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The Life-Changing Lessons of My Rare Disease

December 30, 2020 Leave a Comment

Close up photo of a newly-emerged butterfly

In spite of (or maybe because of) the roller-coaster year we’ve had, I’ve learned life-changing lessons from living with chronic illness – and have emerged stronger.

Self-reflection. It’s a good thing, right? And if ever there was plenty of time for wholehearted soul-searching, it was 2020. But damn, this year needs to be over.

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Categories: Living Well Tagged: gratitude, self-care

How to Fake Being Well When You’re Chronically Ill

November 29, 2020 2 Comments

Masquerade mask with brightly colored ribbons

Living with chronic illness isn’t easy. It’s even harder when we fake being well – because there’s a price to pay for doing it.

Do you ever feel like the you’re the great pretender? It’s easier than you’d think – especially if you have a chronic illness that also happens to be invisible.

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Categories: Chronic Illness Tagged: self-care

How to Stop the Sabotage of Negative Self-Talk

November 1, 2020 4 Comments

Happy and sad faces drawn on sticky notes, representing the concept of human emotions.

Living with a chronic illness can predispose us to negative self-talk. It can be hard to prevent our limitations – real and perceived – from changing how we see and value ourselves.

I don’t know anyone who claims to be immune to the potential ravages of negative self-talk. We all do it – although not necessarily to the same degree. Self-doubt, self-loathing, self-consciousness, self-deprecation – I could go on. But I’m guessing you know exactly what I’m talking about.

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Categories: Living Well Tagged: emotional health, self-care

It’s Okay to be Angry When You’re Chronically Ill

August 2, 2020 2 Comments

gray scale photo of stormy sea with large waves

Anger is often a mask for grief. It’s okay to be angry when you’re chronically ill. Once you acknowledge it you can find effective ways to cope so that you can live well.

There are moments – and not just a few – when I recognize that words are the way to the soul. Sometimes, a chain of simple words are tethered together so perfectly that they are extraordinarily profound.

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Categories: Living Well Tagged: emotional health, grief, self-care

Two Unconventional Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

July 26, 2020 Leave a Comment

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There are lots of techniques you can try if you want to fall asleep faster. But when the conventional approaches aren’t working, it’s time to give these two unconventional methods a try.

Sleep. A solid night’s sleep. Don’t I wish! Insomnia is an equal-opportunity condition. A quick Google search produces about 71 million results. And while it’s estimated that it effects 30% of the population, knowing that you’re not alone doesn’t make it any easier when you’ve looked at the clock at 1:20 am, 2:40 am and 3:45 am (you get the picture).

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Categories: Living Well Tagged: insomnia, self-care

Easy Ways to Boost Your Mental Wellness

July 8, 2020 Leave a Comment

colorful hot air balloons rising on a sunny day

It’s hard to feel productive when you’re too tired to do anything. So when your body demands a break, take the opportunity to boost your mental wellness.

Have you ever felt like your brain wanted to do something but your body wouldn’t cooperate? I have. So. Many. Times. Like many other types of chronic illness, my autoimmune disease is unpredictable. It seems like it’s unpredictability is the only predictable thing about it.

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Categories: Living Well Tagged: emotional health, self-care

Reasons Why You Need a Support Group

June 9, 2020 2 Comments

group of paper chain people

Joining a support group can help you feel understood and give you a sense of belonging. It’s another strategy for living well when you are chronically ill.

How did you feel when you received your diagnosis? Alone? Confused? Afraid? I know I did. There is almost nothing more emotionally isolating than facing a disease that you have very little (if any) control over. This is true whether it’s a chronic illness that can be managed, or an acute illness that is severe and threatens your life.

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Categories: Living Well Tagged: self-care, support groups

Two Simple Strategies for Self-Care

April 19, 2020 Leave a Comment

white ceramic cup on saucer

There are two simple strategies for self-care that you can use to reduce anxiety and improve your well-being.

Take care of yourself.  How many times have you heard this expression? If you’re chronically ill, I’ll wager that you’ve heard it a lot.  But what does it really mean?  How do you define self-care?

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Categories: Living Well Tagged: self-care

Welcome

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Hi! I'm Sandy. If you’ve found your way here chances are you’re living with a chronic illness. Do you need encouragement? Coping strategies? Information? You’ve come to the right place. Join me on my journey. It’s so much easier if we do it together.

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Popular Posts

  • Four Big Mistakes that Chronically Ill People Make
  • The Road to Diagnosing Autoimmune Disease
  • How to Fake Being Well When You’re Chronically Ill
  • Four Things No One Told You About the Spoon Theory
  • The Grief of Chronic Illness – Mourning More Than the Loss of Our Health

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