Smiling Sonia: Thriving with a Chronic Illness: Recent Episodes
Smiling Sonia
Hi Smiling Sonia here.
This is an audio journal where I share how I've overcome challenges to move from just living to striving with a chronic illness.
In 2013 I was eventually diagnosed with Mollaret's Meningitis. I have overcome 6 recurrent episodes of viral meningitis so far in my lifetime.
I got fed up of worrying every time I went off sick and returned to work early before I was fully recovered.
That changed when I built an emergency fund. Now I have financial stability and the peace of mind that I have enough money to cover emergencies and future financial goals.
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 15/03/21.
Welcome to day one of the five day Treasure Chest challenge
The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 14/03/21.
Welcome to day four of the five day Treasure Chest challenge
The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 12/03/21.
Welcome to day three of the five day Treasure Chest challenge
The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 11/03/21.
Welcome to day two of the five day Treasure Chest challenge
The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 07/03/21.
Welcome to day one of the five day Treasure Chest challenge
The aim of the challenge is to help you build a 1 month emergency fund fast to support you through your next medical emergency.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 01/03/21. So the topic today is nurturing a wealthy mindset.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 28/02/21. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. I'm sharing my Jamaican fried dumpling recipe during my walk today.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 27/02/21. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. Today's topic is focus and distraction - I guess they are opposites.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 13/02/21. I haven't recorded in a while mainly because it's been snowing and I've not wanted to put myself at risk. I also wanted to spend some time just reviewing and monitoring myself because I've been so tired. I talk about insuring ourselves against sh** happening.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 05/02/21. Today I talk about kindness. I want to be seen as a kind person. I love it when people are kind to me. I must admit I do judge people on their level of kindness.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 04/02/21. So today I've had a lot of thoughts running around my head much like yesterday. So I'm talking about being Black, being Female and being a Lesbian and oh yes, having a chronic illness.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 03/02/21. It's a bit of mixed bag today but I had a number of things twirling in my head that I wanted to explore. Anyway let's see where it goes.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 02/02/21. One of the main things I've learned about goals is that habits are the foundation for achieving them.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 28/01/21. I've always been career minded and looking for new opportunities. However, when I was diagnosed with a chronic illness I became scared about changing my job in case I became unwell in my new role.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 26/01/21. It's been six months since my last meningitis attack. Today I recall what it was like when my family went from a two income family to a one income family.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 25/01/21. Today I speak about how we can tweak our goals without actually changing the goal itself.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 21/01/21. Today I went down a different path and discovered a secret garden I'd not seen before. Today I'm reviewing my health goal.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.comWhilst out walking today I went down a different path and came across a secret garden.
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 20/01/21. With a house move in my near future I'm back to doing some more decluttering in the house.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 19/01/21. I'm out on my walk again this morning. My thoughts are on my finances because I want to be in a position to buy a house later this year.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 18/01/21. I've taken today off work. Each year on my birthday I like to set out a plan for the year starting with the first 90 days.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 16/01/21. I went out for my walk but due to the snow overnight and the paths being slippery I decided to return home. I'm recording today's episode in my living room. I've been suffering with headaches this week and I think this is because work is full on.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 15/01/21. Today's subject is related to what I was talking about yesterday. My experience of being a Black female manager in a predominantly white organisation. Sometimes for things to change we just need to make sure we get ourselves in the game. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 14/01/21. It is my birthday today. Exactly 58 years ago I was welcomed into this world. I'm so grateful that I have reached this stage in my life and I'm still excited about the future. Today I reflect on what it is like being a Black female manager with a chronic illness.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 13/01/21. I woke up with a headache this morning which is not surprising given the pressures and demands I have on me at the morning. Again didn't know whether I'd get out on my walk but I am out. Today I'm talk about my plan for the next few months.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 12/01/21. I woke up this morning with a number of different thoughts in my mind. The first was that I was too tired to go out for my walk so I asked Alexa to give me another 30 minutes. Anyway I got up and got out so here I am walking. Today I reflect on things that have happened in my life which at the time I felt that I was unlucky, hence the title "Just my luck!"
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 11/01/21. Today I'm talking about having a morning routine. Now I've probably talked about this before on more than one occasion. I'm not going to apologise because I know that a lot of the progress I've made in my life I can put down to having a morning routine.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
10/02/21
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 10/01/21. It is very cold out today so I've put on my Russian hat. I do look a sight but at least my ears are warm. So today I was considering whether I'm stress eating again. I've still got some what I would call Christmas food and I'm working my way through it.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 09/01/21. I had a bit of trouble getting my glove on today whilst holding my phone and attempting to record this. Today I talk about feeling out of control because there seems to be so many demands on myself. I guess this follows on from yesterday's subject about meeting other people's deadlines.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 06/01/21.
