen to me read it to her. Why not just send her the link? That’d make sense, but I like to read outloud, and it’s sort of weird to sit around and read books outloud to yourself. When you’re a teacher, you get to read aloud to your students. Not only is it socially acceptable, it’s encouraged.

One of my favorite 5th grade read alouds.

I miss the mile. I hated running the mile when I was in school, but I loved wearing my workout clothes to school and running with my students. One of the highlights of my teaching career was when the entire class got up to run the last student to the finish line. Best. Ever.

I miss helping kids solve their problems. The problems that kids face often seem trivial to adults. My friend didn’t sit next to me in the cafeteria. I like that boy but he likes my friend. The thing is, for kids, these problems are real and serious. If you think back, you can probably remember some elementary school dilemmas with specific details. Because at the time, it truly mattered. I absolutely loved sitting with my students and helping them sort through these things.

Most of all, I miss the kids.

So how do I cope? By making my Team Challenge participants wear stickers that reflect their fundraising goals and do silly relays. They love it. Promise.

Have you made a career change? What do you miss about old jobs?

Thursdays just feel better that way.

Because work has me oh-so-happy that I can hardly stand it this week, this is Thankful Things Thursday: I Freaking Love [...]]]> Happy Thursday, friends! I’m going to go back to taking a cue from my friend Ali and starting my Thursday with a healthy dose of thankfulness.

Thursdays just feel better that way.

Because work has me oh-so-happy that I can hardly stand it this week, this is Thankful Things Thursday: I Freaking Love My Job edition. Let’s go.

I’m thankful for this season’s amazing Team Challenge Illinois participants. Forty-one incredible participants from Illinois will cross the finish line in Sonoma on July 15, and I can’t wait to cheer for each and every one of them. I am practicing my super rad cheerleading moves circa 1998.

I'm a Hoffman Hawk. I'm trouble with a capital T. I'm T-R-O-U-B-L-E, so you better not mess with me! Yeah. I'm busting out my cheers on race day. You're welcome.

I’m thankful for the fantastic mentors and coaches of Team Illinois. Mentors can be the difference between a good season and a great one. This season’s mentors are the bee’s knees. I’m so grateful for each of them. And our coaches? Oh, they’re the best. I seriously couldn’t be happier.

I’m thankful long runs as part of my work day. Seriously? I get to run and chat with nice, fun people and that’s my job? Yes, please.

I’m thankful for Pandora stations at work. Specifically my John Mayer station, which has the perfect mellowish work day feel.

I’m thankful for Napa and Vegas. I’ll take those every year. Yes, please.

Last season's Team Illinois. Vegas 2011.

I’m thankful for 41. The number of participants I’ll be taking to California in July!

I’m thankful for making a difference. I love knowing that I am doing something worthwhile at work. I know that the funds we’re raising can really make a difference — for me, my friends, and everyone living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Do you love your job? What are you thankful for at work?

Girls With Guts, a website founded by Charis of Full Frontal Ostomy, Jackie of Blood, Poop, and Tears, and Sara of Inflamed & Untamed, has launched!

Take a turn in the hotseat [...]]]> You won’t see my pretty face in these interviews, because I missed this part of Girls With Guts Weekend. What you will see is five amazing women who are activists within the IBD Community. So take a seat and check this out. Then visit their sites. It’s worth it.

Take a turn in the hotseat and answer one of the questions in the comments below!

I’m a firm believer that sometimes, you have to just sit back and take it easy. Or, you know, carpe the hell out of this diem. Whatever. Sometimes they can both be the same thing. The more I [...]]]> Oh hey. Yes, I’m alive. It’s been a crazy few weeks, but I am still alive and well.

This has nothing to do with anything I just said, but I really like it. So yeah. Do that.

I’m a firm believer that sometimes, you have to just sit back and take it easy. Or, you know, carpe the hell out of this diem. Whatever. Sometimes they can both be the same thing. The more I learn about my ulcerative colitis and the way that my body responds to stress, the better I am learning to care for it. We all have our little tricks that keep us going and help us stay stress-free (or as close to it was we possibly can). Here are some of mine.

Get a solid 8. It is amazing how different my perspective is after a good night’s sleep. It keeps me calmer, happier, and helps keep my immune system in check, too.

Yes, that's me. Sleepy and fashionable. How awesome are those watermelons? How chubby are those little cheeks?

Give a little bit. Going out of my way to be nice to other people always lifts my spirits. It can be as simple as making room for a car that is trying to merge, popping a card in the mail to a friend, or complementing a stranger in line. Sure, you can do big things, too, but when I’m stressed, these little things make a big difference.

Bake! I spent 20 minutes last night making sugar cookies. Yes, it was a dry mix and all I had to do was add butter and water. But they were warm and yummy. It really is the little things.

Read a book. I’m working my way through Let’s Pretend this Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir) by Jenny Lawson, aka The Bloggess. Reading always takes me somewhere else, even for just a few minutes. There is nothing better. (If you’ve never heard the giant metal chicken story, click that link now. Just do it. You’re welcome.)

Get a little treat. I bought myself flowers last week. They cost me $4, and have brought me over a week of happiness. I smile when I see the way they spruce up the room.

Above all, I remember this:

Nobody can make you happy but you. So go ahead and create your happy. What little things make you happy?

15 Things You Should Give Up to Be Happy

18 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Was 18

Last night, that changed. I met up with a group of [...]]]> Sometimes I get so busy and caught up in other things that I forget how good a good run can be. Since I started my job with Team Challenge, I’ve spent a ton of time around running, but not so much time actually running.

Last night, that changed. I met up with a group of my participants for their scheduled 4-mile training run. It was hard, because I’ve been running about once a week lately. It was also absolutely wonderful.

Totally.

The thing I love about running is that it always welcomes me back with open arms. Sure, the first few runs back after a long hiatus are a little slower. They might hurt a little more, too. But somewhere in there, I always find a moment that reminds me why I love lacing up my shoes and hitting the pavement.

I love running because it clears my mind. Sometimes, several miles can go by without me even noticing. It’s rare, but my mind occasionally goes completely blank and I just lose myself in the run. There is no better feeling than this.

I love running because it gives me time to think. Quite the opposite of my last reason, I know. But there are runs during which I feel like I’ve solved all the world’s problems — or at least the problems of everyone in my life. A good run helps me sort out all of the dilemmas I’m facing, gives me new perspective, or at least puts in in a better mood.

I love running because I love endorphins. I am absolutely in love with the “runner’s high.” It’s real. And it’s awesome.

I love running because I’ve met wonderful people through running. From my Team Challenge participants to old teammates from other running groups, to other people I’ve met along the way, some of my favorite people are those I’ve gotten to know while we run together. There’s nothing like a friend by your side to make the miles tick by.

I love running because when I take a break, it’s always there for me when I return.

Why do you love running? Or whatever it is you love?