Comments on: Freelancing With A Chronic Illness: My Fourth Year of Self-Employment

By: Pippa Stacey

Pippa Stacey — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 13:32:35 +0000

In reply to Petrina. Thank you so much Petrina, I appreciate this more than you'll ever know xx

By: Pippa Stacey

Pippa Stacey — Sat, 13 Jan 2024 13:31:53 +0000

In reply to Hannah. I'm so sorry to hear of what you're going through Hannah, and even more grateful for this comment because I know even typing can drain your limited energy. Thank you so much for your support and kind words, you've absolutely made my day xx

By: Petrina

Petrina — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 13:14:04 +0000

Hi Pippa, this post brought tears to my eyes. You clearly have such a good heart and that really shines though. I’m so sorry you have had such a tough year. I wanted to say thank you so much for all you do . Reading about the mainstream media part was devastating. It must feel like so much responsibility being put in a position where you are seen to speak for and represent a whole diverse community. But that is only the case because so few voices get heard. It struck me that just by telling your story and being you that is still one more story out there than there normally is. I’m sorry you went through all of that. You are already doing SO much of value and I hope you can find a way to hold on to that this year and focus on looking after yourself. You doing that is a helpful modelling for all those around you and who follow you anyway. Thank you for being you and sending love. I hope you find your sparkle again soon xxx

By: Hannah

Hannah — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:07:15 +0000

I was originally diagnosed with ME 30 years ago at 16 years old, back when it was called “yuppie flu” and GP’s general opinion was that the symptoms were make believe. A few years later I was seemingly fully recovered and went on to do things I could never have dreamed of in those first years. Unfortunately in 2023 my biggest fear came true and the fatigue came back, right now I’m still in survival mode and trying to make sense of what has happened to my life.

The world has changed a lot in 30 years and I discovered your blog whilst researching mobility aids. I didn’t know anybody else like me when I was a teenager and had no way of connecting with anyone who might understand what I was going through. Being able to read your story has helped me with the feelings of isolation and given me hope that although my world has changed I will be able to take control of my own life again.

Your bravery in writing about the things that happened to you this year reduced me to tears. Your words do make a difference to people and I’m so sorry that you suffered personal attacks for speaking out and advocating for people like you and I.

I hope your break in January gives you the space and time you need to build up your confidence again nurture that spark back to life. You’ve made a difference to this person’s life.