AWA Newsletter
AWA DEC - 2017 | ISSUE 16 AWA | PAGE 01 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Jeremy M.L. Hix, Nidan Dojo Cho-Greater Lansing Aikido; Lansing, MI USA Reflecting on this year, I am inspired by those closest to me. Their perseverance, mental, physical, and emotional fortitude, go well beyond anything short of super human. There are some battles that cannot be won. As in Aikido, there is no winner or loser, only Masakatsu Agatsu "true victory is victory over oneself." Such is the life of people with chronic pain and fatigue. Conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Chronic Fatigue, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Migraines (to name a few from a long list) are "Invisible" in the sense that they may not present outward physical manifestations of the associated symptoms. Furthermore, the individual living with the condition may also feel invisible in the sense of "self" as they are dismissed as faking their ailments. Often, this causes feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and withdrawal. I'm fortunate to have two people in my life that are very close to my heart, both battling with invisible health conditions. They are relentless in their perseverance, in their ability to overcome. They practice Aikido on crutches, in wheelchairs, and are eager to learn. They travel to Japan and explore the world. They never give up. They never acquiesce. Through understanding, compassion, empathy, and love, we can help make visible the beautiful person beneath the vale of these chronic conditions. I would like to dedicate this editorial to my better halves: Kristy, and her sister, Kayla. Thank you both for your perseverance in the face of adversity, and for giving me the privilege of being your friend along the way.
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