Adjusting to Life with Chronic
Illness
Living with a chronic illness can be a difficult journey, and it can take several stages of acceptance. When you are initially diagnosed with a chronic illness, it can be incredibly overwhelming.
You might have a million questions, uncertainties, and fears. You might feel like your life is spiraling out of control, and the illness is taking over everything.
However, you must understand that it is possible to live with a chronic illness, and that a fulfilling life is still very achievable. Here are some strategies to help you adjust and cope with your chronic illness.
Rest
First and foremost, it is essential to allow yourself to rest as much as you need to. This may mean napping during the day, taking things at a slower pace, or even taking time off work, if necessary.
Its important to remember that your body is going through a lot, and the best thing you can do during this time is to give yourself permission to recover.
Naps
Napping during the day can be essential to managing chronic illness symptoms, and its essential to make time for them. Even if it means carving out 20 minutes in your schedule, naps can do wonders for your energy levels and productivity.
Limitations
It can be challenging to accept that there may be limitations in your life due to your chronic illness. This may mean you can’t do some of the things you used to, and that is okay.
Allow yourself to grieve those losses, but also know that there are still a lot of things in life that you can do. By learning to accept your limitations, you can work with them by finding new ways to do things or finding alternative activities to enjoy.
Work
If you are still working, it can be challenging to manage your symptoms and still carry out daily tasks.
Work can be a significant source of stress, especially if it’s beyond your ability to cope with your illness.
Talk to your supervisors to see if your schedule can be adjusted, or if you can work from home. If that isnt possible, consider talking with your provider about taking time off work.
Shifting Career Goals
Living with a chronic illness can often necessitate a shift in career priorities. It can be challenging to adjust to new limitations and find a fulfilling professional path in life.
Here are some things to consider when shifting career goals.
Writing
Creative writing and freelancing are excellent options for those living with chronic illness.
Writing can be done from anywhere and is an excellent way to express yourself creatively.
The internet and social media make it easy to connect with people and share your writing. You can write about anything that inspires you, including your illness, and make your writing a side hustle.
Day Job
Consider a day job that is less physically and emotionally demanding. Its essential to listen to your body and find the work that fits your needs.
You need to have the energy and emotional space to manage your symptoms and maintain a manageable work-life balance.
Freelancing
Freelancing can be a great option if you have writing experience and enjoy the freedom of working from home.
Freelancing can give you the flexibility you need to manage your illness and prioritize your health while still working hard on your writing.
Experience in Writing
Writing is a fulfilling and creative outlet that can lead to a successful career. Whether you’re writing fiction, non-fiction, or poetry, writing requires a mastery of language and a dedication to craft.
Here are some essential components to a writing career, and how you can get started. Creative
Writing
Creative writing is an art form that requires a lot of passion and dedication.
Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or screenplay, creative writing requires imagination and a willingness to take risks. Keep in mind that everyone has a different process, so its essential to experiment with what works best for you.
Resume
One of the critical aspects of any writing career is your resume. Your resume should include all of your work experience, writing skills, education, and relevant accomplishments.
Its essential to keep track of your achievements, so you can include them in your resume.
Publications
Having your work published is an essential part of any writing career. Whether its in a literary magazine, an online publication, or a blog, publishing your work is an excellent way to get your writing out into the world.
Make sure that you are submitting your work to the appropriate publications, and that you are following their submission guidelines.
Success in Freelancing
Freelancing can be a challenging career path, but with dedication, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Here are some essential tips for succeeding as a freelancer.
Steady Gigs
One of the keys to success as a freelancer is finding steady gigs. This might mean pitching to publications, applying for jobs with companies or bidding for projects on freelance job sites.
Finding this steady flow of work is essential to building your professional reputation and growing your writing business.
Pitches
Pitching your ideas is a critical part of any freelance career, and it’s something that must be continually worked on. Make sure that you are researching publications ahead of time and tailoring your pitches to their specific needs.
While it can be discouraging to receive rejections, persistence is key.
Publishing
Publishing your work is an excellent way to build your online presence and establish yourself within your niche.
Publishing blog posts or submitting articles to online platforms can lead to increased visibility and more work opportunities.
Poetry Collection
Lastly, for poets looking to get published consider submitting a poetry collection. Submitting a poetry collection to traditional publishing houses can be challenging, but there are also plenty of small presses and self-publishing options.
Having your collection published can be a significant accomplishment and a testament to your skill as a writer.
Final thoughts
Adjusting to life with a chronic illness may not be easy, but it’s not impossible, there are plenty of options if you are considering shifting your professional goals. Many creative writers also have successful freelance careers.
Whether it’s pursuing your creative writing or shifting your career focus, hard work, resilience and persistence are all required to establish a flourishing writing career. Benefits of
Freelancing with Chronic
Illness
Being a freelancer can be a great option for people living with chronic illness.
The flexibility of the schedule and the ability to choose assignments make it possible for you to prioritize your health and wellbeing. Here are some essential benefits of freelancing with chronic illness.
