From Pain to Power - The Journey of being Beautifully Broken

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Embracing Life with Chronic Illness: Finding Strength in Adversity

Living with a chronic illness can be challenging. In this blog post, we'll explore ways to embrace life despite the struggles. Let's uncover how to find joy and positivity in everyday moments. Let's navigate the journey together.

When i was faced with chronic illness i t was challenging and life-altering experience.

And it's completely understandable to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, and even anger. However, it's so important to remember that your illness does not define who you are as a person. You have the power to choose how you respond to this new chapter in your life. Instead of letting it consume you with bitterness or anger, you can make a conscious decision to not let it shape your identity.

Making a promise to yourself to not let your illness dictate how you live your life is a powerful step towards maintaining your sense of self and identity. By focusing on the aspects of your life that you can control, such as your attitude, mindset, and the way you choose to face each day, you can empower yourself to live a fulfilling and meaningful life despite the challenges that come with chronic illness. Remember, you are more than your condition, and you have the strength to write your own story with resilience, courage, and grace.

Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, overwhelming, and at times, isolating. The daily struggles, pain, and uncertainty can take a toll on both physical and mental well-being. However, it's essential to remember that having a chronic illness does not define who you are. It's just one part of your story, and there are ways to embrace life and find strength in adversity.

Honestly, I was a trainwreck and went through a phase of intense anger. I cycled through various emotions, receiving one diagnosis after another, feeling overwhelmed and questioning why this was happening to me. On top of that, I was in a toxic relationship which only added to the mental strain I was already enduring.

I went through a chaotic phase where my primary focus was on my children, transitioning careers, seeking stability in a new town, and I was avoiding dealing with things or listening effectively. I heavily relied on medication, consumed energy drinks, experienced toxic relationships, used drinking and smoking as coping mechanisms, while continuing to persevere.

I achieved my goal of completing my studies in healthcare and embarked on my new career as a support worker. I have finally found something that resonates with me and ignites a strong passion for assisting others. It's a rewarding way to connect with individuals living with illnesses, disabilities, and more.

key peice of advice right here

I was living life like a healthy person still

And the sad reality is this is when it finally sunk in for me..

  • Working 50 hours a week

  • studying

  • living in domestic violence

  • mum life

  • constant chaos in my life

  • juggling and been in a constant busy

  • Bad unhealthy habits

  • Bad choices

Full blown burnout and my body crashed

Literally every system in my body was in overdrive

  • Lympathic system

  • Nervous system

  • Auto immune system

It was ticking time bomb

I hit burnout and the body went into full crash and I was becoming bed riddin most days and everything in life was becoming hard.

Then began the journey of embracing my new reality. Instead of merely accepting it, I chose to welcome life with illness as a new companion. This companion is here to stay, so it's essential to adapt, understand that it will be a process, and be prepared to make necessary changess along the way.

Embracing life with an illness can be challenging, but it's definitely possible to find joy and fulfillment despite the difficulties.

  • Prioritize your physical and mental well-being. This can include following a healthy diet, getting regular exercise (within your limitations), practicing mindfulness or meditation,

  • Taking care of yourself can help you feel more in control and better equipped to handle the challenges that come with your illness.

  • Another way to embrace life with an illness is to stay connected with others. Building a support network of friends, family, or support groups can provide you with emotional support

  • Understanding, and companionship. It's important to communicate your needs and feelings with your loved ones so they can better support you through your journey.

  • Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can help you feel less alone and more empowered in facing your illness.

  • Finding purpose and meaning in your life can help you embrace life with an illness.

  • Engaging in activities that bring you joy, pursuing hobbies or interests, volunteering, or setting goals can give you a sense of fulfillment and motivation.

  • It's important to focus on the things you can do rather than what you can't, and to celebrate your achievements no matter how small they may seem.

  • By focusing on self-care, staying connected with others, and finding purpose in your life, you can embrace life with an illness and live a meaningful and fulfilling life.

My Life in one Picture as my children got older and two left the nest, this handsome wee dude who i get to call my grandson is my biggest motivator and my reason i keep going.