The prompt for today's subject came from an incident yesterday. My laptop died no my in the middle of completing two reports that had a deadline for the end of that day. I realise that sometimes I prioritise other people's deadlines ahead of my own.
It's been over a month since I published the previous episode of this podcast. I could come up with some fantastic excuse but the reality is that I was procrastinating. I recorded the first part on my walk and intended to record the second part later indoors. It didn't happen. I kept putting it off. Today 14/03/21 I decided to record the second part and then start hitting the publish button again. So I had an unintentional break but I'm not going to beat myself up about it.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 05/01/21.
I'm talking about having structures and routines and how they have helped me manage and navigate some of the challenges I have had in my life.
First I must mention that the UK has gone into a second lock down. I am not at all surprised and a bit concerned about how people are going to take this second time around.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 04/01/21.
This is my first recording of 2021. I just want to say that 2021 is here and I have arrived here safely. I am grateful for that. I had a viral meningitis attack last year so I could be looking at this year and wishing that I don't have another attack. However, my thoughts are that I am accepting of whatever the year brings to me. I accept that I have a chronic illness that may flare up from time to time.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 29/12/20.
Today I pondered over the question when to start goals. Why do we tell ourselves that we will make a change in our life from the next Monday. Is there something about Monday being the start of the week or is it an excuse to procrastinate? It may be a bit of both I think.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 27/12/20.
In today's episode I talk about pleasing people and how it influences who we are and what we do.
The anticipation of Christmas of over now and so things have settled down into some kind of normal although at this time it is everything but that. I've been indulging in watching TV and deep diving into box sets.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 25/12/20.
Yes it is Christmas day and I'm out on my walk. I thought I'd fit one in whilst cooking the Christmas Dinner. So I had to keep it short. I decided to just talk about my Christmas Day and any random thoughts.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 24/12/20.
It is the day before Christmas day. I'm walking through the woods and it is very muddy today. You may be able to hear my boots squelching as I walk along. I talk about memories today. I was prompted by Facebook sharing daily memories. One about me forgetting the swede and carrot in the microwave on Christmas day. Another was a picture taken with my dad and brother and not knowing that would be the last Christmas we would spend with our dad. Memories are an important part of our lives. Anything that happens before this point automatically becomes a memory but not always one that we remember.
Before I got into my subject I share that I've been very creative with my writing over the past few weeks. I've been writing poetry I guess and then recording my voice speaking it. There is a term for it - spoken word poetry.
I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. After the rain, the ground is very muddy and slippery. I talk about why some people find it hard to save. I know that in the past when I've thought about saving it has meant making sacrifices. That is giving up on something.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 23/12/20.
Today I decided to talk about how I'm benefiting from walking. It has become my new love and I try to get out for a walk each day. I don't always make it because it can depend on my energy levels. Yesterday I was feeling pretty tired and so did not get out for my walk. I'm back out today though and I'm pleased to be wearing my gaiters so mud here I come.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 22/12/20. Today I ponder the question whether or not tell people about my chronic illness. When I initially thought about this subject his morning it was about if I don't tell people about my chronic illness does that mean I'm not being honest. This is a first time exploration of this subject.
I'm recording this episode in bed. I've not even brushed my teeth which is part of my morning routine before recording my audio journal. I felt very fatigued this morning it was if I was drunk. No I've not been drinking alcohol. I very rarely drink alcohol these days.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 21/12/20. Today I'm talking about having a savings goal. It is probably a good time to be thinking about the year ahead. I share the process I go through when I'm setting up savings goals.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 19/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. After the rain, the ground is very muddy and slippery. I talk about why some people find it hard to save. I know that in the past when I've thought about saving it has meant making sacrifices. That is giving up on something.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 18/12/20. It is one of my grandson's birthdays today. He is 10.
Today I talk about worrying and I take the advice of one of my mentors. That is to stop worrying and start doing. Interesting because earlier this week I spoke about thinking versus doing. There is a link there I think!
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 17/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. I'm talking about dealing with disappointment today. I had a bit of a false start with the recording because I received call from my daughter.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 16/12/20. If you could see me I'm treading very carefully through the woods along a very muddy path. I'm talking about needs and wants today.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 15/12/20. It's been over a week since I've been out for a walk.
