Musings On A Life Well Lived With Chronic Illness

by Shelley Taylor, Guest Blogger

I haven’t written in a while. But tonight, I just got inspired to sit and write some musings from the past while.

I’m having a hard time navigating all the political stuff and negativity. I don’t want ANY news. Facebook was/is my fun place to look at new recipes, photos of cats and dogs, and stay connected with family and friends. Like many others, I’m shifting to eventually weaning off social media. Maybe one day, just not right now.

I haven’t even been doing much cooking lately. My energy stores are always compromised with the Fibro and other comorbidities. Sadly, I’ve been running on empty for way too long, and finally got in to see my GP.

We have a hate/dislike relationship, and ‘white coat syndrome’ is absolutely a thing for me about him. I have no issues with any other doctors in my world. But he’s different. He’s argumentative, dismissive, and disdainful of any knowledge I may have about my body and conditions.

So, I put off being checked out (to avoid him), and the resulting blood test results have confirmed. I unfortunately, should have gone in sooner.

It’s nothing urgent or catastrophic. I thank God that most of what I have is fixable. It all explains why I’m so fatigued these days! However, in many ways, this has been a wake-up call for me.

First, I absolutely have to deal with the relationship issue with my doctor. I’ve already done this before and received an apology from him. He intimidates the h*ll out of me, so I need to fix that. My health and well-being depend on it.

Second, I have to snack more healthy. My five-year-old inner child who demands ice cream and Costco Crack (Chicago mix popcorn) needs to be harnessed in. Treats need to be much more judiciously chosen by the adult (that’s me)! That’ll also help some of the blood test results!

Hopefully, I’ll quickly gain back some energy and be able to get back to cooking and other pending projects! And I desperately have to get back to daily walking!

I’ve still got artwork to finish hanging, and tons more decluttering to do. I’m excited about spring and especially summer. I cancelled my plans to go to Newfoundland this summer (for many reasons), but have made lots of short-term plans to keep me entertained this summer.

And I DID cook today, although it’ll be my last attempt at scalloped potatoes. Too much work, and didn’t turn out as I’d hoped. They taste okay, but it doesn’t merit the spectacular effort they deserved! Warning has been given to the folks that’ll be receiving them tomorrow.

My days are mostly good, and many are great! Enjoying my Hay Bay days, my church activities and regular connection with close friends. If my mental and spiritual health are good, then I can deal with the physical stuff. I’m learning how to live well with chronic illness, and it’s encouraging to know there’s still lots of new information and other research results being shared these days. Lots to hope for!

I’m slowly but surely discovering what my purpose in life is, and getting a clearer glimpse of what I’m meant to be doing, to earn my spot on this earth.

I’ve got a few irons in the fire with regard to some new community work opportunities, some possible tasks where I can feel I’m doing what I CAN do, instead of feeling totally helpless and victimized by our world today.

Still living by my motto which is a mitzvah a day! Thanks be to God. 

And a very proud Canadian. 

Shelley Taylor lives in Napanee, Ontario, with her rescue cat, Madame Kiki. Having just entered her Cronedom (70), she’s learning how to live well with chronic illness, and enjoying this best season of her life. She’s grateful for the connections she’s made with the FSN….both in learning coping skills, and the friendships she’s made.