Inspiration

In honor of Invisible Illness Awareness Week, here's my contribution to the "30 things" meme. Want to write your own? Head over to the forum and post!

Posted: 9/2/2009 in Inspiration

I've been spending a lot of time lately on learning mindfulness, trying to be present in every moment. A big part of that is breathing and as regular readers know, music always inspires and motivates me. I asked for suggestions on Twitter and Facebook, and combined those with my own faves to create this terrific 17-song playlist. Enjoy! (You can also listen to the entire list streaming at Playlist.com.)

Posted: 7/10/2009 in Inspiration

Everything is brand new and waiting for you to enjoy. That's what I was reminded of yesterday, Father's Day, as I held a brand new baby in my arms. His innocence and wonderment took me out of myself, helped me forget my pain and exhaustion for a moment. What a gift! Are you looking for these gifts in your own life?

Posted: 6/22/2009 in Inspiration

With all the stress we face today, it's hard to stay present in the moment and appreciate what we DO have, especially when we're sick chicks. So I was inspired, by an idea a reporter shared, to take a 30-day challenge. This is my challenge: to—in the words of Ray LaMontagne—Be Here Now. (I'm sure he's not the first to say it, but he's got this lovely song all about it, and that's where I first heard the phrase.) Want to join me? It should be a fun experiment. I even created a blog all about it.

Read on for more details...nothing much to it, just a chance to try something new and re-connect with yourself and your world in a meaningful way.

Posted: 4/1/2009 in Inspiration

I was asked recently to write about thriving at college in spite of chronic illness. And although I didn't get really sick until after graduation, I did have a recent experience that felt just like going back to school. Here are just a few thoughts that might help inspire you...I know the experience taught me a few things!

Posted: 4/1/2009 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Coping

So how do ChronicBabes nurture hope for the future, when we cope with so many variables? For myself, three specific things are on my to-do list: surround myself with success, make one simple promise, and cultivate a little faith. Want to give it a try with me?

Posted: 12/22/2008 in Inspiration

Editrix Jenni is always on the lookout for things that can make her feel better. Even if they don't make her pain or fatigue go away, a new trick that makes her feel stronger or more capable or happier is a welcome addition to her bag. She's got some tips that will help you fight your fears and try new things today!

Posted: 10/8/2008 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Coping

Life with chronic illness is hard. It sucks. We all know that. And plenty of us talk about it, in person to our friends and family, or online in forums or blogs. But all that talking about it...thinking about it...obsessing about it...eats away at our joy.

We've got some basic tips you can start using today to reclaim your joy. Sure, there's no way everyone can feel joyful every moment of the day—but you CAN reclaim joyful moments and live a more fun life, no matter how sick you are.

Posted: 9/25/2008 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Coping

Her husband thinks she's like a hot car, even if she's a sicko. The Professional Patient offers up a quick story to inspire and make you giggle.

Posted: 8/23/2007 in Inspiration

Our inspiration section is full of great stories, but we want more. Babe Cecilia suggested that we ask for photos of things folks love to do, and we think stories of great achievements would also be terrific. Email us your story and photos and we'll post as many as we can!

Posted: 8/20/2007 in Inspiration

From dLife, we bring you an exclusive interview of Soprano’s Star Aida Turturro talking about her battle with diabetes for the first time on television. Enjoy!

Posted: 4/26/2007 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Announcements

Recently, Editrix Jenni took her gym's holiday challenge: between November 15 and January 15, maintain weight, body measurements, and a consistent workout program. She really wanted to lose weight, but knew it was unrealistic — especially considering all the holiday parties, traveling and wonky schedule. Did she meet her goals? Yup - and she has some ideas to help you meet yours, too.

Posted: 1/22/2007 in Inspiration

Michelle recently found out she has Type 2 diabetes, and decided to become the Best. Patient. Ever. Of course, no one is perfect. But she's having fun trying to get as close to it as she can - and getting healthier in the process.

Posted: 11/12/2006 in Inspiration

In this personal essay, writer Kim Moldofsky gives us a new perspective on coping: Two weeks ago I woke up to my grandmother's hands. It wasn't her gentle caress rousing me from sleep; rather, it seemed that her stiff, arthritic hands somehow replaced mine in the night. It was like the movie Freaky Friday in which a teenager and her middle-aged mom mysteriously switch bodies except I'm 35 and my nana passed away at 72. Like a curious infant I stared at my hands as I wiggled my unfamiliar digits. Where did these come from? How do they work?

