It’s a busy and exciting time of year, and I’m making the most of family time, laughing, smiles and joy. All whilst still learning to look out for myself and rest when I need to. For me, today is a PJ & Films/ Football day by the fire to relieve my exhaustion and ease my pain from yesterday’s wonderful & fun family antics! 

As some people will know, my life over the past few months has changed significantly. Only the closest people to me have seen me in relapse and on my worst possible days but several are aware of the struggles I face behind the smile I display on the outside.

Since September, I have been restricted in comparison to the life I used to live. Now only able to walk very short distances independently with a noticeable gait, constant severe pain and fatigue, balance problems, disorientation and limb spasm / weakness as just a few of my symptoms.

Worst days aside, for me the most important part is that I am learning to take the better days as they come, taking the opportunity to put on some makeup and pick out some pretty clothes and to make the most of the rare times that I can push my conditions to the back of my mind even just for a couple of hours.

It’s a hard pill to swallow: Suffering Chronic Illness and loss of mobility at the age of 21. I know that the next stage of my journey & going strong into the New Year is going to be a very uphill battle but I will continue taking each step forward and each set-back along the way, as best as possible whilst fighting a head-on battle against my own body each day.

I never set New Years Resolutions but going into January and as my battle continues, only one thing will stick in my mind;

“Don’t let your struggle become your identity” <3