The Chronic Conversation

When you got sick and had to stay home from school as a kid (which was a lot if you’re anything like me) was it a battle with your parents? Likes you were on trial and you had to prove how miserable you were in order to be allowed to stay home. Not only that but if I was to start to enjoy my day at home I was called a “liar” or “faker”, because if you are sick you should be miserable 24/7. This idea perfectly illustrates the issues of an invisible illness and the physical and mental hoops us chronic illness warriors have to jump through just to exist. In the most recent episode of The Chronic Conversations Podcast I spoke with Jacky, a dear friend and fellow sick girl. She is also a mental healthcare professional and when we spoke about this topid of not being believed from such a young age. 'You just dont want to go to school' turns into 'You are just anxious' and we get the brush off for so long, are expected to keep up for so long that the body eventually wears out. It is so important as an young adult experiencing this to practice self grounding techniques. What came to m ind when you read those last few words, self grounding techniques? We all practice grounding in some ways, intentionally or unintentionally, big or small. What soothes you? I invite you to share your practice with others, remind them that there are so many ways that we can bring ourselves back to center. When you are centered those doubts are not so loud or so difficult to tune out. Truth is easier to hear. So, when you are saying you are not able to make it into work today you can hear that for what it is. Not a failing, but a truth.

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