Creating a Vision for Healing: Reflections on 2025
Living with a chronic illness often means navigating a path full of uncertainties, challenges, and setbacks. But it also offers an opportunity to embrace growth, resilience, and self-discovery. As Lonna reflects on the year ahead, she shares her intentions, the steps she's taking, and the encouragement she holds close to her heart.
Discover how Lonna is paving her way to healing in 2025 – continue reading to learn more.
A Goal for the Year: Rediscovering Day-to-Day Life
One of the central goals on my “vision board” for 2025 is working through medical PTSD and anxiety. Chronic illness has a way of reshaping your life, leaving you to figure out what your “new normal” looks like. This year, I’m focusing on redefining my daily routines and finding ways to create stability and peace amidst the uncertainty.
Small, Actionable Steps for Big Change
Turning this vision into reality requires small, intentional steps that prioritize healing and self-care. Here’s what I’m committing to:
- Breathing exercises: Practicing mindful breathing to reduce anxiety and bring moments of calm.
- Therapy: Continuing sessions with my therapist, who specializes in working with chronically ill patients, has been a lifeline.
- Accomplishment journal: I’ve started keeping a journal to celebrate even the smallest wins, reminding myself of the progress I’m making.
- Self-care routine: I’m dedicating time 3-4 times a week to simple but meaningful acts of self-care, whether it’s a relaxing bath, reading a favorite book, or just taking a moment to pause and reflect.
Affirmations to Guide My Healing
Affirmations have become a cornerstone of my mindset as I move through this year. One that I’ve placed in several spots around my home is:
“You can only control YOUR outcomes in every life situation.”
This reminder helps me focus on what I can control, especially when so much feels out of my hands. It’s a daily practice of reclaiming my power and acknowledging that I am responsible for my own happiness.
Another affirmation that has brought me immense comfort comes from my dear friend Chelsea Lawrence:
“You are valid.”
These words remind me that my feelings, experiences, and struggles are real and worthy of acknowledgment. I’ve shared this mantra with my family, too, as a reminder that it’s okay to honor the ways we feel and move through life.
Encouragement for the Chronic Illness Community
To anyone reading this who is navigating life with a chronic illness, I want you to know: we are some of the most resilient people out there. But it’s also true that we can sometimes be our own biggest hurdle.
I’m learning to forgive myself, to extend the same kindness to myself that I would offer a friend in my position. And I want to share this with you:
- It’s okay to mess up.
- It’s okay to take a day off.
- It’s okay to not be okay.
Love yourself for the person you are becoming. Our journeys may be challenging, but they’re also filled with strength, growth, and the unwavering spirit of resilience.
Let’s step into this year with hope, compassion, and a vision for the future that honors every part of who we are. 💜
To learn more about Lonna's journey, follow her on Instagram.
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