My Goals for the New Year as Someone With Chronic Illness

As we are about to enter a new year, I’ve become incredibly reflective upon just how long I have lived with multiple chronic illnesses. Since I became chronically ill, I have entered every new year feeling a large mass of worry, along with goals that always seem fairly unattainable.

A change in my health is something I would personally love to see. However, that is something that is out of my control. Ultimately, we hope and pray that the new year is kind to all of us, our precious loved ones and our friends. We hope we do not have to go through any unexpected heartache or sadness, but like I have learned from my health issues, what will be will be and there is no changing fate.

My goals for 2019:

• To no longer define myself as chronically ill. I have an illness, but I am not an illness.
• To stop comparing myself to my old self.
• To accept and have patience with my illnesses, while adapting to the lifestyle they continue to present.
• To not let fear or confidence issues within my disability hold me back.
• Continue to work on implementing positivity as a daily act.
• To continue to raise awareness for chronic illness and disability, while supporting others.
• Focus on what I can change or do, rather than what I cannot. Even when bed-bound.
• To give myself credit for all I am currently achieving while living in pain, rather than focusing on everything I am not.
• To not become frustrated at myself over my down days.
• To not overthink what outsiders may think about my illnesses.
• To not let my illness or pain talk me out of doing things that I really want to achieve.
• To let go of fear, in every way possible.
• To have more self-love, be kinder to myself and rebuild some confidence.

There are going to be lots of down days, bed-bound days and housebound weeks yet there is also a chance that victories have the possibility to be a theme within our year too. As they so rightly should be. And although many of us may admit that we are struggling with our chronic pain and illnesses, we also have to acknowledge that we are, in fact, surviving.