Posted: 1/29/2006 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Coping

I was brooding under the covers, talking to my mother on the phone. "I should just cancel my book tour,"I told her, frustrated to the point of tears. "I can barely get to the bathroom. How can I possibly get across the country?"My knee had been badly injured two weeks earlier, and hobbling to the kitchen had become about as much adventure as I could stand.

Posted: 7/25/2005 in Inspiration  |  Also posted in: Coping

Hosting Patients For A Moment (PFAM) is a great honor. (Thanks, Duncan!) Sure, I love a good edition of Grand Rounds, but sometimes there are so many health care provider-created posts I'm a bit overwhelmed. And after all, the idea of patient-generated content is why this whole ChronicBabe thing got started. So without further ado, let's see what the ChronicBabes and ChronicDudes are talking about this week:

Posted: 11/18/2009 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

I've been having trouble sleeping lately, lots on my mind and lots going on are combining to mess with my sleep schedule. So just like the breathe playlist I created a couple months, this playlist is designed with a specific purpose: to get me thinking about sleep. I think you'll love it too!

Posted: 10/12/2009 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Invisible Illness Week starts tomorrow, and there are TONS of ways to participate and learn. You can hear all the speakers LIVE at BlogTalkRadio (and ask questions) but even if you can't make it LIVE, you can listen to archived presentations later. We've got the full schedule of speakers...check out the official website for all the scoop!

Posted: 9/13/2009 in Announcements  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Editrix Jenni has a good pal, Leah Jones, who recently walked the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For the Cure. She wrote about the experience and has some awesome messages about managing pain and listening to her body.

Posted: 8/10/2009 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Optimism is not the easiest quality to come by. For us ChronicBabes, it can be hard to embrace fully. But there's a positive energy in the air right now, and I think the time is ripe to capitalize on it and remind ourselves that we can accomplish SO MUCH with just the right attitude.

In two days, the U.S. will have a new president, and with him will come a wave of change. Our new leader represents optimism in action, a concept I've been thinking about a lot lately. For those of us who live with chronic illness, optimism is a precious commodity—something we cultivate and cherish. Barack Obama is a perfect example of what it means to not only be optimistic, but to take that positive energy and drive it forward to create a positive result...and to inspire others to do the same.

In honor of our incoming president, I've crafted a short list of five things I do to cultivate a sense of optimism in myself and the people I impact. These are simple things you can do in your own life, too!

Posted: 1/18/2009 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

For the benefit of the Babes out there who are newly diagnosed, or who have been struggling and need that little extra inspiration, here are some of the things I've learned that are part of being resilient (there are even more tips on resiliency available from the American Psychological Association).

Posted: 5/26/2008 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Whether it's new or persistent illnesses (or anything else crappy for that matter), maybe you've had a tough year and you're ready to enter 2008 with a fresh mindset. I've got a few ideas that will get you in the mood for some major self-improvement. (If you've had a great year, terrific! Keep doing what you're doing. But still read on for some ideas to make it even better.)

Posted: 12/22/2007 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

In our last Goodie Bag, we asked Babes: Have you been surprised by love? Many women with chronic illness or disabilities think they're not going to find love - or even have some great sex - because of their health limitations. Bogus! Here are just two examples of responses we received. Hopefully, they'll inspire you to open your mind to the possibilities.

Posted: 8/13/2007 in Relationships  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Is it possible to re-claim a word that has negative connotations and make it our own, turn it into something positive? We think so. Jenni Prokopy wrote this article for Young People For (she's been a guest blogger there during the month of May, so check out some of her other posts at the site!), and they've given us permission to reprint a slightly modified version of it here.

Posted: 5/22/2007 in Venting  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

We have five winners! Thanks to everyone who entered our contest—we had lots of inspirational stories to consider. Here are our five winners, and their stories. This is an article worth taking the time to enjoy in full!

Posted: 5/21/2007 in Announcements  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

I'm not the same girl I was a few years ago. Each time I take a cross-country trip, I'm reminded that I'm not the person I was in the late '90s - the chick who could sling a 40-pound suitcase without thinking twice, who could do a 10-hour travel day and then go dancing later that night. Now I'm the chick who shows up at the airport with meticulously packed lightweight rolling bags, an inflatable back pillow, a ziploc full of meds, and a reservation at a hotel that promises a comfy bed and lots of relaxing amenities.

Posted: 2/22/2007 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

ChronicBabe is growing, and we're looking for more of your stories to tell. If you love to write and want to share an experience that could help another Babe, check out our article submission guidelines.

