Finding the Good in Each Day With Chronic Illness
There is something good in every day.
Is there? Is that even a possible concept for those of us who have chronic illness?
The initial response from the chronic illness community might be a resounding “no.”
Pain, procedures, lack of sleep, lack of understanding, countless medical appointments and tests, chronic fatigue, lack of mobility, etc. These can all overwhelm the mind and body and constantly try to draw our focus away from seeing the moments of joy, moments that are good despite everything our bodies throw at us. 
It’s 9:30 a.m. and a chilly sunny Sunday winter’s morning here in Brisbane, Qld. Our winter has finally decided to arrive and, being a lover of the cold, I’m a very happy gal. I’m still in bed having slept in after a disturbed night and my beautiful husband is downstairs getting breakfast for us.
My legs don’t move in the mornings until my pain meds start to kick in, and even then I struggle with mobility and pain constantly throughout the day, due to my the non-healing breaks in my femurs and feet as a result of my rare disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis also plays a big part in causing constant pain in my hips, hands, neck and shoulders.
So while all is not good, there is definitely something “good” to start my mornings. I feel very spoiled to have breakfast in bed every day delivered on a lovely tray. It’s a special bonus found in a chronic situation.
There are other “good” things I enjoy every day. Some days they are a little harder to find but they are always there…I just have to look for them.
I enjoy my home. I enjoy pottering in it. I enjoy my soft furnishings and the pretty uplifting areas I’ve created to provide places to rest comfortably and renew my strength. It’s my sanctuary.
I love my online forum and conversing every day with others who truly understand what it’s like living with chronic and complex disease. I love that I have the time to invest in this community and administer it in a way that makes it a safe place for others. I also enjoy actively being involved as a member of a couple of other select online forums.
I love being able to muse and write when moments of inspiration arrive.
I love listening to music. I love singing.
I love watching my favorite TV shows at lunchtime and during my late afternoon rest period.
I love the relative freedom that has come with medical retirement. I obviously miss my work and good health, but I am so relieved to not have undue pressures that I just could no longer physically cope with.
The more I look, the more I find the good in every day.
My list could be expanded but I’m going to stop and enjoy one of the things I really love…my late morning coffee!!
What little bonuses do you enjoy as a result of your chronic illness? You might be surprised to find what good things have been added to your life as a result of chronic illness when you stop to think about that question.
If you’re looking for genuine support, care, understanding and friendship, you are so welcome to join my closed Facebook support forum Medical Musings with Friends. It’s a safe place to connect with others living with chronic and complex diseases who truly understand the daily challenges. A warm welcome awaits.
We want to hear your story. Become a Mighty contributor here.
Thinkstock photo via evgenyatamanenko.
Sam retired early, from a successful Executive Management Career in financial services, due to chronic disease. She has a rare disabling bone disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and a permanent colostomy. “When health gets complex, I’ve come to realise it is really important to find others who are also battling multiple issues, to share the never-ending complexities that arise”. As Sam’s disabilities progressed she started a blog called, My Medical Musings. She also set up an online support forum for anyone wanting the hand of friendship as they journey an often lonely and difficult path living with the effects of chronic disease. “Both my blog, My Medical Musings and online support group, Medical Musings with Friends, are a place to laugh, cry, share and vent together”. Sam is a member of the Chronic Illness Bloggers Network and she is passionate about promoting and supporting other chronic illness bloggers. You can follow more of Sam’s story at her blog "My Medical Musings" https://mymedmusings.com/ She is also author of the book: "My Medical Musings, A Story of Love, Laughter, Faith and Hope; Living with a Rare Disease. More details about the book can be found on Sam's blog.
samantha-moss