72957348 Lessons I've Learned from Having a Chronic Illness
by Krissy Ward
Having a chronic illness allows me to navigate life’s unpredictability with a sense of humor and adapt to situations easier than most. Life with chronic pain has been the most unwelcomed challenge EVER, but it has taught me so many lessons. I believe a lot of these lessons apply whether you have a chronic illness or not.
- Self Care isn't a luxury, it's a necessity, especially when you're chronically ill.
- Be your own advocate! You know your body better than anyone else.
- Find Your People. Be intentional about community building. There's a whole gang of Warriors in our FB group & on our Instagram waiting to greet you!
- You will lose some people along the way, but please know that real friends will stick it out with you.
- Netflix/Hulu/Youtube/TikTok are the best inventions ever made! Utilize them, especially on the days you're stuck in bed.
- Give yourself grace. Be gentle on yourself, you're doing the best you can. Hype yourself up like you would talk to a friend.
- Grieving is a continuous cycle. It comes and goes, but it's making sure you bounce back from those moments that matters.
- Having a planner can be life changing!
- Comparison is the thief of joy! There is no comparison between the sun and the moon, they shine when it's their time.
- It is OK to not be OK.
- Let's just be real, life is fucked up, sometimes!
- Put you ego aside and ask for what you need.
- Learn to laugh at yourself. If you don't find humor in the crazy things we go through on a daily basis, you will drive yourself insane!
- Nothing is more important than your health.
- If I’m going to be in pain, I might as well be doing something I actually enjoy.
- We are much more than our illness. We are not defined by our circumstances.
- Hold on to hope.
- Do your best to keep moving.
- Not everyone will "get it" and that's okay.
- "No" is not a bad word. Try it sometime.
- Acceptance does not mean you are giving up!
- Flexibility is key!
- You are not alone!