I think one of the most important parts of life for someone with chronic illness is keeping some sort of purpose alive. It is so easy to fall into this pit of being 'incapable' that we start to give in and let the disease control our lives because we feel we cannot do much.
I have a bunch of purposes... even if they are kind of imaginary.
One thing I very clearly focus on is music. Singing and playing piano and focusing on the art and learning and improving my skills. That is a huge purpose that helps get me out of bed every day. The first project I started with was my YouTube channel - Karissa Diane Tunes. Prior to that, of course, I had training and schooling and even released music onto iTunes, but could not feasibly get my music out into the world since my ability to perform is quite significantly hindered. So I started taking requests of cover songs - learning them - then posting them. It started incredibly small, but it has grown. I don't get hundreds of thousands of views or anything, but it's enough for me to keep wanting to record these videos. If I had the health and energy to record videos every single day, I would. I love it.
Activity is another one. Staying fit and staying as strong as I can be by pushing myself enough to feel (at least a little bit) like the athlete I once was.
On social media I have a few 'purposes'. The greatest thing about them is that they are important to me, so I am committed to them, and yet I have absolutely no idea who (if anyone) really pays attention.
This blog, for example, is one of those purposes. Now, I am a little bit more aware of the readership because it comes up in conversation or in comments, but for a long time I had no idea if anyone was even noticing.
Then I started an online book club. In essence it is just me sharing what books I plan to read or have started reading, followed by a review of said book, and a discussion if any of my close friends have chosen to join in. I get likes now and then on the posts I write, so I know that some people are aware of it, but I have no idea if any of it makes a real impact.... and as much as I would LOVE for a ton of people to join in and bring in their own reading habits, reviews, and discussions, that is not what gives me purpose. Simply sharing and being excited about what I am reading gives me enough purpose to continue with this book club, however trivial. I guess I am hoping that, eventually, the online book club will pick up speed just like this blog did. Slowly, but with interest from people I never expected, followed by connections I could have never anticipated.
Then there is the music blog I have recently started. Karissa Diane's "My Musical Life" blog - a bit of behind the scenes updates on my musical journey.
Because why not turn passions into blogs??
The whole point is to share the pastimes in life that are enjoyable. Why not share thoughts and feelings and reviews and passions of things that are positive? Why not give another reason for people to make a connection based on mutual interest, rather than mutual complaints?
Just like with #TheHappyPost - a (tiny) movement to encourage people to share positive things on social media - turning passions into blogs and inviting others to join in surely should be a great thing, right??
The only blog idea I have yet to start is a cooking blog. Many people tell me that I should... but I think the fact that there are already millions of food bloggers is a pretty strong deterrent. There is nothing significant that would set me apart from other foodies, so what special angle could I bring to the table? Food Parties give me an excellent feeling of purpose - building a menu and inviting friends and family over to share in each other's company while trying brand new recipes - I absolutely LOVE this. But how would I turn that into a blog that would be interesting to read, beyond the simplicity of sharing recipes? I guess I will wait for some great epiphany to come to me.
All in all, these hobbies make me feel like I have purpose beyond my household.
My greatest and most amazing purposes in life, however, are to be a best friend and fiancé, a puppy mum and house-wife, an auntie, a sister, a daughter, and a friend. Add in being a musician, a former athlete, a student, a social writer, a patient, and a few other descriptors, and I am beyond happy.
This life is amazing and I am grateful to have several parts of my life that give me purpose. The last thing I want is to fall into a void just because I cannot do as many things as I used to.
Finding a purpose is crucial for strength and positivity - and can start absolutely anywhere.