Posted: 8/3/2006 in Announcements  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Welcome to Grand Rounds ChronicBabe style, where it's all about the ladies. We got a ton of excellent posts, so take some time to really work your way down the list. You won't be disappointed! Thanks to everyone who participated, and to Nick for organizing Grand Rounds! We're honored to be your hostess this week.

Posted: 7/18/2006 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Babe Iris is wired with a Holter monitor - a portable electrocardiogram (ECG) machine - and to get completely accurate results, the 24-hour test should include, shall we say, exercise. It's time to call the boyfriend and see just how nimble he can be. What happens when intimacy includes wires and cables and batteries, oh my? Iris gives us the inside scoop.

Posted: 4/18/2006 in Chronically Sexy  |  Also posted in: Relationships, Inspiration

Here's the fifth edition of LadyBloggers, where we profile a ChronicBabe who's doing superior writing. There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! LadyBloggers is a way to connect you with some of our favorite resources, and offer a peek at why and how these women are sharing their voice in the community. And maybe we'll spark some creativity in you, too! If you want us to profile your web site, let us know and we'll consider your project.

Posted: 3/7/2006 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! That's why we feature LadyBloggers -- ChronicBabes who are doing superior writing. It's a way to connect you with some of our favorite resources, and offer a peek at why and how these women are sharing their voice in the community. And maybe we'll spark some creativity in you, too! If you want us to profile your web site, let us know and we'll consider your project. And now, without futher ado, we bring you: TheDailyHeadache.com, by Kerrie Smyres.

Posted: 2/20/2006 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! That's why we feature LadyBloggers -- ChronicBabes who are doing superior writing. It's a way to connect you with some of our favorite resources, and offer a peek at why and how these women are sharing their voice in the community. And maybe we'll spark some creativity in you, too! If you want us to profile your web site, let us know and we'll consider your project. And now, without futher ado, we bring you: DiabetesTeenTalk.com, created by Allison Blass.

Posted: 1/30/2006 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Here's the second edition of LadyBloggers, where we profile a ChronicBabe who's doing superior writing. There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! LadyBloggers is a way to connect you with some of our favorite resources, and offer a peek at why and how these women are sharing their voice in the community. And maybe we'll spark some creativity in you, too! If you want us to profile your web site, let us know and we'll consider your project. And now, without futher ado, we bring you: MooglesThoughts, created by Tracy Young.

Posted: 12/15/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

There are so many great web sites out there created by, and for, ChronicBabes. But sometimes it can be hard to find them! That's why we're starting a new weekly feature: LadyBloggers. Each week, we'll profile a ChronicBabe who's doing superior writing. It's a way to connect you with some of our favorite resources, and offer a peek at why and how these women are sharing their voice in the community. And maybe we'll spark some creativity in you, too! If you want us to profile your web site, let us know and we'll consider your project. And now, without futher ado, we bring you: DiabetesMine.com, created by Amy Tenderich.

Posted: 12/7/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

I have to admit, I hesitated to bring this book home from the store. From the outside, Chronically Happy: Joyful Living In Spite of Chronic Illness by Lori Hartwell--cover complete with silly happy face--was just not all that appealing. But this is actually an excellent book, full of helpful advice, fresh perspectives, and anecdotal examples of ways to improve your life even if you have a chronic illness.

Posted: 11/4/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

If you're a regular reader of the site, you're probably a little annoyed with me, or perhaps disappointed. That's understandable. I haven't been around a lot these last couple weeks.

Posted: 10/21/2005 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Christa Barnell is a fine artist living and working in Carbondale, Ill. Despite her chronic daily headache, Christa supports herself with art and uses it as a sort of therapy. ChronicBabe caught up with Christa about her work, her headache, and everything in between.

Posted: 9/17/2005 in Crafty  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

When I'm feeling less than fantastic, I often turn to stories of inspiration to boost my spirits. No, not the Chicken Soup for Your Stinky Feet variety... the That Takes Ovaries!, by Rivka Solomon, variety.

Posted: 7/21/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Like J. Lo, I couldn't function without a fleet of people keeping me fabulous, aka Team Jenni. These are the folks in my life who help me be my best. When I'm feeling great, when I'm feeling crap, and everything in between, I've got Team Jenni.

Posted: 6/15/2005 in Relationships  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

Sometimes you just need to be ridiculous. Seriously, go for it. Sometimes you just have to ride the cheeto.

Posted: 6/5/2005 in Coping  |  Also posted in: Inspiration

We now own the movie Garden State, which I totally love, and while watching it last night I found my new fave ChronicBabe movie quote.

Posted: 6/1/2005 in Cool Tools  |  Also posted in: Inspiration