Living with a chronic illness has brought profound changes to my life. While the journey has been challenging, it has also given me invaluable gifts that have reshaped my perspective and enriched my existence. Here are some key lessons and benefits chronic illness has imparted to me.
Being chronically ill is an isolating, scary, and frustrating experience. From feeling completely drained of energy to fighting off pain or generally feeling unwell, I find it difficult to make new connections with people who may not understand my situation. I had to find a way to push through and bring light to my world. If my struggles can bring a sense of community to just one person, I have done something worthwhile.
Acceptance and Adaptation
One of the first and most crucial lessons chronic illness taught me is the importance of acceptance and adaptation. Accepting my diagnosis and the changes it brings was not easy, but it allowed me to find new ways to enjoy life and pursue my goals. This process led me to embrace slow living, focusing on the present moment and appreciating the simpler things in life. By slowing down, I am better equipped to determine what activities I can or cannot participate in, without causing me unbearable consequences of pain, restlessness, or possible injury. Naturally, my condition has come with certain accommodations that I can choose to utilize or forgo. For example, using a handicapped parking permit allows me to save energy for errands rather than using it all up just by walking to and from the car.
Redefining Normal
Living with a chronic illness means redefining what "normal" means for me. It’s about finding a new balance between taking care of myself and getting things done. I've learned to pace myself, choosing where to put my energy wisely. I'm learning to cope with the hard days, move and adjust my social activities, and ask for help when I need it. This shift has helped me to appreciate the value of slow living and the joy found in simple everyday moments.
Managing Expectations
Chronic illness has taught me to set realistic expectations for myself and others. I've learned to celebrate small victories and progress, understanding that it's okay to take things one step at a time. This approach has fostered self-love and acceptance, allowing me to speak kindly to myself and recognize my achievements, no matter how small.
My experience has helped me recognize how much planning is required for me to participate in certain activities. Will I be able to do anything before or after the activity? Will I need to save my energy, plan to go to bed early, or take a nap afterward? These types of questions have made it easier for me to not over extend myself and still be able to socialize, participate in family functions, and manage the expectations of my family before, during and after the planned activity.
Self-Care and Wellness
Prioritizing self-care has become a cornerstone of my well-being. Chronic illness has given me a deeper appreciation for the importance of taking care of my physical and emotional health. I've learned to advocate for myself, ensuring that my needs are met and that I maintain a balance between rest and activity. Self-care looks different for everyone for different phases of our lives. Sometimes I go for the entire bubble bath, with candles, essential oils, bath salts, and relaxing music. Other times, when my energy is low, I might opt for a quick warm shower and use my jade roller on my face before bed. Your self-care practice does not have to be time or energy-intensive, after all the whole point is to replenish your energy and be sustainable.
Building a Support System
A strong support system is invaluable. Chronic illness has taught me the importance of surrounding myself with understanding and supportive people. These relationships have improved, as I've learned to communicate my experiences and open up about my needs. It has also helped me to better appreciate the support I receive and improve the way I recognize it. This network includes family, friends, and healthcare professionals who provide encouragement and assistance. I've also found it easier to determine when certain relationships are not going to work out or need to be adjusted to fit my limited energy and time. There are times when I'm less likely to answer the phone or respond to messages- and I've learned to accept this- while setting those boundaries when I just can't hold space. The key is to do so positively and respectfully that doesn't just blow off your loved ones.
Finding Purpose and Joy
Chronic illness has led me to discover new passions and interests that bring joy and fulfillment to my life as I adapt to new activities that require less energy. Stepping into my creativity has been a significant part of this journey, which has healed a part of me I didn't know needed to be healed. My whole life I always told myself I was not creative or had no talent. But when I finally let go of these limiting beliefs, a whole new world opened up for me. Whether through writing, art, or other forms of expression creativity has provided an outlet for my emotions and a sense of purpose.
Advocacy and Empowerment
Living with a chronic illness has empowered me to become an advocate for my health and well-being. I've learned to organize my life effectively, prioritizing what truly matters. From keeping my home clutter-free to organizing important files or maintaining a well-kept calendar on my phone for everything from appointments to reminders and due dates. Staying organized has helped me improve my ability to advocate for myself because I have real data or reminders to pull from when bringing up concerns about my health and well-being. This sense of empowerment extends beyond myself, as I share my journey and experiences to inspire and support others facing similar challenges.
Coping Strategies
Effective coping strategies are essential for managing the emotional and physical challenges of chronic illness. Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and therapy have helped me navigate difficult times. These practices have enhanced my resilience and determination, enabling me to face obstacles with strength and grace. Now, I feel less reactive when my symptoms increase, and I am better able to recognize what I need during these times. I highly recommend gathering multiple strategies and tools to help manage your symptoms because it has been my experience that once in a while, you might have to try something different. For example, I almost always use ice/ heat to manage my pain, depending on what is hurting. But lately, I have had to use massage and more medications during a recent flare-up. In the same sense, sometimes meditation works best, and other times it is better to speak with someone, to get out of your head and let go of whatever you are facing.
Embracing Change
Change is an inevitable part of life, and chronic illness has taught me to view it as an opportunity for growth. By embracing change, I've gained a new perspective on what's important in my life. This shift has allowed me to focus on building more meaningful relationships, a sustainable self-care practice that replenishes my energy, and participating in personal development activities like reading. When I start to notice my mental health shifting, I often look at my recent habits and change what I'm doing, to ease my symptoms. For example, maybe my anxiety has been much greater than normal and I'd like to know what to do about it. If I have been watching TV more than usual in the evenings, I might turn on a relaxing frequency video on YouTube instead of a show, and read a book. Simple changes like these, over time have had a major impact on my overall wellness, especially in times of high stress.
Hope and Resilience
Despite the challenges, chronic illness has instilled in me a deep sense of hope and resilience. I've learned to pace myself, understanding that perseverance and determination are key to overcoming obstacles. This resilience has not only helped me cope with my illness but has also enriched my overall outlook on life. This perspective has shaped me into the person I am today, someone I wasn't sure I would ever have the chance to meet.
Conclusion
Living with chronic illness is undoubtedly challenging, but it has also given me invaluable gifts. It has taught me the importance of self-care, advocacy, and slow living. It has helped me develop better relationships, foster creativity, and gain a new perspective on what's truly important. Through this journey, I've learned to appreciate the simpler things in life, speak kindly to myself, and embrace the new normal with grace and determination. I hope that by sharing my experiences, I can inspire others to take back their lives with chronic illness by learning how to cope and advocate for oneself.
It is part of my mission at Soul Sanctuary Wellness Reimagined, to not only help bring acceptance and love to these issues, but also, to provide tools and resources to help others cope with this way of life. If you find yourself struggling, let me know what you need help with, or what you find interesting. I would love to hear any feedback so that I can better support my community and put together relevant resources for all of you.
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With love,
I'm so grateful to get to share my experience and lessons with you all. Please let me know how this post has helped or inspired you. What else are you interested in reading at Soul Sanctuary? 😁