Flare For Months

Hey, Beautiful Warrior If we’ve crossed paths before—welcome back. If you’re new here, I’m so glad you’ve found your way to this space. My name is Annmarie Entner, and I’m the heart behind Life Coaching For Change. I support women who are newly diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis or feeling overwhelmed in the thick of it—and I walk alongside them as they navigate the heartbreak, the uncertainty, and the brave work of redefining their lives. But today, I want to do something a little different. I want to reintroduce myself—not just as a coach, but as a woman who’s been where you are. When I was first diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I was overwhelmed by doctor appointments, uncertain treatment plans, the grief of not knowing what my future held, and the quiet ache of wondering if I’d ever feel "normal" again. I had moments of fearing I wouldn’t be able to hold my grandchild, dance at a wedding, or even enjoy the little things without pain tagging along like an uninvited guest. I know what it’s like to smile on the outside while you're barely holding it together inside. And I also know what it means to rise—to choose purpose in the midst of pain, to hold both hope and grief in the same hand, and to show up fully, even when your body wants to do anything but. That’s why I do what I do. Today, my life looks so different—not because the pain is gone, but because I’ve made peace with it. I've learned to move with it instead of letting it define me. I’ve become my own advocate, embraced support, rebuilt precious relationships, and found strength I never knew I had. And now, I help other women do the same. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, support groups, or walking side by side (literally!) in my new walking group, I’m here to remind you: ✨ You are not alone. ✨ You are not broken. ✨ And your diagnosis is not the end of your story—it’s the start of a new chapter. So consider this blog a fresh hello. I'm still the same Annmarie—coach, author, speaker, wife, mom, proud grandma, and woman who’s been through it all—but I’m also evolving, just like you. I’m growing into new roles, building new resources, and showing up more fully than ever, so I can continue to support you on your journey. If you're ready to reconnect, reignite your sense of self, or simply breathe a little easier—I'm right here. Let’s keep walking this path together. With love and light, Annmarie

When you’re first diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, everything can feel like it’s been flipped upside down. I remember the exact moment I got the news. The fear hit hard. “Why me? What did I do wrong?” It’s the question that sits with you in those early days. Your plans for the future, your sense of […]

How many of us take medications that cost “A LOT”…. I recently had this fear and am still working through it.  My husband got laid off last month in corporate world “Workforce Reduction”. I went into complete survival mode and scared shitless.  In April I will have experienced not being in pain for one year.  […]

As I continue to be on my journey of self-reflection and honesty, I realized that change is consistent even in the face of a challenging diagnosis like Rheumatoid Arthritis. I knew that I had to find a way to adapt and cope with this new reality. I started by educating myself about Rheumatoid Arthritis and […]

Fear of the unknown refers to anxiety around unpredictable situations or events. We are likely to experience fear of the unknown when there is a lack of information. In the early months of my diagnosis with Rheumatoid Arthritis, I vividly remember the constant feeling of fear that consumed me. At that time, I had no understanding […]