Why Good Pain Management Is Suicide Prevention
I don’t think that it is a coincidence that September is both Pain Awareness Month, and Suicide Prevention Month. I have lived with chronic pain for over twenty years, and I can understand why bad pain management can lead to…
Finding Joy and Magic While Living with Chronic Illness
When I first became disabled, finding joy and magic while living with chronic illness felt impossible. I grew up believing that a meaningful life had to be a busy one, society tells us that adventure happens outside our home. Success…
Disability Pride Isn’t About Loving Your Disability
Disability Pride Isn’t About Loving Your Disability; it’s about finding ways to live your best life despite symptoms and abilities that make it harder. Taking steps to make life possible, coping with the ups and downs of life, and not…
How To Stay Calm Under Pressure
Occasionally, we all experience feelings of fear and anxiety. Sometimes they seem to appear out of nowhere and other times we know exactly what’s causing them. It could be a presentation at work, a difficult conversation, a mistake you’ve made,…
You Are Worthy of Love
I think so many people struggle to believe that you are worthy of love when you are disabled, and much of this comes from the messages we absorb as we are growing up in this society. We worry that needing…
Finding Small Joys on Difficult Days
I used to measure my good days by how much I got done; I pressured myself to pushing against my symptoms to ‘achieve’ and it became exhausting. I have since learned that peace, comfort and rest are so meaningful, and…
Chronic Illness, Identity & Letting Go
There has been a lot of change in my life, I guess that’s why using the name Beverley Butterfly makes sense! But right now, as I step into menopause, and look back to see how chronic illness, identity and letting…
Managing Stress as a Disabled Carer
It is International Stress Awareness Week and though this year’s theme is about optimising employee wellbeing I am going to talk about something different. I cannot work, as I am disabled, but almost six years ago me and my husband…
Living Beyond the Visible: My Life with Invisible Disabilities
It is Invisible Disabilities Week and so it is the perfect time to share My Life with Invisible Disabilities. I have lived with invisible illnesses for over twenty years and over that time I have experienced so much, let’s get…
Magic in the Midlife: Embracing Menopause as a Sacred Transition
With hot flashes and my period stopping, I knew I was in menopause but having seen my doctor it is now official. I have very mixed feelings about this, from curiosity to fear and I think many women my age…
