I was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis just two weeks before my 21st birthday. It's been 13 years now and despite doing well on medication and not having any major flair ups, I still live with the fact that my kidneys will not last my lifetime. Since being diagnosed I've lived a fantastic life and never let my kidney disease prevent me from achieving goals - work and life wise. I've been lucky enough to visit many countries, meet many interesting people for work and have many stories to share. As I get older and move into my 30s, I've had to slow down a bit even though I now run my own business. Every doctor’s visit is a reminder that I will need dialysis and eventually, a transplant. It's been very difficult for me the past few months, as I turn 34, to process this and I've spent a lot of time thinking and worrying about what the next 10-15 years will look like. But I'm now done worrying and instead just thankful have very supportive family and friends who remind me of what's important in life. I'm glad to say my mindset is back to where it was and I try and remind myself that medical technology is moving so fast, and I am hopeful that there will be significant breakthroughs for those of us living with kidney disease, awaiting a transplant or going through dialysis. I'm choosing to live my life with joy, gratitude and appreciation. I'm still going to achieve my goals I've set for my 30s and 40s. I'll meet many more interesting people, travel to more places and have even more wonderful stories to share. 

The most important lesson I've learned whilst living with kidney disease is to be kind to yourself. Treat yourself with compassion and be thankful for what your body has given you.