Today I talk about thinking versus doing.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 09/12/20. I'm out on my walk 2 days post operation. Today I talk about the pressure to buy gifts at Christmas. I also give you an update on my recovery.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 04/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. After the rain, the ground is very muddy and slippery. I talk about why some people find it hard to save. I know that in the past when I've thought about saving it has meant making sacrifices. That is giving up on something.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 05/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual and it is a particularly windy day today. I did review the recording as I said I would and there was no need for me to edit. The subject today is saving in your 50s. This tends to be the time when some people start to think about retirement planning. I realise that my life may have been different had I made different decisions about money at the age of 21 and 38, which are the ages of my son and daughter. Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness. Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 04/12/20. I'm out on my walk in the woods as usual. After the rain, the ground is very muddy and slippery. I talk about why some people find it hard to save. I know that in the past when I've thought about saving it has meant making sacrifices. That is giving up on something.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery journal was recorded on 03/12/20. Today I talked about yesterday's pre assessment that took place at the hospital in preparation of my upcoming hernia operation on 07/12/20.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode of my viral meningitis recovery was recorded on 01/12/20. I explore the subject of how young our money habits are formed and how the influence of our parents. This came out of a discussion with a colleague who said they started seriously saving at the age of 13 and this habit continued into adulthood.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode was recorded on Monday 30th November 2020. We are about to enter into Advent month as from tomorrow where many people in the UK at least will be celebrating Christmas. There will be a lot to reflect on as the year draws to an end. Along with the sadness of sickness and loss. There will be many people who have had positive experiences and have gained in some way. The year is neither good nor bad. It just is.
Today I talk about saving and my struggle to spend that money on something planned.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode was recorded on Friday 27th November 2020. We are still in the grips of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdown measures have relaxed in some areas. Today I talk about my preparation for my upcoming Hernia operation on Monday 7th December 2020. I also give an update on my project which includes this podcast. I share a conversation I had with a coaching buddy who has made the transition from working in the corporate world to being a self-employed coach.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can hep you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode was recorded on Wednesday 25th November 2020. Today I'm talking about feedback. We are giving and receiving feedback constantly. We are also responding to feedback constantly. However, I do not think this is always a conscious thing.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can hep you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today's episode was recorded on Sunday 22nd November 2020 whilst on my morning walk. The subject today is adaptability. The subject popped into my head whilst I was brushing my teeth this morning. I was reminded of how my chronic illness has forced me to adapt.
I'm still on my viral meningitis recovery journey and I don't think that is ever going to change. As time increases from my last flare-up life will become more "normal" for me. I know that I will always be susceptible to flare-ups and I can never take my situation for granted.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can hep you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
This episode was recorded on 19/11/20. I've learned something about myself over the last few weeks. I've had a lot of stress to deal with and I noticed how it has impacted on my energy levels and my eating habits.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can hep you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
I don't know about you but I really hate waiting. Well, I used to really hate waiting. I must admit that these days I have changed my attitude to waiting. That's not to say that I struggle with waiting but it doesn't have the same affect on me as it used to. Today I explore waiting versus patience and you might be surprised by what I uncovered.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
This morning I read a report Over-Exposed and Under-Protected - the Devastating Impact of COVID-19 on Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Great Britain. I was particularly interested in the part of the report was the statement that Black and Ethnic Minority people have less savings than their whit counterparts. It reported that for every £1 of white British wealth, Black caribbean households have around 20p this was halved for Black African and Bangladeshi households.
It got me thinking about how important it is to have an emergency fund for everyone but even more important for the Black and Ethnic Minority communities so they are financially resilient during unexpected times such as COVID-19.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Whether you love social media or you hate social media it is here to stay. Like people there are good things about it and there are bad things about it and I would go as far as to say it can get really ugly at times. I didn’t rush to social media when it was first invented. But when I got involved I got heavily involved when I was learning online marketing tricks I mean strategies. When I moved away from the online marketing I started to pull away from social media and not long before lockdown was considering deleting my social media apps. I had taken a social media holiday and was considering whether or not I wanted to get back on.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today I talk about working from home. Due to the current pandemic a lot of people are experiencing this way of working for the first time. There are many that are really struggling and there are some of us that are literally feeling right at home. As I thought about this topic this morning what came to me was that working from home means relying on technology and changing the way we communicate.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today I talk about Money, Time and Energy. These are finite resources but how do we use them. Do you invest or waste them?
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
This week my coach set me a task to move my business to the next level. There are 4 of us in this coaching group and everyone has the same task. We were all supportive of each other and feeling motivated to take action and get results. I then got scared and decided that I am still not ready to take this next step. We all have had times in our lives when we know what we need to do and that possibly we can do it but we hold ourselves back.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today I want to talk about sleep and give a Recovery update. I’ve been struggling with getting a good nights sleep recently. It means I wake up tired and my body doesn’t have the energy to go for a walk or do a workout. This morning I decided to look up meningitis and sleep. But before I get into the subject I want to give you a Recovery update. It is exactly 17 weeks ago today that I was admitted into hospital with my 6th viral meningitis attack. I spent 5 days in hospital on a drip. Today as I sit in bed I’m remembering how I felt during those five days in a room isolated from everyone. I recorded the first episode of this podcast whilst still in my hospital bed. Again this morning I felt the need to stay in bed and not do my usual routine of going for a morning walk or doing a workout.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
This is a topic close to my heart. For as long as I know I’ve wanted to be a teacher. I thought that meant being a teacher in a school. Though I trained and qualified as a teacher I only taught in a school for a year. In my current job role I supervise employees who are also trainees. But here is what I’ve realised in recent years. What I really love is learning something that I have found valuable and then sharing that information with others. I don’t actually think I wanted to be a teacher in the traditional sense. What I fell in love with was the process of learning for myself and then sharing that knowledge.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today I talk about looking after your future self. I think when I got serious about my health and finances it was because I saw myself in the future and I didn’t like what I saw.
