WHEN SELF-CARE BECOMES SURVIVAL: LIVING BEAUTIFULLY WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS
INTRODUCTION
Self-care is often romanticized – candles, spa days, and “me time.”
But when you live with chronic illness, especially more than one, those little acts become critical lifelines.
A NEW DEFINITION OF NORMAL
Pain is my companion. It’s quiet sometimes, but it’s always there.
For many, self-care is a treat. For me, it’s treatment.
What others might see as indulgent – bath soaks, massages, body pillows – are the bare minimum to get through the day.
THE MASK WE WEAR
Today, I write this through tears. Not from weakness, but from truth.
Chronic illness makes you a performer.
You smile, serve, create, nurture – all while hurting inside.
And you do it because you must. Because you are strong. Because life is still beautiful.
CREATING A NEW RHYTHM
Success looks different when your body is at war with itself.
I’ve learned to listen to my body without guilt.
To take the nap. Cancel the call. Prioritize me.
Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. It’s my right.
MY KIND OF SELF-CARE
I don’t apologize for needing:
- A bath in silence with essential oils
- Magnesium for my inflamed body, swollen and filled with pain,
- Epsom salts sore muscles, relaxation and aid to sleep
- Heating pads and lemon grass or rose compresses
- Time to meditate through the fog of pain
This is not indulgence. It’s survival. And it is sacred.
UNGUARDED, UNFILTERED, COMPLETELY IN THE MOMENT
Yes, I built my own little spa sanctuary at home (we’ll get into that in another blog!), but sometimes, the most powerful therapy is simply being allowed to be – unguarded, unfiltered, and completely in the moment.
LOVE THAT LET’S YOU EXHALE
I believe in the beauty of family – the kind of love that lets you exhale. The people you don’t have to perform for, who see you when you’re strong and still hold you when you’re not. Some days, just being surrounded by that kind of comfort is its own kind of healing.
happy everyone is gone so you can simply – breathe
FOR YOU, WITH LOVE
To every woman showing up despite the pain: you are not alone.
You are not “less than.” You are a warrior – made of grace and grit.
So take the bath. Cry if you must. Rest without guilt.
That is self-care.
That is strength.
That is you.
What at are some of the things you do for self-care? I have curated a list of self-care items just for you check it out at this link for my Amazon Storefront. I’d love your support please invite others you know with chronic illness to visit this blog and leave a comment – Let’s grow a community, one beautiful woman at a time.
With all my heart,
Chali A
Chronic Pain Princess Living Beautifully w Pain
#ChaliALifestyle | #AffordableLuxury | #WellnessWithChali
📌 Looking for products that bring relief without sacrificing style? Explore my favorite self-care tools in my Amazon Storefront
💬 Join the conversation on Instagram @chali_a_lifestyle and on Pinterest www.pinterest.com/Chali_A_Lifestyle
Here A Special Self-Care Shopping List Curated Just For You
Self-Care Essentials for Chronic Warriors 💛
Every item in my Amazon self-care list is thoughtfully chosen to help you feel grounded, supported, and beautiful—especially on the days when self-care isn’t just a treat, but a necessity. From soothing bath essentials to calming hydration tools, these are the comfort items I turn to when I need to reset. Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, burnout, or just craving a moment of peace, consider this your personal toolkit for restoring balance and nurturing your body, mind, and spirit.
EPSOM SALTS
QUICK TIP:
Epsom = muscle relief.
Magnesium flakes = deeper absorption + chronic pain support.
MAGNESIUM BATH SALTS
add your own oils
Lovely read Chali. Please continue to share
I like this way of thinking and thank you for sharing your journey and the list of what you buy to help on those very terrible days.
Practicing self love is probably one of the most important medicines for the fibromyalgia journey.
Continue to live in beauty ‘Fibro Princess’.