This topic is about the journey of living with an ostomy and a chronic illness, focusing on the emotional challenges and the path to not just surviving, but thriving. The originator shares their personal experience of dealing with shame and the struggle to connect with their own body and emotions. By opening up about their story, they aim to achieve several things:

- Let go of shame, shift from seeing themselves as just a "survivor" to a "thriver," and acknowledge that tough days are valid.
- Connect with others who might feel isolated, scared, or exhausted, offering a sense of community and understanding.
- Share a simple self-care exercise: place your right hand under your left armpit and your left hand on your right shoulder, then take a slow 5-second breath. This exercise is meant to foster self-compassion and help replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

The originator concludes with a powerful statement: “I may be wounded, but I am not broken.”

In addition, they ask a poet for permission to share one of his verses on their Facebook page, with or without credit, depending on his preference.

Here are some pieces of advice and insights shared by others:

1. A long-time ostomate, who had surgery in 1964, offers reassurance that “you’re going to be okay.”
2. Many members find writing, whether through journaling or poetry, to be therapeutic. The phrase “survivor … thriver” has inspired collaborative poetry among them.
3. A shared poem highlights the importance of a "Survive and Thrive" mindset, emphasizing determination, independence, and the refusal to be defeated, no matter your age.
4. One member shares that once you learn to manage your illness, you start to feel more alive and capable of thriving.
5. A reader asks if the exact hand position is crucial for the breathing exercise, as they are unable to place their left hand on their right shoulder.