Join my Facebook community - https://www.facebook.com/groups/thrivingwithachronicillness.
Please complete my survey here - https://smilingsonia.com/survey
Book a free strategy session to find out how I can help you to build an emergency fund - https://smilingsonia.com
Today I’m talking about boundaries. I’ve learned over the past couple of years that this is something I’ve struggled with especially within my relationships. I think this is because I was getting it wrong. Now I do have a better idea about what boundaries are - well I think I do.
Why is it so hard for us to learn our lesson? I know I'm not the only one. The last couple of days have been rough and all because I keep defaulting to old habits. I reflect on the last week and how old behaviours have crept in and led to me feeling completely exhausted. I also give you an update on my project which in fact is progressing well because there is an area that I've taken note of past mistakes and creating new smarter habits.
Oh yes, there is a different start to this podcast - you'll understand why. Everything is connected.
Today I talk about two quite emotive subjects that are linked in some way. Well, I think I manage to link them anyway. I share a couple of recent incidents that have led to me wanting to explore this subject this morning. Fear can make us behave in a way we don't like or to make poor decisions.
Today I want to explore the idea that having a chronic illness, well for me, is like playing a game of Monopoly. When I was originally thinking about this earlier today I was thinking that having a chronic illness was like being in prison. As I explore the subject there is actually a link. You'll see.
I'm admitting to being a workaholic. I explore what that means for someone who is diagnosed with a chronic illness and having to deal with the limitations that brings.
This is a bit of a mouth full. There is a cost to us when we do not look after ourselves. When we overlook self care and don't take notice of physical symptoms that may be an indicator that something is wrong.
I first thought about this idea over the weekend when I saw the title of a podcast, clutter and sleep. I think a lot of us don't realise just how much clutter costs us, not just financially but in other ways too, including our mental and emotional wellbeing.
It would have been my mother's 78th birthday today. It is almost 8 years since she passed. Today I explore the subject of learning skills for the future. During this very uncertain time, the pandemic, with lots of people losing their jobs, people are having to think about learning new skills. I have never stood still when it comes to learning new skills. Excuse the background noise in some parts of this recording.
Today I talk about the connection between having money and having time for self. One of the things that money can do for us is to create more time. We can pay for things or services that give us back time to do things that bring us joy.
I'm recording in my kitchen today. I talk about ways to save. There is an assumption that we all know how to save. If that was the case we'd all be much better at it, wouldn't we?
Today I decided to cover two subjects. I'm feeling very frustrated at the moment so I guess I wanted to get it off my chest. I also reflect on times in my life when having an emergency fund would have prevented me from getting into debt ... I think.
Today I talk about the potential to be overwhelmed. I say this because I do believe that we are sometimes aware that a situation can be overwhelming and if that is the case we can do something about it before we are actually overwhelmed.
Today I carry on talking about budgeting. My thoughts today are about how important it is to be patient when you take the decision to make budgeting part of your life.
I wanted to talk about budgeting today because it was the key thing I implemented and took the time to understand so that I could start taking control of my finances. This was particularly important during a period of uncertainty in my life.
I explore the reason for naming my podcast Thriving with a Chronic Illness. I talk through the stages I've gone through since being diagnosed with a chronic illness - suffering, surviving, living and then choosing to thrive.
I talk about willpower and temptation today. I think they both go together. Willpower is finite and that is why you need to guard against running out of it because you then set yourself up for temptation. All will be revealed.
I talk about being good enough but with a bit of a twist. I think we all have had an experience where we've wondered whether or we're good enough or actually thought we were not good enough. On the other hand there are times when good enough is in fact good enough. When you have a chronic illness you may have to think about good enough in a different way.
I share concerns about struggling in a job with a chronic illness and having to consider whether or not it is too much. When would I know that it is too much for me? How can I plan for this?
Today I share the money management system that got me into a better saving habit. I started using the 6 jar money management system intermittently when I started but it is now the foundation of how I save money on a month to month basis. Like anything I have given it my own tweak but it has served me well. It has made me less guilty about spending money on myself.