Flexibility in
Work Schedule
Working as a freelancer allows you to have complete control over your schedule, which is essential if you are living with chronic illness. Some days can be more challenging than others, and taking a few days off means you can make up the work at a later time.
With a traditional job, it can be a lot harder to take days off, which can be a source of stress. For those living with chronic illness, going to the doctors office is expected and necessary.
With a freelance job, you can schedule your appointments during the day and work around them. This flexibility can be very helpful in managing your illness and prioritizing your health.
Ability to Choose Assignments
Another key benefit to freelancing is the ability to choose assignments. Depending on your energy levels and capabilities, you can pick and choose the work that you feel comfortable doing.
This can be essential for managing chronic illnesses, which can limit the amount of time and energy you have. For instance, if you’re having a harder day, you can choose to focus on smaller tasks that can be done quickly, or take the day off entirely.
With a traditional job, you’re often committed to a set schedule and workload, which leaves little room for flexibility.
Writing about Chronic
Illness
Writing can be a powerful tool for those living with chronic illness.
Writing is an outlet for sharing experiences, learning more about your illness, and participating in a supportive community.
It is easy to connect with other people who share similar experiences.
Successful Niche
Writing about chronic illness is a successful niche because it is a topic that is deeply personal and affects many people. By writing about your experiences, you can connect with others who may be experiencing the same issues and help them with your insights.
Additionally, this topic is not adequately represented, making opportunities available for writers in this area.
Share Experiences
One of the most significant benefits of writing about chronic illness is your ability to share your experiences with others. You can share your story, connect with others who have similar experiences and offer tips and advice on how to cope with various symptoms.
This can be empowering for both you and your readers and can help break down the stigma surrounding chronic illness.
Help Others
By writing about chronic illness, you can help others who may feel alone or misunderstood. Your words can resonate with those who feel like nobody understands their pain and help them feel less isolated.
Writing about your experiences can also help others learn more about chronic illness and its impact on people’s lives.
Finding Purpose and Gratitude
Struggling with chronic illness can leave you feeling frustrated, helpless, and even angry. It can be challenging to find meaning or joy in life when you’re coping with chronic pain or discomfort.
However, writing can offer a new sense of purpose and gratitude.
Sense of Purpose
Writing can create a sense of purpose and boost confidence, even on the hardest of days. By pursuing your writing career, you are choosing to focus on something that brings you joy and fulfillment.
You are creating something that is uniquely yours, and that can be very empowering.
Writing can provide a sense of purpose on days when it is challenging. It can be hard to focus, but by putting pen to paper or fingers to the keyboard, you are at least taking a step in a positive direction.
Gratitude for Writing
Being a writer can open up opportunities for you that you would have never dreamed of. It can be incredibly fulfilling to get to do something you love every day.
By focusing on the positive aspects of your writing experience, you can shift your perspective to a more grateful one.
Getting to Write
Many people dream of becoming writers their entire lives but never make it a reality. You should appreciate the opportunities and the journey you are on to create your writers world.
Sitting down to write every day can be challenging, but it is something to be grateful for.
Dream Job
Being a writer is a dream job for many, and getting to create something that you love is an opportunity to be appreciated. Nothing beats getting to do something that you love every day, despite any setbacks or obstacles.
Overcoming Challenges through Writing
Writing can also help you overcome the challenges of living with chronic illness. It can be challenging to maintain a positive outlook when you’re constantly struggling, but writing can help you cultivate a more hopeful perspective.
Illness
Dealing with a chronic illness can make life very challenging at times. However, by writing about it, you can open up a dialogue, learn more about the illness, and connect with others.
This can help make the journey more manageable.
Coping
Writing can also be an excellent way to cope with the struggles of living with chronic illness. By putting your thoughts and feelings down on paper, you can process them in a healthy way.
It can also help you feel less alone and more connected to others, managing the daily challenges.
Jumping In
Starting to write is often the hardest step, but once you start, you’ll be surprised by how much easier it gets. Overcoming the initial challenges and working through them can be empowering and help you develop confidence in your writing abilities.
Final Thoughts
Living with chronic illness can be very challenging, but writing can provide a new sense of purpose, gratitude, and hope.
Freelancing as a writer can be very empowering and offer health benefits, such as more flexibility in managing your schedule.
Overall, if you have a passion for writing, we encourage you to pursue it. It can be a significant asset in your chronic illness journey, while also providing a fulfilling career path.
Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, but freelancing as a writer offers numerous benefits. The flexibility in work schedule allows for the accommodation of doctor’s appointments and breaks when needed.
Being able to choose assignments enables individuals to work within their energy limits. Additionally, the act of writing about chronic illness creates a successful niche, allowing for the sharing of experiences and the opportunity to help others.
Finding purpose and gratitude through writing can provide a sense of fulfillment and overcome challenges. Ultimately, freelancing with chronic illness offers the chance to prioritize health while pursuing a fulfilling career.
Remember, your chronic illness does not define you, and writing can be a powerful tool for personal growth and connection.