Isabel Allende said “We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward.”
<p
The depth of my appreciation for all I’ve survived now inspires me to help others who can’t or don’t have the means to help themselves. It also pushes me to be grateful for what I’ve gained rather than what I’ve lost.

Here are two more clips from my speech at the American Autoimmune Related Disease Association public forum in Detroit. I explain why I always say I’m fine when I’m asked, “how are you?” And I explain why there is a good side to being sick. I hope my words let others know they can soar above their obstacles without losing their joy or zest for life.

<p>

Why it’s good to be sick

The real answer to how are you

<p>
#autoimmunedisease #invisibleillness #chronicillness #chronicpain #igg4 #disability #detroit #spoonie #africanamerican #women #isabelallende