Today I talk about having insurance. We are used to taking out insurance to protect us if our home is broken into or for a car collision. However, not so much when it comes to life insurance of protection against illness.
My coach invited me to take part in a game this month, to give up something. So I chose to give up eating ice cream. I didn't think it was something that I would find too difficult to do. However, I think it has acted as a trigger for me to look at other things I'm doing that I want to either do more of or less of.
Today I talk about the concern about getting a new job when you have a chronic illness. In the past several years I have thought about looking for a new position either promotional or a sideways move. I have been put off by the worry of having to start in a new role and potentially having a flare up of my condition within the probationary period.
I recorded this episode in the evening a change from my morning walk. Today I talk about alcohol. This is a very emotive subject for me more because of the impact that other people's drinking has had on me. There are so many people affected by someone else's drinking and most people don't know that there is support out there for them. As well as the emotional and mental side of alcohol it plays a part in causing a lot of financial angst too.
Today I talk about owning less. For most of my life I thought that success was about having more or owning more. A lot has changed in the last few years. I've completed changed my view point on this. For me the goal is to own less and be more as a consequence. What I more of doesn't cost money in the traditional sense. However, I do need to be financially stable so that I have the freedom to do what I want when I want.
Today I explore the idea that not spending is not the same as saving. It can be easy to fall into the trap that just because you’re not spending you’re automatically saving.
Today I share my strategy for reviewing my goals. I give an update on my ongoing No Slend Challenge and what I’ll be doing to contribute to Black History month.
I was planning to continue talking about meal prep but there’s been something else on my mind. We’ll be moving into the month of October which is now focuses on celebrating a Black History. I share some of my personal thoughts.
Today I continue talking about meal planning. You probably didn’t think there was so much involved. It saves money and time.
In this episode I talk about resting. For some reason I find this very difficult. I also talk about how I accidentally taught my son to meal plan and meal prep. He’s become quite an expert.
I started to really take co from of my life when I understood I needed to take control of my finances. The first step was to get educated so I turned to the experts.
I start off today sharing a funny meal prep story. I then share my experience of blogging over the years.
In this episode I share how I decided to add a recipe to my blog. This followed a friend suggesting I share my meal prep and batch cooking strategises to my community. Not only does it save time it is also a money saver.
Today I give a general update on my viral meningitis recovery journey and my side project.
Today I recall my first financial emergency. How my response back then dictated my future financial decisions.
Yesterday was very busy as I hosted a visit from my daughter and grandchildren. We cooked and baked together. Very enjoyable. Today I'm feeling very tired though. Today I talk about holding back in different areas. In particularly holding back from doing things I want to do. How I've been holding back from pushing forward my career since being diagnosed with a chronic illness.
Unfortunately, the country is going into further lockdowns as there are more people infected by the coronavirus. I'm looking forward to my daughter and my grandchildren visiting today. I share how I helped my son to overcome his fear of the telephone to cancel an unwanted subscription.
Sometimes I feel alone. It is not loneliness. I don't feel lonely but sometimes when I'm dealing with stuff it can feel overwhelming. It is those times that I feel that it would be nice to have someone to share the burden with.
When I was first diagnosed with a chronic illness there was a period of not wanting to believe I had an illness that may reoccur at any time. I meant that I probably didn't not take it seriously and tried to continue living as if nothing was different. There was a point when I had to accept my situation and learn to live with it and then to thrive.
Next to having an emergency fund the most important financial tool is having sink funds for those expected expenses that can catch us unawares. I use an app to automate my savings.
One of the reasons I considered having a side business to have something to fall back on should I not be able to work. It is also more than that. I love having something outside of my day to day job to focus on. I also want an interest that will take me into my retirement.
Today I talk about how I've got into meal planning and how it helps with me not having to spend time preparing meals in the evening when my energy levels are low.
Today I talk about how a deal with being a parent with a chronic illness. Both my children are adult but I'm still aware of the responsibility they may feel when I'm ill and what may happen as I get older. It's my son's birthday today.
Today I talk about my earliest fears of dying. I also recall having a fear of having a brain tumour and dying before the age of 21.
I recall an incident at work when I had a period of brain fog in the middle of talking to my staff. I didn't panic and just kept calm. I let the team know what was happening and then carried on as normal. I am confident about being able to deal with a situation like this because I've been practising over the years. I share exactly what I've done.
Today I talk about my no-spend challenge this month. I also talk about how I got into debt after we went from a two-income to one income family.
Today on my walk I talk about getting a diagnosis. I recall receiving a diagnosis at 18 and then another significant diagnosis at the age of 50, both connected.
Today I speak about the fear of missing out, the fear of going out and current limitations in my life. My symptoms have brought limitations and I'm scared of pushing myself too much in case I slow down my recovery.
