How living with a chronic condition has taught me courage in life

Sharing this for World Heart Day, 29 September 2023

After years of pretending to be ‘normal’ the pandemic pushed me to be open about living with a chronic illness. It’s so draining to mask a chronic condition, opening up taught me a lot about courage. Being honest about my physical limitations also led to a surprising number of acquaintances revealing invisible conditions that they had also felt compelled to hide. It’s 2023 and it’s time to loose the stigma that surrounds physical and mental health conditions.

If you’re a disabled artist you’re in good company, Frieda Kahlo, ChuckClose, Van Gogh, Yayoi Kusama, are just a few names that spring to mind. They’reexamples of how a disability can become a superpower.

Here are five reminders that have taught me courage in life:

Take each day as it comes
You don’t need to battle yourself
Ask for help when you need it
People say stupid things, that’s on them
Be open in your professional life

1. Take Each Day As It Comes

Some days you’ll feel as good as any regular Jo, others you might be stuck in bed. Having flexibility in your home and professional life is key. You needenergy to have courage. If you can plan out tasks in advance. Use good days for high energy tasks being mindful of what pace is realistic. We’ve all seen how pushing too hard can lead to a crash. On bad days don’t beat yourself up about doing the minimum (or nothing at all).

Some days won’t feel like gifts, be grateful anyway.

2. You don’t need to battle yourself

Stop the body battle. Your body is not your enemy. Instead of seeing yourbody as something that needs to be pushed or controlled, accept that beinghuman means we’re imperfect. Every single human has something about themselves they want to change.

Work with your body and focus on what it can do. Thank your body for everything it does right, for example breathing in and out. The mirage of ‘life would be better if…’ taunts all of us sometimes. Allow yourself to recognise the negative thoughts and move on from them.

3. Ask for help when you need it

One of the hardest things is asking for help. The idea that needing help is ‘weak’can turn a difficult situation into a debilitating one. We all need helpsometimes, even that ‘perfect’ fantasy person you secretly compare yourself to.Be realistic about what you can achieve. If someone offers to help you take upthat offer. They feel good because they’ve helped, you feel good because youknow you’re not in this alone. Even on a good day it’s OK to ask for help.

4. People say stupid things, that’s on them

Firstly, most people don’t mean to say hurtful things. I’ve said plenty ofthings I regret. I’m also certain that I’ll say something stupid again becauseI, like you am a fallible human being. Everyone is dealing with something. Ifyou’re hurt by a comment ask for clarification, explain why you’re upset.

Secondly, there are always (a small number of) people who deliberately say hurtfulthings. They belittle and one up others because of their own insecurities. If you have a broken wrist they have a ‘friend’ with two broken wrists and a broken leg. When you have it good they have it better, when you have it bad they have it way, way worse.

Remind yourself that this person’s life has absolutely nothing to do withyou, or your medical situation. Don’t allow people to guilt-trip you for takingthe time and space you need to thrive.

5. Be open in your professional life

Honestly, I wish I’d known this in my twenties. In your personal andprofessional life tip three applies, ask for help when you need it.

People value the skills of resilience, positivity and communication. In being open you’ve shown how you stand up to adversity, have a positive attitude and can openly communicate your needs to others.

Why would you hide those skills?

I know how hard it is to be positive when you’re on the receiving end of negative reactions (remember, people say stupid things). There is support out there. Every arts organisation, grant funding body or artist collective has support in place for disabled / chronically ill artists.

Use the access support to clarify what adjustments you may need. A scenario for me relates to grant funding, generally there are a minimumnumber of hours that need to be met within a (tight) time frame. If this timeframe looks too tight I negotiate an extension prior to starting the contract. Knowing that there’s extra time available takes the pressure off, allowing me to work at my own pace.

Celebrate what you can achieve. In your professional life, just as in your personal life build a team around you who help you be your best self.