When Bodies Break: How we survive and thrive with illness and disability

Chronic illness is life-changing and life-challenging. We long for our active social lives, our favorite activities, our jobs. Our families must adjust to our changes, limitations and struggles, both physical and emotional. Others can be timid or frustrated when trying to relate to us, especially if we don’t look sick. Or they avoid us altogether. Opportunities vanish.We are faced with enormous changes and challenges, and it is up to us how we respond. We can sulk and spend our lives wishing things were different. Or we can create new lives that embrace the changes, adapt with the challenges and encompass the things that truly give us joy! We've been offered this time to reassess our abilities, our desires, our faith, our passion and our purpose and, while being realistic as well as creative, we sculpt a new vision for our lives. Inside this book, you’ll meet 32 inspiring, resilient people who share their stories of struggle, strength and survival through chronic illness. You’ll learn how we became Chronic Illness Warriors, rising out of the ashes to soar, despite our limitations, many donning pajamas as our super-hero attire! We share our experiences in navigating life’s hurdles with chronic illness, including health care, daily life, emotions, self-care, finding our passion and purpose, and creating income. Consider us your Chronic Illness Warrior support team!