A Minute in My Skin: What Chronic Illness Has Taught Me

If you were to ask me about my experience with chronic illness and disability, I’d tell you it’s deeply personal. Having lived with a chronic illness and been disabled for a few years, I’ve walked through the complex, often unseen struggles that come with it. And believe me, I truly understand.

One of the hardest things is navigating the reactions of the people we love. It’s the tightrope walk between friends and family either constantly worrying—which can feel suffocating—or, conversely, treating you differently—which can feel isolating. You just want to be you, the person they’ve always known, but the world suddenly sees you through a medical lens.

Then there is the sheer mental exhaustion. The endless cycle of researching, so much researching. Trying to become an expert on your own body and condition because, often, you have to be your own best advocate. You cling to the hope of medications that are supposed to help, only to be hit with a dizzying array of side effects that sometimes feel worse than the illness itself.

The cumulative toll means missing out on things. Holidays, spontaneous trips, even just a simple dinner out—the 'normal' rhythm of life often gets replaced by pain, fatigue, or appointments. We are constantly striving to find balance: how to manage our energy, our symptoms, and our desire to live a full life, all at once.

If you’re reading this and nodding, know that I see you. I know what it’s like to feel the deep, profound difficulty of being afraid of living in your own skin—a body that feels unpredictable and at war with itself. It’s a fear I carry, too.

This journey is hard, but you are not walking it alone. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small victories, and remember that your worth is not defined by your health status.

__________________________________________________________________________________ What is one small way you've found balance today? Book today for a free consultation to learn more about how I could help you.