Embracing Change: My Journey with Chronic Illness

Learning to Live Again

When I was first diagnosed, I thought the worst! I felt like I lost everything I had worked for. It was as if I was grieving the death of who I once was. At the same time, I was learning a whole new way of life. I had to learn to listen to my body and forgive myself for needing to take breaks or naps. Allowing myself to rest was a challenge, but it was essential.

I was just a month away from turning the big 40, with a trip to the Dominican Republic planned to celebrate this new decade. But everything changed overnight! I became incredibly sick, and the doctors couldn’t understand why I wasn’t responding to the medication. If it weren’t for one special doctor who decided to dig a little deeper, I would have faced a life-altering surgery. After a long 27 days in the hospital, I was finally strong enough to go home.

The Reality of Healing

I thought that once I got home, I would miraculously feel better and regain all my energy. But that was the furthest thing from the truth! For the last four years, I’ve been learning how to accept the new body God has given me. This journey has not been easy.

For those of us living with chronic illness, our struggles can change from day to day, and sometimes even hour to hour. Each morning, I wake up and thank God for the chance at a new day. I pray that it will be a good one. I’ve stopped beating myself up for needing to change plans or for requiring more rest than usual. As an empath, disappointing people is incredibly hard for me. But I’ve learned that this understanding has taken me four long years to grasp. I’ve had lots of counseling and support from my family and friends. The bad days were tough, and there were times I couldn’t even get out of bed. But with love and support from those closest to me, I was able to rise above.

Daily Struggles and Triumphs

I want to acknowledge that I still face daily struggles, but lately, it feels like I have fewer of those tough days. Here are some things that have helped me along the way:

1. Counseling

   My counselor helped me grieve the old me. What does that mean? We all wish we could have the old version of ourselves back before being diagnosed. I wanted my energy back so badly that it would throw me into a depression whenever I felt it draining away. Fighting it only made things worse. Through years of counseling, I learned that I am stronger today than I was before getting sick. Our day-to-day struggles are not for the faint-hearted. I plan to expand on this in a later post.

   
   

2. Support

   I was incredibly lucky to have amazing people around me who lifted me up on the hardest days. They loved me even when I was hard to love due to my depression. Support can also come from outside sources, especially from those who share the same illness. I have a small group of friends who understand what I’m going through better than anyone else. If you're looking for support, please reach out, and I’ll help you find a group that fits your needs.

   
   

3. Eliminating Stress

   Stress is one of the worst things for our bodies, even if we are medically healthy. I found my place of peace—a sanctuary where I could close out the rest of the world. For me, that place is the beach. What is your place of peace?

   
   

4. Love Yourself

   Last but definitely not least, love yourself! This was one of the hardest lessons I had to relearn after my diagnosis. I hated my body because I felt like it had given up on me, and I couldn’t control it anymore. However, once I learned how to love myself again, a whole new world opened up to me.

   
   

Finding Joy in the Journey

As I reflect on my journey, I realize that it’s not just about coping with a chronic illness. It’s about finding joy in the small things. I’ve learned to celebrate the little victories, whether it’s getting out of bed, enjoying a sunny day at the beach, or simply sharing a laugh with a friend.

I’ve also discovered that connecting with others who understand my journey is vital. Sharing experiences and hearing stories from others has been incredibly uplifting. It reminds me that I’m not alone in this fight.

Building a Supportive Community

Creating a supportive community is essential for anyone living with chronic illness. I encourage you to reach out to others, whether through online forums, local support groups, or social media. Sharing your story can be a powerful way to connect and find encouragement.

If you’re looking for a safe space to share your experiences, consider joining a group where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through. Together, we can uplift one another and find strength in our shared experiences.

Conclusion: Embracing the New You

In conclusion, living with a chronic illness is a journey filled with ups and downs. It’s about learning to embrace the new you while honoring the past. I’ve learned that it’s okay to have bad days, and it’s essential to be gentle with ourselves.

As I continue on this path, I remind myself that I am stronger than I ever thought possible. I hope my story inspires you to find your strength and embrace your journey, no matter how challenging it may be. Remember, you are not alone, and there is a community ready to support you.

Let’s dare to fly together!