Hidden Disability Advocate | Speaker | Author | Adventurer
I recently caught myself doing something terrible … in my brain. My default answer to invitations for social events, whether intimate or large, has become “no.” I have fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and … Read More »
I’ve finished a marathon. In the last 12 weeks, I spoke in 5 states: at 11 college campuses and 1 Native pueblo. I debuted a brand new program and customized existing programs for unique audiences, like non-native-English speakers and veterans. … Read More »
I LOVE travel. In the past 2 weeks, I’ve been blessed enough to add 3 more stamps to my passport. It’s been so wonderful, but it’s also been nuts! Those like me with chronic illnesses know a trips costs us … Read More »
Last Sunday, I spent the day in Brussels with two friends of mine from London, father and son, named Tony and Sean. How we met is a fun story. I found them in an Irish pub in Lisbon, Portugal, and … Read More »
Well-known symptoms of my chronic conditions include pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment, and digestive issues. Things many of us with chronic illnesses expect to deal with every day. But we take on much more than the list of symptoms that come … Read More »
Today was my birthday, and a gift I got myself, besides the whole being in Belgium thing, was the opera. I guess I should write a blog about how this opera love of mine came to be, but for now, … Read More »
Every time I’m in a terrible place or moment that I’m desperate to pass, I remind myself of my self-talk driving across Nebraska one time. I had that raging churn and hellfire of diarrhea on a long drive, and Nebraska … Read More »
Maybe I’m getting a little carried away with my metaphors and doodling, but I’ve come up with a little spin-off of Splat. I’m calling it Swall, and it’s for people like me with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other digestive … Read More »
I had so much fun making my other documinitary, I was looking for a next opportunity. What better than maybe my coolest speaking experience ever? I spoke at the Pueblo of Jemez, a sovereign nation in New Mexico, last month. … Read More »
My book, Talking Splat: Communicating About Our Hidden Disabilities, has a chapter called “self-care toolbox.” this is an excerpt from that chapter, with tip #5. I really hope you’re having a good day today. If you are, I’m sure you … Read More »