Chronic Diaries

  Maria Aloysius Photo by  visuals  on  Unsplash I know it’s rather ironic or controversial to say this : The pandemic saved me! Almost for more than a year during the pandemic,  working from home (WFH) (working from my bed that is)  was a blessing! Here’s how I survived : My physical health & pain During the WFH period, I had  less movement. No driving. No walking. No talking elevators. What does that mean? Less movement leads to less inflammation and less pain . I was able to deliver lectures from the  comforts of my own bed  with  unlimited amount of rest  for my body and knees. I was able to get a  free flow of ice (icing helps with inflammation)  as I had access to my freezer all day, any time. At work, it’s impossible. Carrying around an ice box is inconvenient. Photo by  Aleksandar Cvetanovic  on  Unsplash 2. My emotional & mental health Since I was working from home, I was able to  eat well , get  unlimited rest  and  focus  on my online lectures better. I was more  pro

  Maria Aloysius Photo by  Nelly Antoniadou  on  Unsplash What are some of the jobs that can help manage chronic illness and pain? Freelance Writer Photo by  Windows  on  Unsplash What’s better than writing? Nothing. Not only does writing help you alleviate pain and distract you. You can immerse yourself in writing and enjoy the process of creating. 2. Online Lecturer/Coach/Mentor/Trainer Photo by  Samantha Borges  on  Unsplash My favorite sort of work. Lecturing online is fun and interesting. Interacting with students from near and far. Exchanging ideas and opinions. If you love talking, teaching and educating to people even when you’re in pain, this is what you can try. Try wellness coaching. Or become a music instructor or sales trainer. 3. Proofreading or Book Reader/Reviewer Photo by  Anthony Tran  on  Unsplash Proofreading or book reading or writing a book review is something you should look into. If reading is your passion, try this! 4. Social Media Marketing / Social Selling Ph

  Maria Aloysius Many people managing chronic pain and illnesses are  TALENTED, PURPOSEFUL and CONSCIENTIOUS . We follow through and  get the job done . We even make better candidates than those who don’t have chronic illnesses! What’s the biggest challenge I’ve had so far? Well — Locating companies or establishments offering  full time remote work or work from home opportunities  for those who have invisible illnesses : chronic pain and illnesses. And NOOOO! — I don't mean PARTIME or FREELANCE or HYBRID  (what’s the point of PARTIME or FREELANCE,  a job has to be constant and consistent so we can earn money!  DUH and for all those HYBRID recruiters, what’s the bloody point of offering a remote job which requires us to check in and come into the office physically!) Dear Job Recruiters/Companies, What you should get through that thick skull of yours? Having too little to do is DANGEROUS Chronic pain and illnesses are  INVISIBLE illnesses . We may look perfect (no disabilities or eve

  Maria Aloysius Blessed Resurrection Sunday & Happy Easter! What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger? Was Friedrich Nietzsche right in saying so ? Yes! Life challenges has taught me and still continues to teach me.  Chronic illness and pain isn’t a walk in the park!  It has changed me in ways I have never imagined. My  ‘old self ’ died and my  ‘new self’  was born. Born again, resurrected from the dead. It’s what Easter is about. I am learning to accept and to navigate my life differently. There is no way to evade suffering but I can choose how I want to suffer. I have a conscious decision to make, which is to participate either in : A)  voluntary suffering  -Choosing to take charge and agree to accept and weather the distress inherent there, for we have an intention toward something we regard as more valuable to us B)  involuntary suffering  -Consists of habitual, conditioned, repetitive behaviors with their attendant disturbing feelings and sensations. In this case we don’t take