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…
What a “Good Day” Really Means With Chronic Illness
As someone who has lived with chronic illnesses for over twenty years, I know that ‘good days’ often come with people assuming I am well. People saying I am looking better, or I seem well today do nothing but show…
Wanting to Feel Seen When You’re Chronically Ill
I have had people talking over me and behind me when I’m in my wheelchair, had to say no to plans with friends because it isn’t accessible. I have even gone out with family, only to realise they didn’t book…
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…
When Your Body Says No
Yesterday I went out to get my hair trimmed and to pick up a couple of things from the shops. It’s something most people do in between other jobs, but for me it was a big trip that would have…
Low-Energy Living: A Gentle Routine for Flare Days
This morning, I woke up tired, my body aching and brain fog making the world seem confusing and words hard to find. I need to write this blog post, and yet when my body is struggling it always feels as…
