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If you have a pet of any kind, you know the joy that pets bring into our lives. While they do come with a certain level of commitment and work, they offer benefits that far outweigh what they require of us. Now that I am six years into my primary chronic illness, sarcoidosis, I feel like I can discuss pet therapy with conviction. Prior to becoming "sick," I always had a pet - from childhood on. It wasn't really until I became ill, however, that I realized what my dogs had done for my mental health. My physical health has also improved thanks to being a pet-owner. Here are 10 ways owning a pet can help you with your chronic illness:
Charlie the Dachshund is always there for me. He will wait on me wherever I go and follow me no matter what. He needs my help to get his food, water, and to let him outside. It feels good to be needed by someone or something that doesn't really expect much in return, ESPECIALLY with a chronic illness. I can be sick, tired, or both in front of him and not feel self-conscious. I can tell him all my thoughts and fears, and he won't judge me. I can even moan out loud in pain or cry at my medical misfortune and he doesn't flinch. Instead, he meets me with loving kindness and is a steady force of calm in my daily life.
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State Prints from Jane- White on White Frames from Amazon These are the 4 states in which I've lived!
LUG Switch crossbody bag - came with free phone holder that you can touch through (though I haven't tried it) and it has that RFID technology that keeps people from scanning your card #s. Ya'll, this was my first ever QVC purchase and I am 45 years old. I love, love, love the bag though for shopping as it's the perfect size for my small LUG Splits Wallet (got it from amazon- will link on my tools page), my phone, keys, lipstick, coupons, mask, and hand sanitizer. I think the QVC chic showed it worn as a fanny pack also, but I haven't been to Disney since I got it. :-). I know I paid under $50, but I would have to look back at the exact price. I can't find the exact one on Amazon but I linked one very similar in my "tools" page. This bag is still available on the QVC site but the colors are very limited. 👀
Singing my wake up song 🎵 to 2 sleepy-eyed, bed-head boys.
Rocking a baby in a soft onesie wrapped snugly and tenderly in a blanket. Seeing my parents’ puppies run towards me with wild abandon as I beckon “hey, Littttttttle Boys!!!!” A brand new journal tight at the spine, crisp at each paper edge, blank as a fresh-fallen snow. A mug full of barely-used dual-tip markers with a coffee-infused brain and 20 minutes to doodle. That bass drum, the high hat, a sexy snare, a rumble from a bass guitar, melody from those 🎹 keys, and a voice belting out pain or ecstasy in an outdoor venue. Yes 🙌🏻 I will and I want more! 100k of us squeezed together, sweating, smiling, ❤️ racing, waving shakers, roaring as a collective animal as one 20-something runs up and launches that 🏈 into a fall Saturday reunion of college powerhouse rivals. Inching into my ✈️ seat and opening a magazine I will never read on my way to something new. And this. Writing. Typing. Dreaming. Reflecting. Lamenting. Laughing. Crying. Smiling. Feeling. This gives me hope. Meeting you and considering one of my words might tug at your ❤️ or muster a grin. That gives me hope. Here are 10 easy ways to support someone with a chronic illness:
I have been living with a chronic illness for 5 years now. My family and friends have been a huge source of support. Even as they've tried to love me, I've witnessed their looks of "what can I do?" or "what should I say?". Most chronic illnesses are unique and involve multiple appointments with various specialists, countless medications, and years of simply managing one's health. These concrete examples can really help your loved one and make them feel important.
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