Today we’d like to introduce you to Angelic Ingram
Angelic, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins with an insecure, people pleasing and fearful young woman who was afraid to live her truth. As like with many rude awakenings, it took a life changing experience (trauma) and chronic illness for me to see the light that lies within true appreciation, gratitude and empathy for myself and others.
I was 31 years old, and newly married, when I experienced the sudden trauma. I won’t go into details here as it’s a very long story but you can read it in my book “Women Thrive” if you choose to read it (a compilation of women sharing their stories through adversity)
It wasn’t long after this trauma that I began to experience physical symptoms such as shortness of breath, muscle pain and weakness, dysphagia (inability to swallow food) and depression. These symptoms increased over time and eventually, I was succumbed to a wheelchair because I had lost the ability to move my legs, lift my arms or even turn my head. It took 4 months for my doctors to determine my diagnosis through a muscle biopsy. I was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis, a rare, autoimmune, inflammatory disease that affects the muscles and skin (I also had rashes on my face and joints).
Thankfully, I responded well to the first protocol of treatment which was methotrexate and prednisone (lots of steroids!). It took a few years, but I was able to get out of my chair and regain my strength. It was a very long road and there were many days I just wanted to give up and call it quits. I have to say that if it wasn’t for the people around me who supported me and kept encouraging me to keep going, who knows where I would be right now. For them, I am forever grateful.
This disease helped me to see my true calling in life, it helped me to find that confident, worthy and spirited woman that was living inside of me. As the saying goes, “That which does not kill us, only makes us stronger” I’m a firm believer in mind over body, and that we have the power and potential to become the people we truly want to be.
I was able to acquire a 20 year “remission” until 2022, when I started to have severe muscle pain and weakness once again. This time it wasn’t so much my DM that was resurfacing but a new diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis that had started to take over. Once again, I was put back on the methotrexate and steroids to calm down the inflammation/pain. It’s not uncommon for autoimmune conditions to piggyback and make things more complicated.
However, this time around, I chose to have bone marrow stem cell treatment. It was a three treatment process of bone marrow extractions and IV infusions over a period of a year. Since those treatments, I have become pain free and my lab numbers eventually went back to normal ranges. I am once again medication free and living a more functional life! Counting my blessings!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely wasn’t a smooth road! I had to battle so much of myself to get to where I am today.
Some of the challenges I faced was the idea that life was happening ‘to me’ rather than ‘for me’. I wasn’t able to see, or accept, that life’s challenges show up for me to learn more about my weaknesses giving me the opportunity to strengthen my self awareness and faith.
I also struggled with not taking on other people’s feelings and expectations, I still struggle with this sometimes. It’s not easy to let go of the feelings (like guilt!) that can be overwhelming, but as I practice more and more on releasing them, and knowing that every decision I make is for MY well being, I honestly feel more peace and balance in my life. We are not responsible for how others feel and/or react.
Another challenge has been giving myself the time and space to process challenges when they arise. I used to respond too quickly and jump to conclusions and/or assumptions of others and situations. This was literally bringing me down in so many ways! I have learned to take the time I need, and truly tap into what is best for me, before I make tough decisions or react in a way that wouldn’t serve me well.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m currently enjoying my mindfulness coaching, a remote business I launched, after leaving my holistic health practice behind in California. I have since relocated with my husband to Portugal and I still work to help others move through adversity through mindfulness practice. I love connecting with others, sharing experiences and offering support and encouragement.
I’m also a huge advocate for chronic illness, myositis and rheumatoid arthritis more specifically. I volunteer with the Myositis Support & Understanding (MSU) non-profit organization. We support the myositis community through various support groups, events, latest research and offer financial assistance for those in need. In addition, I am a part-time collaborator of an amazing chronic illness community on Instagram called “My Spoonie Sisters”, please check us out! @my_spoonie_sisters
I love engaging with the chronic illness community on social media and encouraging all to thrive and keep going! You can find me on Instagram, LinkedIn and on my website; www.angelicingram.com
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I believe risk-taking is something that we ALL partake in whether we know it or not. We take the risk of walking outside, driving our car, accepting a job offer or moving to another country. Risk-taking is part of life, it’s what drives us and keeps us motivated to explore life in various ways. It helps us strengthen our self awareness and is crucial for personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.angelicingram.com
- Instagram: @mindfuljourneys
- Other: angelicingram711@gmail.com
