There are the ups and downs of living with Chronic Illness. Each day is unpredictable. Our first and most important goal is to get better! Start with small goals such as “Today I am going to have a shower” Starting small is important so you are not ‘setting yourself up for failure! Over time you will see your progress achieving your little goals, which will motivate you to go out and achieve those bigger goals you thought you’d get to strive for. …

I was admitted into the hospital on the evening of Tuesday the 15th of September, by ambulance for Pneumonia. I was appalled by the way I was treated by the paramedics as well as the nurses once I was admitted. It was a terrifying event for me as I have Chronic Illness, and Pneumonia could kill me due to my suppressed immune system. I am writing to you because the paramedics and nurses need to be held accountable for their actions!

I am writing on behalf of myself and others who are afraid to speak up about the appalling way…

People who are resilient have the ability to face trauma by looking at how the problem can be resolved instead of giving up. Resilience is doing your best to make the most of your situation, and having the strength to ask for help when needed. Dr Yanek conducted a study of wellness and prevention on “The power of positive thinking” where he positive thinking helps your overall health and well-being, decreasing the chances of depression, anxiety and may even expand your life expectancy. (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-power-of-positive-thinking)

Our emotions motivate us to respond to our circumstances and impact the decisions we make. For…

Circle of Courage: Larry Brendtro, Martin Brokenleg, and Steve Van Bockern.

Independence: Autonomy, Confidence, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Leadership, Inner control, Self discipline

The definition of Independence according to the Oxford Dictionary describes Independence as “the freedom to organize your own life, make your own decisions, etc. without needing help from other people.”

Chronic illness changes you. You can choose whether you become stronger, and more determined, to achieve your goals and live life to the fullest, as much as you can. Or, you can choose to become a victim of your circumstances.

Independence does not mean you have to do everything…

Belonging: Attachment, loving, friendship, intimacy, cooperation, trust

Belonging means acceptance, creating a sense of belonging starts with accepting yourself, your illness and everything that comes along with living with chronic illness.

Having a sense of belonging improves your motivation, health and happiness. Your mind and body are connected. Happy mind, happy body. A sense of belonging is a human need that impacts your emotional and physical wellbeing. A strong sense of belonging adds value to a person’s life.

Having Chronic Illness changes your relationships, others may not understand your symptoms. You may have to reschedule meeting up with friends which…

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”- Theodore Rosevelt

Before I suffered a stroke and was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, I would walk everywhere, in any type of weather. I was very fit, and had all the energy in the world despite living with SLE Lupus. Now, when I walk my joints and muscles flare up causing chronic pain or, I suffer one of my ‘seizures’ in public, which tells me that I have ‘overdone’ it. Just when I thought I loved myself, and accepted this ‘new normal’, another symptom from my various…

I remember being a teenager and having a scrapbook for my ‘dream’ wedding. I had my type of wedding dress picked, who I thought would be my bridesmaids, the flowers and cake to whom I picked as my groom (back then I loved Pirates of the Carribean, so it was Johnny Depp who played Jack Sparrow). Back then I had all the energy in the world! I didn’t have the fatigue, and pain back then.

Now I have SLE Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and a Neurological disorder. Fatigue is a dominant symptom. Not only are fatigue and pain but, medication and money…

Creating a sense of belonging living with Hepatitis

Being diagnosed with Hepatitis is life changing and takes courage to “keep going”. Hepatitis is a Chronic Illness, and being diagnosed is just the beginning. It can feel isolating, as well as mentally draining. Questions will be running through your head. Questions like “What does this mean for the rest of my life?” “How could hepatitis be transmitted to others?” “How do I manage it?” and the list of questions keeps going. …