Chronic Illness Affirmations

I decided to write some chronic illness affirmations to remind me of what I need to remember while dealing with my chronic illness. If you’re anything like me, you’ve struggled with how to accept many different aspects of being ill. It’s complex, frustrating, hard to balance, and so much more.

I thought I’d share a few.

• I am learning the fine art of rest, pacing, and involuntary plot twists.
• I am allowed to change—my needs, my limits, my pace, my priorities. I’m not inconsistent; I’m updating my software.
• My output or productivity doesn’t measure my value. I am not a broken machine—I am a human being, and my value is inherent.
• I am allowed to use the tools that help keep me safe—even if someone thinks I “don’t look sick enough.”
• My medical chart may be a complex puzzle with a few missing pieces, but that doesn’t mean I am confusing. Complexity deserves curiosity, not dismissal.

Here are some pretty card versions of the affirmations.

Maybe some of these thoughts that I’m trying to remember will help someone else.