Invisible in a visible world, life with a chronic illness

Hey there, fellow warriors! Let’s talk about something a little different today—chronic pain and fatigue. I know, I know, it sounds like the world’s worst combination of a bad rom-com and a horror movie. But hang tight because I promise there’s a twist (and maybe some LEGO magic) waiting for us at the end! So, picture this: it's a typical day in my life, which means I’m battling my body like it’s the final boss in a video game. Chronic pain and fatigue are like that clingy friend who never takes a hint. You try to shake them off, but they just keep hanging around, making every day a little more challenging. Some days, I feel like a walking bag of potatoes (and not the cute, Instagram-worthy kind).  But here’s where the plot thickens: I have found my secret weapon—LEGO. Yes, you heard me right! Those colourful little bricks that most of us played with as kids are now my adult therapy tool. Let me break it down for you. 1. Building Blocks of Happiness When I’m in the throes of pain, ...

 There’s an unspoken pressure in society to measure success by the jobs we have, the milestones we achieve, and the energy we put into life. For those of us living with chronic illness, that pressure feels suffocating. We wake up each day already exhausted, our bodies in pain, our minds scattered with fatigue—and yet, we want what everyone else seems to have: a career, fulfillment, acceptance, and love. But when your energy reserves are depleted before the day even begins, and pain is your constant companion, it’s hard not to feel like a disappointment—both to yourself and the people around you. For many, having a job is more than just about earning a paycheck—it’s about purpose, independence, and self-worth. When you live with chronic illness, that desire doesn’t go away. You want to work, to feel like you're contributing, to have a place in the world outside of your illness. But it often feels like the universe is working against you. Jobs that once seemed within reach now feel i...

Let’s talk about something that often goes unnoticed: wheelchairs aren’t just for broken bones or injuries you can see. For those of us living with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, that little set of wheels can be a lifeline. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about managing energy, minimizing pain, and making life a whole lot more bearable. #livinglifeagain When most people think “wheelchair,” they picture someone with a very visible disability—maybe a spinal injury or something obvious. But for me, and many others, chronic pain is sneakier. My pain doesn’t always have a clear shape or size, but it’s very real. One day I can wake up feeling like I could walk a marathon (okay, maybe just a mile), and the next day, even standing in the kitchen feels like climbing Everest. The unpredictability can be exhausting, it can be confusing. Fibromyalgia makes my muscles and joints feel like they've been through a rock concert mosh pit—without the concert. It’...