Sometimes I get the lyrics to Tubthumping stuck in my head when I think about my health. It's an absurd song to get stuck in my head but it is what it is. It's stuck in there. Just the one verse: I get knocked down, but I get up againYou are never gonna keep me... Continue Reading →
With my health setback came self isolation which always happens with me. As a sort of adjustment period. I couldn't walk well of function well for a bit so I isolated. And I didn't feel well before that, so I isolated. Social media "Individuals who are lacking connection in their lives may turn to the... Continue Reading →
Setbacks when it comes to chronic illness seem to just be inevitable. Sometimes they are not setbacks at all but our new state of the normal. And sometimes they are short setbacks. Other times they are substantial setbacks. A setback with our health can be caused by many things. A medication change, a stressor or... Continue Reading →
It seems like stress is a constant factor in our existence that we cannot banish. It is embedded within the existence of chronic illness and pain. And as a consequence of chronic pain and illness on our lives as well. And those consequences in our lives we have to live with; dealing with doctors, employers,... Continue Reading →
Ennui A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement. (Google) There is this state that comes after a setback when you have yet to quite adjust to things - this stagnant, listless, lethargic state I get in. One of ennui. I find myself here. Trying to move forward but... Continue Reading →
When we’re struggling with illness our self-esteem and self-worth can plummet. We may see ourselves as stagnant, irritable, unlovable and stuck. Research shows that maintaining positive feelings about ourselves during illness flares can improve both physical and mental well-being. Achieving this can be a struggle. Kristin Neff is a leading researcher on self-compassion according to Psychology Today. Neff has... Continue Reading →
I used to have this little paper on my wall at work showing some disability statistics so that people would understand the importance of getting insurance on their banking products, or outside insurance to cover things, if something should happen- those stats reflecting the rate of disability per age group (long and short). I posted... Continue Reading →
I bought myself a nice car. Used. But shiny and new to me. A 2013 Kia Soul. But with the drop foot on my dominate let I soon realized I needed to fit it with a Left Foot Accelerator. You can get hand accelerators as well, but my right hand is also losing dexterity- so... Continue Reading →
Me: I’m going to clean the house in One day! Body: Hell no, you’re not. Me: Yep, getting started now. *Does one thing* Body: Here is some fatigue and pain for you. Price of that one thing. You're welcome. Me: Damn it! Fact is, everything has a price and cost And you have a couple... Continue Reading →
Oh, I know, Pacing, we all have heard about it and know about it but I have to talk about it because it is a pretty big damn deal. It is one of those fundamental skills that we Know and also Ignore. It’s a thing we do and then regret that and then do it... Continue Reading →
Chronically Nikki 