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I wrote the poems in this collection over a period of more than four years - from 25 January 2012 (Before your life is through) to 22 June 2016 (Survive and thrive together).In March 2013, I went to bed one night feeling absolutely fine and awoke the next morning barely able to move, with no feeling at all in my right arm. I spent a few months in absolute agony, unable to use my hands, I wasn’t able to do much for myself and could hardly walk before I was eventually diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Treatment began easing things a little but the following year I was dealt a second blow when I was told that I also have Scleroderma, a rare disease for which there is currently no cure. I decided then that I couldn’t give up. I had to fight all the way. I wanted to help raise awareness and use my experiences to help others who are encountering hardships to understand that our mind is a powerful tool and whatever life brings, we can choose not to dwell on the negatives and find something positive to focus on. The illnesses reduced my physical capacity profoundly. They can often be life-limiting and drastically reduce life expectancy. I have chosen to let them give me a new perspective on life - how we have to cherish everybody and every moment while we still can.If, through my words, I can encourage even just one other person to connect more deeply with life’s riches, and develop new optimism, my life won’t have been in vain. I have selected the poems for this collection specifically because I have a passionate wish to help others to benefit from the very precious help and guidance I have received. Alison Rhodes
