Remember.
So. Chronic Illnesses.
I have fatigue, and I don’t know about you, but I lose perspective pretty easily when I don’t feel well. I forget a lot of things that are most important to remember then.
It’s really hard. It hurts. You can’t do the things you want to do. People don’t understand.
But, you need to remember that you’re not alone. It’s not in your head. And it’s not your fault.
Don’t get hung up on trying to get people to understand. They probably won’t. Yes, explain to them! Try to help them see, but don’t be bitter with them for not understanding. I’ve struggled with that in the past and honestly it’s not fair to them and it doesn’t help you.
Find someone who ‘gets it’. A family member, a best friend, someone who will listen, who will watch out for you, check in with you, someone who understands or at least really cares about you (my email is always open if you need a listening ear!).
Remember on the hard days, it can get better.
There is always hope.
Nothing will be impossible with God.
And in this struggle God can teach and grow us, if we let him. If we’re open to His Spirit’s prompting. {“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,” James 1:2}
Remember to be thankful for the little things.
I know sometimes I think “I hope people who are healthy don’t take it for granted.” So I asked myself today, what am I taking for granted?
(There were a lot of things.)
Remember the things you /can/ do.
Make a list.
No really, do it.
If it’s really short /that’s ok/. But make a list of the things you can do.
And make a list of the things you can do when you’re not feeling well. Can you sew, or knit, or write letters, or read? (bonus points if it’s a gift for someone else! [just getting your mind off yourself can help]) Maybe the list is again pretty short. Mine is. But I also found it’s longer than I expected it to be.
{You can do all things through Christ.}
Remember to take it slowly, a day at a time. A moment at a time.
Remember
You are an amazing and strong child of God. And I can say with full confidence that this is true. If you’re fighting a chronic illness, you /are/ strong.
Keep fighting the good fight my friend, you can do this.
~Kiera
“I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” ~Philippians 4:13
Save
{shines in the night} 
Oh my goodness this was so encouraging, Kiera! And really came at the perfect time for me! Thank you! I’m not sure if you know, but I have chronic fatigue too, along with lots of dizziness and constant migraines, among other things, all “invisible illnesses” that most people don’t understand, so it’s a relief to hear from someone who does! And your reminders are fantastic too- just remembering to be thankful and to try and keep your focus on others instead of yourself is actually really helpful! I’ve also found that praying for other people, especially people I know of who are going through much worse illnesses or situations than mine, is very uplifting as well. Chronic illnesses can seem overwhelming at times, (most of the time, actually) but we ARE strong and God gives us that strength, so we know we can get through it. Thank you again for this very appreciated and perfectly-timed reminder, friend! (And know that I’m always here if YOU ever need a listening ear! Haha)
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London! I’m so glad to hear that this was encouraging to you!
Praying for others is a great point as well! I’ve noticed that getting my mind off myself and focusing on others who have it worse, really does help, yes!
And thank you for sharing, this was really encouraging to hear. ❤
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Thank You for sharing, Kiera! About 4 yrs ago I was struggling with chronic fatigue and it was a very difficult time in my life. I was SO tired and my body hurt….yet nothing was “wrong”, it was just happening. Happy to say that I don’t suffer from it anymore! I used some natural treatment for adrenal fatigue even though I wasn’t diagnosed….between that, being thankful for the small things and taking things one thing at a time, I feel wonderful these days!
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Tanya! I’m so glad to hear that you’re doing better! Taking one thing at a time is really helpful, I agree! And God has given us so many things for which we can be thankful. Thank you so much for sharing!
~Kiera
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