Learning to Live with Chronic Illness

When life takes an unexpected turn—like being diagnosed with a chronic illness—it can feel like the ground has been ripped out from under you. I know that feeling all too well. After emergency surgery to remove a kidney due to cancer, I was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease.

Overnight, everything changed. I had to rethink how I lived, what I prioritised, and how I took care of myself. It’s been a journey—one that’s still unfolding—but through it all, I’ve learned that even in the hardest moments, there’s a way forward.

Chronic illness isn’t just about your body; it touches every part of your life. It can shake your confidence, shift your relationships, and challenge the way you see yourself. Adapting to this new reality is hard, but with the right mindset and tools, it is possible to find balance, peace, and even joy along the way.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of knowledge. Understanding your condition—how it works, what helps, and what doesn’t—gives you a sense of control in a situation that often feels uncontrollable. Talk to your doctors, ask the questions that matter, and seek out information from reputable sources. The more you know, the more empowered you become.

Chronic illness can also feel incredibly isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Having a strong support system—whether it’s family, friends, healthcare professionals, or even online communities—makes all the difference. Surround yourself with people who respect and understand your journey.

And then there’s the daily reality of living with it. Creating a routine has been a game-changer for me. Having structure helps bring some stability to the uncertainty. Prioritising self-care, taking medications on time, eating well, and carving out time for rest—it all adds up. And one of the biggest lessons? Learning to say no without guilt. Protecting your energy isn’t selfish—it’s survival.

The power of therapy and mindfulness

Therapeutic practices can be game changers when adjusting to life with a chronic condition. 

1. Hypnotherapy – for me, hypnotherapy was a turning point. It helped me process my diagnosis, release the life I once envisioned, and embrace the new reality before me. 
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – many people with chronic illness experience anxiety, depression, or feelings of helplessness. CBT helps reframe negative thought patterns, fostering resilience and emotional strength. 
3. Physical therapy – depending on your condition, physical therapy may help you manage pain, maintain mobility, and regain strength. Movement, even in small amounts, can improve both physical and mental wellbeing. 

Mindfulness and meditation

Chronic illness often forces you to slow down. Mindfulness teaches you to embrace the present moment without judgment, allowing you to find peace even in uncertainty.

1. Meditation: Even a few minutes of guided meditation each day can help reduce stress and bring a sense of calm.
2. Breathwork: Simple breathing exercises, like diaphragmatic or box breathing, can alleviate anxiety and improve focus.
3. Gratitude practice: Chronic illness shifts your perspective, but gratitude helps you find beauty in the small things. Writing down three things you’re grateful for each day—no matter how small—can reframe your mindset and bring a sense of appreciation. If you're looking for a structured way to build this habit, my guided gratitude journals offer prompts and exercises designed to help you cultivate a daily practice of self-reflection and positivity.

Before my diagnosis, I lived at full speed, assuming my body would always keep up. I pushed my limits without a second thought, taking my health for granted. My diagnosis became a wake-up call—an invitation to re-examine how I treated myself. 

Self-love and acceptance don’t happen overnight, but they are worth the effort. Here’s what helped me: 

1. Being kind to myself – instead of focusing on what I could no longer do, I celebrated what I could do. Small victories, like walking an extra block or preparing a healthy meal, became moments of pride. 
2. Letting go of perfection – I had to redefine success. It wasn’t about doing it all—it was about doing what mattered. 
3. Finding joy in the little things – whether it’s watching the sunrise, reading a good book, or sharing a quiet moment with loved ones, I’ve learned to savour life’s simple pleasures. 

Taking life one day at a time 

If chronic illness has taught me anything, it’s the value of the present moment. Worrying about the future or dwelling on the past only adds unnecessary stress. Instead, I focus on today—on what I can do right now to make life meaningful. 

Some days are harder than others, but even on the most challenging days, there is always something to be grateful for. This isn’t the life I once imagined, but it is still a life worth living—a life filled with lessons in resilience, self-discovery, and the incredible strength of the human spirit. 

Living with chronic illness is a deeply personal journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. If you’re struggling to find balance, adjust to a new reality, or simply need support, I’m here to help.

Through counselling, hypnotherapy, and personalised strategies, I support individuals in managing the emotional and psychological challenges that come with chronic illness. Together, we can explore ways to cultivate resilience, find peace, and embrace a life of meaning.

Let’s start a conversation about how I can support you on your journey.