Living with chronic illness means grieving a life lost, a life we'd hoped to live, a life we'd planned to live. As we are faced with chronic illness, and throughout our time in it, we continue that grieving process, stepping through the 5 Stages of Grief. Most of us are familiar with the 5 stages … [Read more...]
Extra Spoons and Inspiration
These posts contain little tips and inspiration to help you gain an "extra spoon" or two. Many with invisible illness call themselves "spoonies" in reference to The Spoon Theory by Christine Miserandino. The idea is that we equate our energy levels to spoons, when our energy levels are low, we need spoons. These posts are meant to help you increase your energy (whether mental or physical), and therefore your spoons.
The Slow Death of Compassion For the Chronically Ill
In "The Slow Death of Compassion for the Chronically Ill," Ken McKim makes several excellent points, about the lack of compassion towards those with chronic illness. It's not too long (30 minutes) and definitely worth watching and sharing, especially with those who question your illnesses, or … [Read more...]
5 tips for getting through a fibro flare
When you have Fibro, flares are gonna come. Despite all that I've found to improve my fibromyalgia symptoms and reduce how often the flares come, they still come. However, I've learned that there are ways to limit how long those flares stay, and how bad they are while they visit. Below are 5 tips … [Read more...]
15 Most Requested Gifts for People with Chronic Illness
15 Most Requested Gifts (for people with chronic illness) It's that time of year again, when you are searching for that perfect gift for the people you love. It can be difficult enough to find the perfect gift, but throw chronic illness into the mix and it becomes even more tricky. What do you buy … [Read more...]
8 Songs to calm you when everything seems out of control
8 Songs to Calm You When Life Feels Out of Control Stress and anxiety are not friends of chronic illness. Sadly, sometimes it seems like those two seek us out and harass us to no end. Not long ago, I had a situation arise that really stressed me out. I was feeling pushed to do something that was … [Read more...]
16 ways I boost my self-confidence despite chronic illness
I struggle with self-confidence. I think I always have but I think that chronic illness has made that struggle worse. It's hard to be confident in myself when I look around and see what others are accomplishing. I know I shouldn't gauge my accomplishments on what are others are doing and I … [Read more...]
8 things you need to remember when living with chronic illness
When we live life with chronic illness, we often get so wrapped up in our illness that everything looks bleak and hopeless. Everything hurts and we're just beyond tired. We feel like our body is attacking and often as a result of feeling so bad physically, our mental health takes a toll and we begin … [Read more...]
6 Things those living with chronic illness need to know
What you need to know if you live with chronic illness Chronic pain and fatigue can really wear you down, whether it's fibromyalgia, CFS/ME, lupus, or something else. Living in chronic pain can tear at your soul, it can make you feel worthless, and unworthy, but you are not. As I've talked with … [Read more...]
10 Ways to keep Chronic Illness from stealing your life
Chronic illness will steal your life if you let it. It will take over your entire identity and become everything you think about. But, it doesn't have to be that way. Chronic illness is only something you have to live with, it is NOT who you are. Don't let chronic illness steal your life. 10 … [Read more...]
Chronic illness and letting go of guilt
Chronic illness and guilt go hand in hand, it seems. There are so many types of guilt that we deal with every day that dealing with guilt becomes another symptom of chronic illness. I often feel guilt related to living with chronic illness. Guilt at not being able to do the things others … [Read more...]
