By Mary J. Yerkes and Anne L. Holmes for the NABBW NOTE: This helpful article originally appeared at NABBW.com in 2009 and was updated in 2019. In 2023, we are happy to again bring it up to date, so that it reflects current disability travel information. For the 1 in 2 Americans living with chronic […]
Rx for the Holidays: Cultivate Gratitude By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season, and with it, festive times with friends and family. However, for those living with chronic disease and illness, unrealistic expectations, difficulties with travel, and busy schedules can add up to increased pain and […]
Art and Creative Self Expression: Tools for Transcending Chronic Pain and Illness By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert Can tapping into our creativity help us transcend chronic pain and illness? Can art heal not only our bodies but also our soul and spirits? Questions like these have been part of my […]
Harnessing the Power of Place By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert Not long ago, during a time when stress and fatigue had taken their toll on my body, I booked a weekend away at a local bed and breakfast. Nestled in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, I watched breathtaking […]
Remaining Positive When Facing a Chronic Illness By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert A diagnosis of chronic illness can bring with it feelings of denial, anger and grief. But, at some point, the emotions subside and you are faced with a harsh reality—you are no longer the person you once were. […]
Adjusting to Life With Chronic Illness By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert Adjust to life with chronic illness? It might seem counterintuitive, but according to experts, you can live a full and meaningful life despite having compromised health. Millions of people living with serious chronic conditions have used their struggles as […]
50 Powerful Coaching Questions to Create Change By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert Ask yourself these questions to take control of your life! Defining Goals 1. If you were to FULLY live your life, what is the first change you would start to make? 2. What areas of your life could […]
How to Bounce Back Ten tips for building resilience in the face of chronic illness By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert When faced with the pain and fatigue of chronic illness, do you tend to rise to the challenge or fall apart? Resilience is the ability to roll with the punches, […]
The Simple Life: Intentional Living for the Chronically Ill By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert Simple living can seem elusive. In a world focused on achieving and accumulating more and bumper stickers that read, “He who dies with the most toys wins,” the reality of simple living seems like some pie-in-the […]
Chronic Illness and Recovering from Loss By Mary J. Yerkes NABBW’s Living with Chronic Illness Expert “I have your MRI results,” said Dr. Price, my rheumatologist. I was in the midst of a strategic planning meeting at the office, but I quickly stepped out into the hall to take the call in private. Although I […]
