For those of us who have a chronic illness, the best advice, information and insight on how to live with our conditions comes from the amazing community of bloggers. These writers share their health experiences, their research, and hard-earned wisdom with their readers. Personally, I have learned so much about how to manage my fibromyalgia and other conditions from reading chronic illness blogs. I want to share some of the most inspirational posts that I have read recently, focusing on living “skillfully well” with chronic illness by through self-care – physically, mentally, and emotionally. These aren’t all ‘success stories’; it’s just as important to be candid about the struggles of life with chronic illness as it is to celebrate the successes and silver-linings.
Chronic Mom: A Day in the Life of an Opioid Addict A powerfully honest account of trying to get through a normal, busy day in debilitating pain because of opioid rationing and stigma.
The Pain Companion Blog: Surviving the Holidays When You’re in Pain Tips include giving a firm ‘maybe’ to holiday plans. I’m going to remember that one!
Living with ME: Rest Day vs Bad Day This post talks about the importance of planning preventative ‘rest days’ to avoid crashing on ‘bad days’. It helps to distinguish the difference, especially for family/friends who may be confused why you need to take time out without having illness symptoms.
Lilac and Lyme: My Lyme Disease Story – The Journey to Diagnosis It is so important to raise awareness by sharing our illness stories. In Part 2 of her narrative, Lilac and Lyme shares the difficult route to getting diagnosed as she navigated a skeptical medical field and weighed difficult treatment options.
The Daily Manic: Stop and Discover Some New Dreams This post explores the positives of living a simpler life due to chronic illness, by discovering new passions, hobbies and creative outlets.
Chronically Whole: When You’re Out of Spoons The all too familiar experience of what it’s like to have no energy left. This post is about trying to celebrate the holidays with a young family and no spoons. Helpful tips included!
Hope you enjoy these posts and I will try to regularly share more links!
Skillfully Well & Painfully Aware 
Dear Katarina,
Thank you so much for including me in your wonderful list. I truly appreciate your support. Thank you too for taking the time to read my story. Have a wonderful week.
Blessings,
Valerie
Thanks for your response! I really enjoyed reading your post! I think it’s important to share good content from fellow writers 🙂
Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for sharing! 🙂 I have not delved into the world of chronic illness, yet, on my blog but it is something I will do. At the moment I write about travel stories, with a few other bits and pieces thrown in. Hopefully, people will enjoy my writing and it may help them escape, just for a little while, into another place and help distract the mind from pain and discomfort.