This was inspired by a huge project I was unexpectedly forced to take on. The stress of this task has been heavy but I’ve learned how to listen when my body speaks. What is your go to survival kit when you are loaded down? Well I try to pull in my favorite healthy snacks, sometimes a few bad ones. A detox bath, and soothing music with hot tea is always relaxing. The most important for me is to rest when my body says stop. That doesn’t always mean sleep sometimes it’s stealing a few moments of silence. Conquering this huge task has really given me a mental boost that at times I can rise to the occasion. Whatever the consequences from this I will be proud I persevered.

I realized how powerful hope in positive things can be in your life. More often than not we can feel woe is me for this devastating chronic illness I have to carry. What about all the good that can be done now that you are a chronic illness warrior?

We are living proof that each day can be conquered ,maybe not always valiantly but bravely. We stand up to doctors, employers, family, and friends to defend our invisible illness. We are in constant search for a reasonable cure that generations can benefit from. We thrive on hope. Make sure you remember despite all you go through, you are BEAUTIFUL!

Loving oneself is as important as being loved by another unconditionally. When chronic illness strikes, a relationship can be undone. We need to be loved as the people we are currently not the person we left behind. This doesn’t mean we don’t get up and dress up because we feel bad. We do, likely covering over all evidence of illness to be seen. Behind closed doors our significant other sees the bare bones. I’ve been fortunate to have strong, supportive ,and ,compassionate mate. This makes dealing with the gray days a little less daunting. Be appreciative for the support and strength your loved ones provide. All too often many walk away when they can’t handle this life sentence of chronic illness. It’s great to know there are still people who believe in the vows taken when married. Show up for date night, cook a special meal, go see a movie together when you have good days. It brings so much brightness to the relationship. Savor the good times!

As if having a chronic illness isn’t hard enough, imagine having to play “supermom”. While kids are loving, intuitive ,and resilient,  they don’t understand mom has to take a sick day or a few. They want to run, jump, and watch their favorite movies with mom. Chronic illness doesn’t allow us to be the super humans we want to be for ourselves or our children. Instead we have to take a seat on the bench and have time out in the game of life.

I have to have age appropriate conversations with my 9 year old about how mommy is feeling. These short one on one discussions really help him to put things in perspective at times. Is he ever disappointed mommy can’t play with him some days? Absolutely,  but in hindsight I see character building in him to be a strong compassionate person. One who will understand the limitations of others and yet be there to support them. So to my chronic illness moms- one day at a time.

Depression and anxiety are two topics rarely discussed with chronic illness. That’s not fair as it plays a big role in our health. Feelings of hopelessness and despair about our diagnosis is common, yet disregarded or to the other extreme called the main source of our “phantom” illness. I can’t count the number of times I try to remember what I felt like before I was sick,or remember what it was like to be pain free. Adjusting to a completely new lifestyle that those around you can’t comprehend is very emotional! The cure for the blues?

Truth is there are going to be days you will just feel down. For extreme cases medication is needed. I try to practice emerging myself in things I enjoy and people I enjoy them with. I also hold tight to hope. Hope that one day I will not be this person. Know that you are not alone in your struggles of emotion. Fellow chronic illness warriors are constantly chasing rainbows.

Welcome to the new format and my now .com. So very excited about where this blog is heading. Now, down to business. I had an experience a few days ago that inspired my subject. Chronic illness warriors know that medicine can come a dime a dozen from your physicians. When a new complaint pops up it’s usually accompanied by a new pill. Unfortunately, I have been a guinea pig for new medicines on the market which comes with it’s own set of interesting side effects. This occurred once again as I took a new pill on the market for pain. I’ve taken this pill before, but as you know things can change. I felt as if I were having an outer body experience.  I was dizzy,anxious, and I couldn’t sleep. This lasted for more than 12 hours! Never again,I’d rather suffer through pain than go on that merry go round. I can’t wait to tell my doctor this is not for me anymore, and no new pills anytime soon. Be your best advocate, speak up when something doesn’t feel right. It’s your body, make sure you protect it at all cost.

Dealing with an invisible illness brings it’s own set of doubters. When it can’t be seen or touched it’s passed off as nothing too important. We’ve all been there with family, friends, employers, co workers, etc. I sat in an ER one day with a pain level off the scale from a flare.  My advocate- a really close sister friend of mine who told the Dr ” I know my friend and she is in pain. Please help her”.

This is an ongoing battle, there is no sure Cure. Until they find better ways to detect our symptoms,  better conversations lead to better results. You are not crazy and it’s not in your head.You do well to steer clear of the those you can’t convince. Surround yourself with positive people who will reinforce their confidence in you. Sometimes I have to “spring clean” the nay sayers out of my life. Remember to always be a refreshing source and don’t let anyone bitter your lemonade.

Our friends are some of the closet and dearest people to us. I used to say no “new friends “. Was I ever wrong. I have found the benefits of connecting with fellow chronic illness survivors to be comforting, exhilarating, comical, and inspiring. Being able to relate and encourage each other through this struggle is priceless. This doesn’t put my lifelong friends on the back burner by far. The one thing I appreciate most about them is that they’ve been willing to learn and understand what has drastically changed my life. The balance of old and new is such a blessing, find a support group in your area. Reach out to a fellow chronic illness survivor. You won’t regret it, it will be an uplifting experience.

Remember when you were the party planner, the “fun one”, the last minute throw something awesome together person? Don’t grieve that person, they are still alive inside of you. Chronic illness may change a lot of who we are,but one thing we must learn to fight for is our joy. Hold on to the things that make you happy. I’ve always loved to travel. At any opportunity I’m at the beach or any of my other favorite sunny destinations.

At times when we are in crisis, self care is what the Dr orders. Peace and quiet can be our best friend. When our family and friends go to voicemail they may feel cut off or neglected. Little do they know we are dealing with a pounding migraine or all over body aches. The list can go on, we just need that quiet moment for ourselves and the pain meds to kick in. To our friends and family just keep loving us the way you always have perhaps just a little more. If you go to voicemail when you call, leave us an encouraging message or send us a text to say I’m thinking about you. That goes a long way.

This subject is one that hits home to many of my chronic illness survivors. Apologies ahead of time for any strangeness in this post, I’ve been dealing with a massive headache and brain fog this week. Moving forward… the outside and and sometimes inside (close family) well wishers usually have a solution to most if not all of our ailments. Whether it’s a tea, cream, or aromatherapy oil the recommendations are endless. Here’s the truth, chronic illness is unique to each individual and has to be treated as such. What may work for you may not work for me. Being pushy is not being supportive. A nice blanket with a regular cup of hot tea and a good movie on a rough day, that’s supportive. The most supportive thing you can do- LISTEN. There are times we really need to talk about how we feel. You don’t have to tell us it’s going to be ok just that you will be there. That means more than you know.