A chronic illness affects both our body and mind. Our physical and emotional health are closely linked, so managing both is essential. Join us to learn how to live a fulfilling life, even with a chronic illness. Remember, it doesn’t define you.
How to find joy with chronic illness? It’s about building resilience. Resilience helps us face challenges and avoid getting too caught up in our problems. If you feel you lack resilience, we’re here to offer guidance and daily tools. Building resilience takes patience and practice.
Let’s begin by understanding ourselves better. Recognize your strengths, weaknesses, feelings, and what stresses you. This self-awareness helps in navigating overwhelming moments.

Read this letter:

Navigating Life with Mae

“Multiple Chronic Conditions: A Day in the Life” centers around the experiences of Mae, a woman with multiple chronic conditions. Beginning at home with her family, we follow Mae as she visits one health care provider after another, struggling to keep track of the various instructions, treatments, and prescriptions she receives — all while trying to maintain a balanced life.

Finding Love Amidst Illness

John Green’s novel “The Fault in Our Stars” portrays teenagers Hazel and Gus, who bond in a cancer support group, illuminating the depth of connections amidst chronic illness.

Chronic Illness 101: More Than Just a Long-Term Cold

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that six in ten adults in the U.S. have a chronic disease, emphasizing the importance of understanding and managing these conditions.

Opa!

While commonly heard amidst Greek festivities and celebrations as an exclamation of joy, “Opa” also embodies the essence of staying alert and seizing opportunities. It’s about embracing life with all its highs and lows, much like the dual nature of yin and yang in Chinese philosophy.

A Song of Resilience and Chronic Illness

Imagine Dragons’ hit song “Believer” resonates deeply with over 1 billion viewers. Lead singer Dan Reynolds, living with ankylosing spondylitis, depression, and anxiety, drew inspiration from his struggles, making it an anthem of resilience in the face of chronic illness.

Embracing the Shadows

In “Having it Out with Melancholy,” Jane Kenyon poignantly portrays her dance with depression. Through evocative imagery, she captures the weight and omnipresence of the condition, offering a deeply personal lens into life with a chronic illness.

Watch the movie: “Still Alice”

“Still Alice” (2014) directed by Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, stars Julianne Moore as a linguistics professor facing early-onset Alzheimer’s. The film powerfully depicts the disease’s toll on her family and career.

Portraits of Perseverance

ive into a transformative art initiative that captures the essence of life with chronic illness, both its challenges and its moments of hope.

Watch the documentary: “Unrest”

“Unrest” (2017), a documentary directed by Jennifer Brea, provides a personal and compelling perspective on the lives of individuals battling Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The documentary delves into their daily challenges and the quest for recognition and effective treatments.

Listen to the Podcast: “Uninvisible Pod”

Lauren Freedman, diagnosed with a chronic illness, started a podcast for invisible illnesses. She aims to inform, inspire, and advocate, hosting everyone from survivors to holistic experts.

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Download Joyi App

Joyi is your compassionate companion, designed to alleviate anxiety and foster resilience.
Available now on Google Play and the App Store.

“Resting is not laziness, it’s medicine!”

— Glenn Schweitzer

Remember that building resilience is a gradual process that requires consistent effort and self-compassion. By integrating these strategies into your life, you can better navigate the complexities of a chronic illness and live a more fulfilling and empowered life.

This article was created in collaboration with Colorful Zone and Michele Blaszko, who earned her Bachelor of Psychology from Bay Path University in Massachusetts.