I woke up today feeling restless. I talk about saving money. I’ve created a 5 day challenge to help people build an emergency fund.
It not surprising that I'm preoccupied with my return to work this week. I'm feeling tired and that is to be expected. I've a lot to think about at the moment. Coping with a new work routine alongside personal issues related to selling the house. I have to make decisions and I'm finding that difficult. I'm going back and forth.
Today I talked about my return to work this week. I’m wondering whether I returned to work too. My first day back didn’t quite go to plan.
Today I talk about the fear of making mistakes. I have some reflections on being a trainee teacher many years ago. I think have some anxiety about this because of ongoing symptoms and how they impact on how I do my daily job. I also accidentally discovered a strategy I can use to remember what I read in books.
I give a report back on how my first day back at work went yesterday. Today after listening to a podcast I reflect on future planning and the importance of making sure it doesn't stop you from living your life today.
Today I'm returning to work following a two-month break following my most recent viral meningitis flare-up. I talk about being in control or not.
Today I talk about my plans for returning to work tomorrow. I'll be meal prepping and batch cooking so that I don't have this to do during the week. This is how I keep to healthier eating and not be tempted to grab unhealthy convenience unhealthy food.
Today I reflect on the reasons why I want to help women in a similar position to me who worry about the lack of financial stability when you have a chronic illness.
In this episode, I talk about the benefits of having a coach. Also, my struggle keeping up with the housework when I'm ill or my energy is low. I'm thankful to my son who is following a daily evening routine to keep the kitchen clean and tidy.
In this episode, I share how I'm focused on protecting my weight loss. I reflect on my mother and how she dealt with the limitations of her chronic illness. I did not want her to miss out on being a grandmother and spending time with her grandson.
I share my weight loss journey with Slimming World. After I achieved my target weight I knew I needed to have another challenge. Veganuary came along at just the right time.
I used to record a daily video journal and upload it to Facebook. This was a way of keeping myself accountable on my health and self care journey.
Today's episode I talk about Habits and meal planning. I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/ To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm. 5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency. https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 24th August 2020 and I talk about planning for a return to work, multitasking and taking breaks. I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/ To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm. 5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency. https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode I talk about parenting, not wanting to be a burden and my mum's chronic illnesses. I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/ To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm. 5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency. https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode I talk about going back to work and organising my day to manage energy levels. I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/ To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm. 5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency. https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode I talk about getting over Bad days. I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/ To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm. 5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency. https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 20th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
I noted that each morning I do a health check, which I hadn't really noticed before. I'm not sure why but today I am focused on dark days from my past.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 19th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
Today I share about Open Loops and Letting go
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 18th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
I touch on learning about macros and wanting to simplify my life.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 17th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
I'm feeling much lighter and brighter today. I've discovered MyFitnessPal and so I'm experimenting with it at the moment. I also talk about open loops and they sap my energy. I get quite tired by the end of this episode.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 16th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
Today I talk about feeling stuck in my career, worrying about losing my job and how difficult it might be to get another job at my age.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 13th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
Today I talk about the benefits of walking.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 12th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
The first signs of Autumn with the falling leaves. I do love Autumn. I've been researching if it is usual to have ongoing pain in my lower back after a lumbar puncture. I've had pain for over a month now. I talk about suffering today although that wasn't my plan.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 11th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis. I'm back in the woods today because I love it so much. I'm keeping to the paths though.
This morning I'm feeling very uncomfortable today because I put on a piece of old jewellery that belonged to my mum and I've had a bad reaction. Feeling frustrated again today after I received the wrong medical certificate. I think I was feeling a bit grumpy today. I reflect on how different stressor impact on mental health. Feeling overwhelmed by the decisions I have to make.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 10th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis. Today I'm sitting on a bench in a different open space today because I'm a little concerned about the reported attacks in the woods over the past few days. I reflect on being tired and restless yesterday.
Today discovered that a number of people who have suffered meningitis have ongoing sleep problems. I also talk about light sensitivity which is an ongoing symptom of viral meningitis.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 9th August 2020 (I actually say July) whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis. I had no desire to get out of bed this morning. Been feeling extremely tired over the past few days.
I am quite scared sometimes walking through the woods because it can be very quite. Yesterday I heard information that there had been a couple of attacks in the woods the previous mornings so I've changed my route today so that I'm in a more open area.
Today I talk about exercise and being active. Exercise has always been an important part of my life.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 8th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
I talk about being tired yesterday and I share my dieting history and the three pillars I used when I focus on my physical environment.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 7th August 2020 whilst out on my daily morning walk. I started walking to help my recovery from multiple attacks of Viral Meningitis.
