"A waiting person is a patient person." - Henri J.M. Nouwen

Argh! Have you ever felt impatient at a red light, or irritated at the end of a long line for your prescription at the pharmacy? You're not alone.

Patience can feel scarce when you don't have control over a situation. It can feel like spondylitis interrupted your life and brought a slew of frustrations at the worst moments. Finding a tiny bit of control can bring us patience later.

Control might look like self-care: a walk around the block, getting up early for 15 minutes of alone time, spending time each week encouraging others who have spondylitis or starting a gratitude journal. Don't let anyone (including yourself!) make you feel guilty for taking care of yourself.

Here are recent conversations from MySpondylitisTeam:

• "These flare-ups usually happen right before we get a weather change. It rained and feeing so much better today. I am learning to try and be easier on my self. I tend to forget they don't always last forever."
• "Switching medications to see if that will get me out of the almost constant state of flare. It should all improve over the next few months... just trying to be patient and go slow."
• "I try to be upbeat and still live, but when the closest people around you have nothing but negativity, it gets hard. Oh well. Tomorrow is a doctor's appt with the hematologist and of course a new day. Just smile it will all be okay one way or another."

Have you found ways to take back control and practice patience? What do you do to be more open to self-care? Share your insights in the comments below or directly on MySpondylitisTeam.com.