I experienced a setback during December that seems to be dragging on and on As a result I'm losing the will to keep persevering with rebuilding habits and routines again and again. It seems like I'm hit with a new obstacle or mini-setback before I've got close to where I was in Autumn. I feel … Continue reading Small victory#2: Made some food to freeze for later
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Small victory #1 Ate a salad
I've decided to keep count of my small victories as the big ones are so few and far between. My first little win is eating a salad. It might not seem like much, but between my fussy, nauseated migraine brain and the general difficulty of organising my household chores my daytime meals have been mostly … Continue reading Small victory #1 Ate a salad
CFT: Understanding my personal story
I believe that having self-compassion is essential if I'm going to live a meaningful life with chronic illness. Unfortunately I'm not very good at it. I think developing self-compassion can encourage us to take good care of ourselves, to be accepting of our limitations and appreciative of our efforts. For some of us self-compassion isn't … Continue reading CFT: Understanding my personal story
How not to cope with a setback
Forget there is a setback plan, try to get back to 'normal' as quickly as possible, then have half a bar of chocolate and a third of a bottle of wine because what's the point in trying to be good if you end up feeling horrible anyway? Still it's a new week, so I'm going … Continue reading How not to cope with a setback
What is Compassion Focused Therapy?
Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) is an offshoot of CBT. It was designed for people with high levels of self-criticism or shame. It is supposed to be helpful for people who can reason against their fears or beliefs but who find that their feelings don't change. The theory behind CFT is that we have evolved a … Continue reading What is Compassion Focused Therapy?
Do I have intrinsic value?
The intrinsic value of something is said to be the value that that thing has “in itself,” or “for its own sake,” or “as such,” or “in its own right.” - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy Being chronically ill has really shaken my self-confidence. My counsellor introduced the idea that I have intrinsic value. She suggested that … Continue reading Do I have intrinsic value?
Everyday Heroics
Everyday heroics is not pushing yourself to go further and faster. It's not about battling against your circumstances, whatever the cost. It's not about insisting on living life as you did before. It's getting up and starting another day, even though yesterday sucked, and so did the day before it. It's finding the courage to face … Continue reading Everyday Heroics
Getting adjustments in place at college or university
I was one year into my PhD when my chronic illness surfaced. It has been and continues to be a huge adjustment. I've had to learn new ways of organising my work, of doing the basics like writing, reading and researching for my degree. All this alongside managing my symptoms, looking after myself generally and … Continue reading Getting adjustments in place at college or university