I talk about my personal project The Freedom at 55 Project. I share how the project has helped me to focus on three key areas of my life and how that has been instrumental in transforming my life. Oh yes, you find out what happened when I visited my GP to collect a fit note.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 6th August 2020 but not during my usual morning walk. I did go out walking but was with a friend who was staying over. I went out for a second walk and recorded my journal then.
I talk about accepting help. I got help from an unexpected stranger and I tell how that came about.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 5th August 2020. It's a cooler day today. I continue talking about my experience of pain and injury during my life. I've been struggling with toothache recently so I give an update on that and how I'm working hard on my oral hygiene. I've had problems with my ankles, knees and hips over the years and have had operations too.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 4th August 2020. I managed to get out for another walk today. I've created a habit now of stopping to record my audio journal at the beginning of my walk so that I'm not so tired. I miss my long walks but realise that I have to build up my stamina. I talk about what happened yesterday when I arrived at the doctor. I actually became quite emotional and I guess that's because I'm feeling a bit emotionally vulnerable at the moment. A friend reminded me that the type of job I have has a mental toll on me as I make decisions that impact on people's life on a day to day basis. I talk about my experience of pain and injury during my life.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 1st August 2020. It's been almost 4 weeks since I woke up with a headache that indicated I was having another viral meningitis attack. I've been signed off work for another 4 weeks and it is my plan to return to work at the beginning of September. I'm realising I need to take things a bit slower than I have been. I give an update on my symptoms as I had to take pain killers this morning.
I take the same route through the woods so that I don't have to make any decisions first thing in the morning.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 3rd August 2020. I go out for a walk yesterday but I still recorded an audio journal. I'm walking in a different park today. I'm fortunate to live in a location where there is a lot of green space. I'm taking this route because I needed to pick up a medical certificate from my GP as I'm signed off work for another month. Since having these viral meningitis attacks I've struggled driving and also travelling on public transport. I speak randomly today about things on my mind that are stressful at the moment.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 31st July 2020. I mention my project - The Freedom at 55 Project which is also the name of my website and blog. i created this project in 2018 after my fifth Viral Meningitis flare-up. I wanted to learn more about my condition, make lifestyle changes to help to manage my symptoms and share my experience to help others. Today I talk about sleep and diet because these are the two areas under health that I've made the biggest changes.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 30th July 2020. I've been really consistent getting out on my daily walks since being discharged from hospital. I think I've been out every morning. If I hadn't been unwell I'd be walking a lot further and a lot faster but I am being patient with myself. I like talking whilst I'm out because it gives me an opportunity to share my experience of having a chronic illness. I talk about wellbeing as being more than just about our physical and mental health.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 29th July 2020. This morning I completed a 10-minute meditation whilst I'm lying in bed although my head hurts. I do love meditations but have not been consistent. I'm not very good at asking for help but I am learning to be better at this. I realise that asking for help is also a way of being kinder to myself. When I pause my recording I have to try to remember what I was talking about.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 28th July 2020. I'm feeling brighter today because I slept better last night. Unfortunately, I tend to have broken sleep because I make several trips to the toilet during the night. I reflected on what happened yesterday following my walk. I used my physical journal to dump a lot of stuff that is going on in my head which seemed to lift that weight from me. It helped me to focus on one action yesterday to start moving forward on a specific goal.
I also give an update on some symptoms I'm having at the moment including Tinnitus.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 27th July 2020. The rain did not deter me from my walk this morning although I woke up feeling very tired and considered not going out for a walk but only for a moment. Acknowledged that my mood has been lower but I wouldn't say I'm depressed. I do use mindfulness techniques to check with how I'm feeling. I do have feelings of frustration and impatience and finding myself back in the position again.
Unfortunately, I have not been given any guidance on what I should be doing to recover from my latest flare-up. There seems to be so little known about Mollaret's meningitis and I don't have the answers to questions that family and friends ask me. What I know I've found out myself from the internet but I'm experimenting all the time.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 26th July 2020. I talk about having to accept that I have a chronic illness and that it impacts on my on a daily basis. Reflecting on the progress I'd made prior to having my latest flare-up and that I have accepted that I cannot do what I used to do before the illness.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 25th July 2020. I'm out a bit later than usual although it is the weekend. I had a number of things on my mind this morning and found it difficult focusing on one thing. I was uncertain about what to talk about today. I decided to follow up on a conversation I had with my daughter who asked if I was bored being at home all day.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 24th July 2020. I talk about working in front of a computer screen can trigger headaches. I explore what ways I can still do my work without putting too much strain on my brain. For example, utilising text to speech software.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
To aid my recovery I've focused on reducing financial stress which has given me more freedom and flexibility to make the right choices in a state of calm.
