I created Chronically Ill & Still Existing for myself, but maybe you know someone who needs it

One aspect of being chronically ill that I didn't understand until I experienced it was the judgement.

When illness doesn't get better, cancelling plans becomes the norm. Rescheduling can be impossible. You can find yourself in tense discussions with people you were once close to who now believe you aren't trying hard enough.

Housework and hygiene often become way less possible, and visitors sometimes judge. You might hear from one person that another person believes you aren't trying hard enough.

Jobs can become impossible, and we can end up relying on social programs for basic necessities. We can find ourselves explaining to people why we need help with bills, and be told we aren't trying hard enough.

The messages are clear, and they add up:

You aren't trying hard enough. If you wanted to, you could do better.

We need more messages that accept us for who we are and what our capacity is.

More messages that honour us.

That's why I created Chronically Ill & Still Existing.

Each day gives you an affirmation, a space to reflect, and a small doodle.

No pressure to write or color.

No pressure to go in order.

No pressure to look every day. (Though there is a full month's worth.)

Chronically Ill & Still Existing is an affirmation book.

It's a journal.

It's a doodle book.

It's a coloring book.

It's unlike anything else I've created, and yet it fits perfectly into my creative ecosystem.

I created it for myself.

But maybe you need it too.

Or maybe you know someone who does.

Check out Chronically Ill & Still Existing as a digital download on my website or pick up a printed copy on Lulu.com.