chronic-illness
I have tagged 2 blog posts with chronic-illness:
Winter's Whispers: A Tale of Chronic Illness and Undaunted Resilience
As I press my forehead lightly against the frost-kissed glass of the train, feeling the sting of subzero temperatures through the veneer of insulation, my spirit can't help but mirror the stark landscapes rushing by, desolate and stripped of warmth. In the dawning light, even the beauty of the Norwegian countryside seems shadowed, its once vivid hues dimmed to the pallor of a grim winter morning.
My trains of thought deceptively align with those of the locomotive, chugging relentlessly despite the harsh climes, so consumed in the monotony of it all that every halt feels more like an intrusion than a brief respite. Isn't that the quintessence of living with a chronic illness, the unwelcome interruptions it brings?
Sometimes it feels as if every breath taken, every word spoken, each keystroke pressed tingles with an undercurrent of pain, dulled only by the routine monotony—a ceaseless cycle of pricking needles and swallowing pills. A mechanized life lived on ventilator rhythm, the pulsating hum of machines often replacing the throbbing of life.
And yet, life persists.
My eyes flit open to the glowing screen in front of me, one of the numerous news articles strewn across a dozen tabs, this one striking a chord of vague irritation. A hush-money case, jury members selected, trial date set—a stark reminder of the farcical transparency and the ongoing charade of justice. Life may be a ceaseless struggle against my chronic illness, but such news triggers a piercing pang that no medicine can remedy. The resounding echoes of power abuse sound all too familiar, threatening to drown my spirits in a relentless tide of pessimism.
At times like these, I find solace in my unassuming blog, a sanctuary within the pandemonium I invariably find myself. It's not merely escapism, for the words I laboriously etch in this space bear the scars of my existence - the searing pain, the gloomy despair and the frail resilience that underlies it all.
For those unseen, suffering silently beside me, please remember, your spirit may falter, but it will never be defeated. In contrast, it is in the embrace of the crestfallen, that we discover the tenacity of our resilience.
Living with a chronic illness is a silent war, waged daily within the confines of our frail bodies. It may seem to stem out of nowhere, much like the cold winter transplanting lush, vibrant greens with barren white expanses. But just like these landscapes, with stubborn resilience etched into their very core, we continue to inhabit our realities, undeterred by the hailstorm of apprehensions. It's a silent pledge to life, a promise echoing louder within our hearts with every single breath we take, every single word we manage to pen.
So, here I am, scribbling down these lines, trying to make sense of a world overpowered by a heavy shroud of cynicism and continuing to find ways to live, persist, and perhaps someday, even thrive.
Finding Power in Cold Places: A Norwegian Commute and Navigating Through Chronic Illness
Today, I find myself nestled snugly by the frost-kissed window of my regular morning commute, under skies that brim with the promise of more snow, leaving little space for sunlight. Cold air sneaks in from the edges of the window, adding a chill that makes me appreciate the comfortable warmth inside. Outside, it's -12°C – a stark reminder of the harsh Norwegian winter but a seemingly mere addition to my day-to-day battles with something less visible, less tangible but just as relentless – a chronic illness.
You would think it is hard dealing with a persistent ailment that whispers constant reminders of your mortality. The thing about living with chronic illness, however, is that it has its unique rhythm – a ghostily beautiful, daunting, and often isolating symphony woven into my everyday life.
It's the tedious melody of medication reminders, the orchestral rise and fall of good days and bad days, and the solo performance of trying not to burden the ones around you. It's a non-stop opera, played mostly in silent whispers, only heard by those who care to listen. And in my daily dance with this unique partner, I have understood that my strength is not determined by its ruthlessness but by my resilience against its relentless tune.
As my fingers tap against the keyboard, highlighting my day-to-day existence with an illness, I can't help but appreciate the vital role technology plays in making things a bit more bearable. Not just in managing my illness but it's also my reliable companion during my hour-long commute from the outskirts of Oslo to the university downtown.
Take my powerbank, for instance. It's more than just an accessory or a backup option. It's a hero in disguise – a metaphor for the extra energy that sometimes my body lacks. Powerbanks, in their simplicity, are a promise of continuity despite unplanned power outages, metaphorically and otherwise. Their ability to restore, replenish, and recharge in moments when one feels drained, mirrors my struggle and survival against chronic illness.
Reading about challenging driving conditions amid snowy weather in the inner regions of Østfold at Smaalenene THIS morning, I realize how universal the concept of resilience is. From people driving carefully through treacherously frosty paths, snowy landscapes still boasting their untamed beauty despite the harsh conditions, to my co-passengers bustling about their day; we all have been quietly adapting, surviving, and thriving in our ways.
Speaking of resilience and survival, the snow flurries might continue through most of the week, disrupting everyday life for many. As for me, my chronic illness might cast longer shadows on certain days. But would it deter me? Absolutely not. I guess, at the end of the day, it is all about staying charged, whether it's the powerbank or me.
Just like the snow-covered landscapes outside, there is a certain beauty in dealing with a chronic illness. It forces you to slow down, to assess, to appreciate the little things, and invest time in nourishing your body and soul. And for that, I am grateful, even on days like today when the mood is as crestfallen as the dove gray skies outside my frost-kissed train window.
Sure, it's a battle waged within my body, but it's also a battle I am winning every day – by living, by thriving, and by stubbornly refusing to give up, even under the coldest grey skies of winter. A powerbank might merely be a tool for survival in today's digital age. But for me, it's a reminder that even when things seem to be running out, backup power can always be found somewhere. Smiling, I click save, my newest blog post has been written... all while my trusty powerbank keeps my phone alive, my words flowing, just like the resilience within me.