Wall of multicolored spray painted hearts.

How Self-Compassion Can Help with the Challenges of Chronic Illness

I wish I’d known about the practice of self-compassion when my chronic illness began. I was suffering from so much loss.  It would have also been tremendously helpful while I was midst a relapse but in denial, caring for an infant and a two year old, living with a severely depressed husband, and trying but …

Notepad with pen on top, yellow flowers and a cup of coffee next to them.

Yes, You Can and Should Still Have Goals When You’re Chronically Ill

Yes, you can and should still have goals when you’re chronically ill. Why might you ask? You may be thinking, “I can’t do what I used to be able to do.”   While that may be true, I think it’s important to set reasonable and realistic goals for ourselves that are outside of getting a diagnosis …

lady in bed covering herself except for the winter hat on her head.

How Self-Compassion Can Help Manage Life with Chronic Illness During the Holidays

While the holiday season can bring on excitement, joy, comfort, and more, when you have a chronic illness, negative thoughts can start to creep in as well. Does the holiday season bring on more overwhelm, depression, anxiety, guilt, shame, or other unpleasant thoughts since you’ve become chronically ill? Maybe this is your first year of …

A cup on a small circular table with a health drink, a plant and blackberries on the table.

How I Significantly Increased my Energy Levels in 30 Days

I significantly increased my energy levels in 30 days! Did I just say that?! I can hardly believe it myself. I have battled with fatigue as one of my predominant symptoms of FND for nine years. Even when I was in “remission,” I still battled with fatigue every day. It was mostly mild unless I …

9 Practices to Embrace a Positive Mindset while Living with Chronic Illness

I was recently asked how I stay positive while living with a chronic illness. It’s definitely been a work in progress, for sure. Chronic illness can be, so life-changing, and I try not to think too much about what has been taken away from me because it can feel soul-crushing and utterly depressing. I’m tearing …