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 23rd July 2020. I'm still in a flat mood but enjoying being out more. I briefly touch on the stigma around Genital Herpes and the connection to viral meningitis. I also reflect on my reasons for wanting to raise awareness of the condition.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 22nd July 2020. I woke up in a low mood this morning, well my body felt heavy. I give my usual update on symptoms since yesterday. I talk about my experience of depression following my first Viral Meningitis attack and continued struggle with mental health in my early adult years. I admire the blackberries during my walk.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 21st July 2020. It was exactly two weeks ago that I felt the first symptoms of my Viral Meningitis flare-ups. I'm focusing on my symptoms and trying to understand more about this condition that I have. I give an update on my symptoms since yesterday.
I didn't really feel like coming out this morning but I'm so used to my morning routine and I go into autopilot. Walking is like freedom to me.
I talk about Herpes and the connection to viral meningitis and explore understanding that condition more.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency.
https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 19th July 2020. I give an update on how I've been doing over the past few days. I've spent a lot of time lying down. I've been able to prepare meals in between lying down. I'm still needing to take some painkillers but I'm also taking some Homeopathic remedies.
I talk about my interest in journaling, which I've done for years and found very therapeutic.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
5 Day Treasure Chest Challenge - How To Build a One Month Emergency Fund To Support You Through Your Next Medical Emergency. https://www.thefreedomat55project.com/treasure-chest-challenge/
Today's episode was recorded on 18th July 2020 (I say the 18th June in the podcast but you'll have to excuse my memory) whilst out on my daily morning walk. I talk about open loops and habits. Also how I'm coaching my 20 year old son to complete DIY jobs around the house.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 17th July 2020. I got the month wrong again, I say June on the recording. I talk about the daily headaches that continue following an attack. They can go on for months.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 16th July 2020. I'm back out on my morning walk this morning. I usually walk in the mornings so I was eager to get back out but taking it slowly. I talk about planning and preparing for a hospital admission.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 15th July 2020. 2nd day back at home from being in the hospital. I'm spending most of my time in bed. I decided to talk about being single today and living on my own with a chronic illness.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 14th July 2020. I talk about sleep.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 13th July 2020 and I'm just back home from the hospital still feeling fragile. I'm still feeling fragile but so pleased to be back home.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 13th July 2020 on my last day in the hospital. I share a discussion I had with the doctor about me going home and future medication plans.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 12th July 2020 whilst I was still in the hospital. I was discharged from the hospital today. I share a piece I wrote about my experience of going to the hospital when I have an attack. I posted this on Facebook profile.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 12th July 2020 whilst I was still in the hospital. I share the story of my first viral meningitis attack at the age of 18. I very rarely share this story because I feel embarrassed and ashamed. I shouldn't but I do.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 12th July 2020 whilst I was still in the hospital. I share my thoughts about the importance of first impressions and administering medication in the right way.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
I'm recording this on the 12 July 2020. I’m still in the hospital. I talk about having more pain on the left side of my head, phlegm and the dreaded diarrhoea.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 11th July 2020 whilst I was still in the hospital.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition.
Today's episode was recorded on 11th July 2020 whilst I was still in the hospital.
I realised I had to stop being a victim to my condition and circumstances. I decided that surviving was not enough and I started to design a life where my true self can shine through. I became the project and experimented and practised what I learned on myself. I want you to know that you too can thrive and there are things in your life that you can control and will bring you health, wealth and happiness. Interested in learning more about the tools, tips and strategies I learned over on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition. I'm still getting used to living with a chronic illness and have had to adapt to having lower energy levels as well as the uncertainty a flare-up that can happen at any time.
Today's episode is recorded on the 11'th July whilst still in the hospital, two days after being admitted. I state that the month is June but that is wrong. It is July 2020. I've decided to document my recovery and share my thoughts and feelings about living with this chronic illness. I had to finish the recording earlier than expected because I started to feel quite ill, so I labelled this part 1.
In the last 3 years I lost 9 stone in weight, have a financial buffer should I need extended sick leave and have reduced the stress in my life.
I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/
On the 9th July 2020 I was admitted into hospital with Viral Meningitis. This is my 6th attack and 5th in the last 7 years. I have a condition called Mollaret's Meningitis which means recurring viral meningitis. I've been keeping an audio journal for a few years now and decided to record a series focusing on my experience of living with this rare chronic illness in the hope of raising awareness of the condition. I'm still getting used to living with a chronic illness and have had to adapt to having lower energy levels as well as the uncertainty a flare-up that can happen at any time. In this episode, I explain a bit about how this podcast came about and how I moved from just surviving to thriving with a chronic illness. Also what I hope you'll get out of joining me each day as I share information and insights during my recent recovery from a flare-up. I'd love to hear about your experiences. You can connect with me over in my Facebook group where I share tools, tips and strategies I've learned to create this transformation. https://www.facebook.com/groups/livingthrivingchronicillness/