Butterfly Chronicles

When this pandemic started out I had so many goals I wanted to accomplish. I’m chronicsuperwomaninmymind if I remember what day it is. This week has been a little bumpy but I was able to shake off the weights to move forward. With chronic illness, simple things can knock you off track..your monthly period, added stress,  storm systems coming through.  It will make you feel like you are constantly going in a circle. Don’t forget, celebrate the small victories. If you got out of bed today give yourself a star!! If you didn’t that’s ok you still deserve a star for thinking about it. Continue to be safe, it’s a monster plague affecting us all.

So this new journey has taken on so much meaning..before I share my story I would like for you to read the story of the wonderful person who got me here…

I have really enjoyed this past week of clean eating and drinking. Thank you to Keosha for keeping this before me as a fellow spoonie. I’ll fill you in on the next post about my great results. In the meantime enjoy the interview below.

I’ve learned that having chronic illnesses means you take many journey’s as you try to find answers to the many whys. I’m starting a new journey to improve my health. I’ve cut out all animal products, and dairy for 10 days. Yes a ten day reset of my body. I can’t  wait to share the finished product. I’m on day three and I feel pretty good. I’m always scared to get excited because chronic illness is a rollercoaster ride. I will be interviewing the person  who set me on this journey here on the blog. Stayed to hear her amazing story. In the meantime, stay safe and healthy!!

What would you describe your survival story like? We are all in survival mode in different ways. Many have been touched personally by covid-19 by losing love ones, others have love ones they are praying for. I’m used to being quarantined because of the different chronic illnesses I suffer with. I also have to be sensitive to those who are having a hard time dealing with little to no human contact. Know that these things are temporary and this too shall pass. Use this time to do for others,  improve yourself in various ways, and most importantly stay safe. Panicking doesn’t make us smart, staying up to date keeps us ready. Check on the elderly,  chronic warriors, and others who could use your help. Send huge virtual hugs.

I can’t begin to tell you how busy I’ve been since covid-19 showed it’s face.  The rush to get necessities for me and my family. Making sure all my medications were current. Working hard to cut down store runs, it’s been a little chaotic.  When I jump out the whirlwind I try to take quiet time for my mind. A cup of tea, an adult coloring session, catching up on my murder mystery books. These things along with a few video calls from friends keep me from being stir crazy. I still have to take time to rest even though I myself am a caretaker of older parents. This situation has been a challenge,  in some ways a blessing. It’s helped me to quiet my mind at times to think through my journey.  I enjoy those times as I look forward to once again, running,  jumping, bending, tumbling without any fear…..What positives have you found from being home more…I hope and pray your time is peaceful. Be safe all!

At the beginning of Covid-19, most people took this disease at just another sickness. Now that life as we know it is changing before our eyes we have been forced to adjust. Did you panic buy? Did you stockpile? Are you lacking? I’ve tried my best to stay out of stores and crowd but I seem to keep forgetting things. I also have elderly parents so I’ve been doing my best to keep them in as well. I’m already a homeschool mom, so those changes didn’t affect my family. As a matter of fact we find it comical now that the nation has turned to homeschooling. My son has been a little bit more motivated now that his peers have joined him in homeschooling. I ‘m trying to accomplish small steady task to stay busy but not exhausted. This is tricky and still a work in progress. I’m excited to see how this all develops. Stay safe all!

Panic buying, mask,  school closures. It’s everywhere. No escaping Coronavirus. As chronic illness warriors we can’t help but be concerned because we have compromised immune systems. Best advice-don’t panic. Cleanliness is the best option,  washing hands, keeping your home and car sanitized are a great start. Boosting the immune system with vitamin C, elderberry,  vitamin D and other supplements can also be helpful. Even though we take this threat seriously at this moment our lives don’t stop, we just play smarter. Here’s to hoping you all stay healthy and happy.

Generally when we have the sniffles,  a cough, or fever we take cold and flu medications and in a few days, we’re good as new. When a flare comes on a chronic illness warrior this is no one stop shop, or medication cocktail that fixes everything. Where I live, the weather can be compared to monsoon material…the rain has been endless for days. This has resulted in heightened inflammation. Though I’ve had a couple of shots it still has not calmed the pain. This is no pity party but an education in how fragile our system can be. I’ve surrounded myself with great distractions until the sun shines once more. Who is is ready for flip flops!!

This week has been one of the biggest rollercoaster rides I’ ve been on in awhile. As soon as I thought I was going up I went down or in a loop. Chronic illness comes with setbacks when you have something like the flu, it takes your body on a ride before you feel the chronic type of normal again. I was so pleased when my Dr told me to get plenty of rest. I still struggle with feeling guily if I rest sometimes. Chronic warriors always get a stigma of lazy but the outside world has no idea, we are anything but. I ‘m look8to the next week with hope and optimism. Hang tough out there..just a little while longer.

This past week had definitely been challenging. I was diagnosed with the flu and my son ,strep throat.  My husband instantly became double care taker. The usual stress put on the body by chronic illness is more than enough, when you add something as brutal as the flu it’s an anvil dropping on your body. I’m tired, defeated, and foggy but I ‘m pulling through. I really respect taking time to rest and recover verses pushing through. We have been inundated with rain and cool weather, where is summer?? I desperately need you. In the meantime sand and sun are in my dreams.