Life Altered — Kate Spencer

I read a magazine article years ago shortly after my sarcoidosis diagnosis. It covered the topic of the “shoulds” in life. The article defined a “should” as an item such as good health,…

I began the year with good intentions. I simply wanted to invite more fun and less stress into my life. The first sign that my intentions for 2020 were going awry occurred on…

I have a rare health condition called sarcoidosis, which causes extreme fatigue, joint pain, and difficulty breathing. It can affect all of the major organs, including the lungs, heart, eyes, and skin. Sarcoidosis…

I often am my own worst enemy. Well, sarcoidosis is actually my worst enemy. But I’d say I’m a close second. I know I need to take good care of myself on a daily…

My husband is heading out on an impromptu business trip. Coincidentally, his destination is just minutes from one of our favorite vacation spots. I could easily stay home, but I’ve decided to accompany him.

I mentioned in a previous column my desire to embrace winter this year. As I’m writing this, it has been unseasonably warm here in the Northeast. Warmer temperatures help tremendously with my…

I miss traveling. Because of sarcoidosis, sleep difficulties, equilibrium challenges, pain, and constant fatigue must be considered. Other types of travel are no longer feasible, so I mostly stick with driving short distances…

Years ago, I took a young family member to acting classes for eight weeks. The class focused on improvisation, also known as improv. During that two-month period, I learned so much about the fine…

I previously wrote about the challenge of living with sarcoidosis during the four seasons. Each season has its difficulties. Yet I can’t imagine living without the change in weather. I enjoy each season…

As we usher in a new year, I realize that I have not made resolutions in ages, which I guess is directly related to my sarcoidosis. I suppose that years ago, I put…

It’s not uncommon to take a step back and assess the year now that we’re well into December. For many, this includes reflecting on goals accomplished — if any — and the state of…