As the new year begins, the journey of self-compassion and self-discovery usually takes center stage. Em, a chronic illness warrior, shares her heartfelt reflections on stepping into 2025 with kindness toward herself. From setting realistic goals to letting go of comparisons, her story offers a blend of vulnerability and encouragement. Continue reading to learn more.
Learning to Rediscover Myself
I’m hoping 2025 will be the year of learning more about me. Living with a chronic illness has taken so much from me, and I want to rediscover who I am beneath the health issues and limited energy.
This means focusing less on what others are doing and more on understanding myself physically—learning how to pace better, identifying food triggers, and listening to my body. It also means reconnecting with my passions and aspirations and figuring out how my mind works in relation to my health.
To me, this process is about giving myself space to just be me, unapologetically and fully. It’s about listening, being kinder, and embracing the journey of rediscovery.
Building Small, Realistic Habits
I believe setting small, realistic goals can be so mentally beneficial, especially when living with a chronic illness. It provides hope, drive, and a sense of humanity when your health tries to take those things away.
Some of the habits I’m focusing on include practising good sleep hygiene, reading more, and reducing screen time. But I’ve also learned that it’s essential to avoid putting pressure on myself to achieve these goals perfectly. If my health declines and all I can do is rest, watch shows, or simply survive, that’s not just OK—it’s enough.
For anyone dealing with chronic illness, I encourage you to set goals that resonate with you but to be gentle with yourself if things don’t go as planned. Healthy habits are great, but survival is always the priority.
Letting Go of Comparison
This year, I’m working on letting go of comparisons and making my online spaces healthier and more compassionate. It’s far too easy to see others on social media—living energetic, event-filled lives—and feel like my own life pales in comparison.
To combat this, I’m focusing on celebrating my own wins, no matter how small they might seem. I’m also unfollowing accounts that don’t make me feel good about myself or my life.
Rather than getting lost in “what-ifs” or dreaming of a life I can’t have, I’m shifting my focus to making the life I do have more comfortable and joyful.
A Message to the Chronic Illness Community
To everyone in the chronic illness community: it’s OK to set goals and aspirations, but don’t forget the most important thing—you.
You are worth so much more than what you can offer the world through work, art, or any other output. For some of us, life is about surviving extreme energy limitations, being housebound, or simply getting through the day. And that’s OK.
If you’re in survival mode, know that you’re still deserving of love, kindness, and compassion. Please don’t compare yourself to able-bodied people or hold yourself to the same standards. You are worthy just as you are.
Closing Thoughts
For 2025, my focus is on rediscovery, building habits that nurture me, and letting go of unnecessary pressures. I hope this is the year we all learn to show ourselves the compassion and grace we deserve.
How are you planning to embrace self-compassion this year? Let’s take this journey together.
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