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…
Changing Routines So They Don’t Tire You Out
I love routine and having set things at set times but changing routines so they don’t tire you out is important too. Being flexible when our chronic illnesses flare or change can make a big difference to how we can…
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…
The Softest Version of Self-Care on Low Energy Days
In our society, self-care is often seen as something that needs to be done, bought, aesthetic or aspirational in some way. But on low spoon days, this can feel like another burden that has to be done instead of something…
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…
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…
