@Alexia Stephanie Greavu, this really resonates with me, especially the part about not having to justify what you can and can’t do. I think that takes a long time to unlearn. And progress is such a funny one, because we tend to look for the big, obvious signs that we’re moving forward, when actually some of the biggest changes are in those small decisions nobody else even sees. I’m curious — which of those things took you the longest to get comfortable with?

I wish someone had told me about internalised ableism much earlier. How easy it is to absorb the idea that being capable means keeping up with everyone else, especially in the workplace. For years, I felt this pressure to prove that my chronic illness didn't make me any less capable. To fit in, to push through, to avoid asking for adjustments, and certainly not to be seen as someone who needed special treatment. What I've come to understand is that there's a difference between being capable of doing something and having to do it the same way as everyone else. Needing flexibility or doing things differently doesn't make me less competent or less valuable. I think unlearning those expectations has been just as important as learning to manage the illness itself. ❤️

Amy here...Music is our family's blood. It's the first conversation Keith and I had 25+ years ago, long before Keith's illness. Music has always been a huge part of our lives, but there's something about how a song can take you right back to a particular moment, shift your mood or just give you that little push when you need it. I love the idea of “Super Coping” because sometimes it's not about finding some grand solution. It's about finding those little things that help you get through a difficult day. And funny how the same song can take on a completely different meaning depending on where you are in life. ❤️

@Lynne Collins I love this! 😂 It's fascinating how our brains make those connections without us even realising it. Music can be a powerful anchor, whether it helps us push through something difficult, find a little confidence, or shift our mindset in the moment. And now I'm going to have the A-Team theme stuck in my head! ❤️

Sunshine

@Kandiee Campbell Oh, Kandiee, I think so many of us can relate to this! ❤️ It's hard when you have so many things you'd like to do, but the energy just isn't there. I'd love to know: what's something you'd really enjoy doing if you had a little more energy to spare?

@Alexia Stephanie Greavu @Lynne Collins Oh, I can definitely relate to this! And I think we sometimes overlook just how big a deal it is to recognise those thoughts in the first place. So much of how we respond to things is almost automatic, and we don't always stop to question why. But the fact that you're noticing those moments is huge! It gives you the chance to get curious about what's behind them rather than just reacting the way you always have. And that's where things can really start to change. ❤️