Tag Archives: chronic pain

Why Asking “How can I help?” is Problematic (and Tips to Rephrase)

23 Apr
“Is there anything I can do?” It’s a common question from caring people. We ask it when someone is stressed. We ask when someone is grieving. The caring people in my life ask when one of my chronic conditions is...
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5 Reasons I’ll Never Wear These Shirts

22 Apr
I’ve gotten some of the strangest “targeted advertising” showing up in apps. Dating sites for a different sexual orientation than I am (Christina, you’ve been single FOR. EVER. Why not try a different tack?) Those lewd-looking items with seemingly normal...
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I Have a Sitting Disability: What That Means

26 Mar
It’s something you hear about. In fact, I had the condition for years before I knew it had a name. It’s not exactly official. You won’t find it on the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) website or even WebMD. But...
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4 Things People with Disabilities Find Helpful When We’re “Out in the World”

20 Mar
One of my speaking programs on disability has a strong focus on universal design, which is defined as making spaces, objects, and experiences accessible to all people regardless of disability or other difference. Yes, this means having ramps, but much,...
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11 Things I Do at Bedtime That Make Life a Little Better

22 Jan
I love preparing ahead for myself. Doing those little (or big) things that might make a future moment better. (It’s why I keep up my Splatquake kit.) So doing little things for my tomorrows has become part of my bedtime...
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Mantra Checkpoints for Impossible Days

6 Dec
I do love using the Splat system and the Impact Map to help manage self-expectations and to lighten the load, when I’m having my worse days, without all the guilt. But there are plenty of times in life when adulting...
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Creatively Overcoming Mental Health Effects of Chronic Pain (or whatever may be attacking your mental health)

12 Nov
Chronic pain doesn’t just literally hurt. It takes a toll on our mental health as well. Some of the ways it affects *my* mental health are: One of my chronic pain conditions (fibromyalgia) actually has mental health symptoms! These include...
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An Unexpected Intersection of Ageism and Ableism

18 Sep
From Oxford Languages: ageism /ˈājˌizəm/ noun prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of a person’s age. ableism /ˈābəˌlizəm/ noun discrimination in favor of able-bodied people. Ageism and ableism go hand-in-hand; the natural aging process is indicative of lessening capabilities and...
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Using “Little Things” to Keep Up with Life

13 Jul
After ten hours at work, I came home and swept my porch. It was on my list. I had this idea when today began, as I said good morning to the transplants in the Gratitude Garden (that’s my back yard)...
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