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Guys, if you have a couple of minutes to read this Guys, if you have a couple of minutes to read this, I’d hugely appreciate it! Earlier this year I released my debut non-fiction book, University And Chronic Illness: A Survival Guide, and it remains one of the proudest accomplishments of my life. It’s essentially a book of all the things I wish I’d had somebody to tell me after I was diagnosed with ME/CFS during my first year of university, and I cannot tell you how happy the positive reception so far has made me. That said, 2020 wasn’t exactly the best year to publish a book... and definitely not a book about university. Because of the pandemic, the majority of promotional activity for my book had to be cancelled. And rightly so. There was no way any of it could have gone ahead safely, and I’ve been keeping a careful eye on the situation and assessing what would be the most sensible yet sensitive move to make next at a time when nobody knows how the next few months will unfold. A-Level results day this Thursday marks the beginning of preparations for a new academic term; one that'll be unconventional even for non-disabled students. But in my eyes, it seems even more important that chronically ill students have access to this advice that could help them. And it’s here where I‘m asking for your help. Basically, I’ve drafted a template email introducing and gently promoting my book, and I wanted to ask if anybody would be willing to send it on to any relevant contacts. The whole thing is written, links and images included, with just two sections that could be tweaked to further personalise it. I’ve already tackled all university disability services and most of the UK chronic illness charities, but what I’m really struggling with is getting the word out within schools, colleges, sixth forms, and other relevant organisations. If you have a contact at any of these who might benefit from a book like this, and you’d be comfortable reaching out to them, please do drop me a comment or DM with *your* email address and I’ll forward on the email template. I’m about to reach the character limit so I’ll leave other ways you can help in the comments, but thank you so, so much in advance for any support! 📚✨
Gahhhh, had the loveliest few days ever at @oldfor Gahhhh, had the loveliest few days ever at @oldforgeyorksandhutton! There aren’t many places I’d willingly travel to at the moment but I knew from our previous stay last year that if there was anywhere I’d feel safe and comfortable, it was here. Everything was socially distanced, the accommodation was freshly clean and spotless, even to the point where the soft furnishings are being swapped in and out to be cleaned and quarantined for 72 hours between guests. And I still can’t believe somewhere so tranquil and green exists not all that far from York city centre. Ah guys, I didn’t even fully realise how much I needed this. A few days with my best pal after four months apart, cups of tea and breakfast hampers outdoors first thing in the morning, afternoons chilled out with a good book (good-ish, definitely not my favourite ever!), and evening fires with marshmallows and chocolate? Count me the heck in. We were so sad to leave this afternoon that we’re already strategising when we can come back... I think I need to disclose that we enjoyed a press stay here last year, but that this year’s trip wasn’t gifted or sponsored in any way: we loved it so much last time that the plan was always to book to come again this year, and even with everything going on in the world it’s worked out pretty perfectly. And I can’t say thank you enough to Karen and the team for such a wonderful stay, full of allllll our favourite things 🥰🧚🏻‍♂️ I’ll link last year’s blog post in my bio (there’s a vlog as well) just in case anybody else who’s still playing it safe fancies a bit of escapism and might be interested in finding out more. Big things are happening for @oldforgeyorksandhutton in the near future and I’m genuinely so excited to see how it all unfolds!
Don’t mind me, just trying to get a blog post ph Don’t mind me, just trying to get a blog post photo whilst flexing the bookshelf 😂📚⠀ ⠀ Literally spent 20 minutes trying to look like a functioning human before lowkey collapsing and getting the one that worked best! But it feels all the more relevant because my latest blog post is alllll about tips for reading and getting into books when you have a chronic illness. Link’s in my bio!⠀ ⠀ Reading can be an absolute lifeline, but when you have a fluctuating condition there are dozens of barriers that can stand in the way. Brain fog and cognitive impairments can make it difficult to concentrate, issues with memory can make it difficult to follow plotlines and narratives, and even the simple act of holding a physical book open can be demanding on painful muscles and joints. ⠀ ⠀ I know as well as you do that unfortunately, reading won’t be accessible or feasible for everybody struggling with their health. For those who are hoping or trying to get into books, however, I hope the five non-generic starter tips I’ve shared will help you find habits that work for *you* and your circumstances. And if you have any tips of your own, I’d absolutely love to hear them!⠀ ⠀ Has your health or circumstances ever affected your relationship with reading? As I mention in the post, there was only ever a short period of time where I couldn’t read at all... but it made me appreciate it all the more. I honestly believe that growing up reading has shaped the person I’ve become. I don’t know what I would do without it. Cheesy but true. I just really, really like books, okay? 🥺😂📚
Have a throwback to around this time last year bec Have a throwback to around this time last year because these photos make me smile every time I see them... probably one of my favourite days of 2019 and definitely one of my fave press events of all time 😆🧚🏻‍♂️ Ah guys. Can you believe we’re almost in August? How has this happened?! I’ll be honest, the beginning of lockdown was pretty much no bother whatsoever with me. I was safe, I was well-practiced in being confined to my home and working completely remotely, and in many ways, the world actually became a lot more accessible for people with energy-limiting chronic illnesses. Funnily enough it’s the last month or so, where restrictions have begun easing and ‘normal’ life has resumed, that have felt infinitely more difficult. People picking up where they left off whilst you’re still just... here, trying to make the best of things, isn’t the greatest feeling ever. For me, it’s been quite a stark reminder that my way of life is so different to those of others my age. But above all else, it’s made me appreciate this chronic illness community and the people who *get* it all the more. It makes me so sad that others are facing similar challenges, but I’m so glad I’m not in it alone. That said, having thought carefully about risk and responsibilities, I’m hoping next week is going to be the start of getting out and about again... just a little bit, to keep my spirits up. And guys, I’m seeing some friends for the first time in four months 🥺🥰 Whether you’re still strictly shielding or resuming ‘business as usual’, I hope you’re finding as many ways of keeping happy as possible. And here’s to continuing to make the best of it, eh? ✨
[#AD] For this month’s @careco_mobility piece, I [#AD] For this month’s @careco_mobility piece, I surveyed disabled and chronically ill people to find out more about their perceptions of ~the new normal~ and how they’ll be responding to certain lockdown restrictions easing. ⠀ ⠀ We discussed how likely they would be to visit outdoor spaces, go shopping, visit a pub or restaurant, or use public transport over the next three months, and some of the factors that have influenced their decision. And the results pretty much speak for themselves. There’s a link to the piece in my bio if you fancy a read!⠀ ⠀ I collected these particular survey responses on Twitter, so I’d love to hear any of your own thoughts on the matter too. It’s so important to emphasise that decisions about social distancing and socialising at this time are personal and influenced by *any* number of factors which might not be visible to others, so consider this a reminder that your feelings and decisions are your own, and they’re 100% valid. Don’t you let anybody make you think otherwise. Virtual hugs all around, hey? 💜✨
Ello! Just popping in with a throwback photo to le Ello! Just popping in with a throwback photo to let you know there’s a new vlog up on my YouTube channel and linked in my bio. It’s basically my attempt at documenting a week of working with a chronic illness... and the rather unique challenges it brings. ⠀ ⠀ It also marks a baby step in me attempting to get over the fear of sharing my makeup-less face on the internet and getting rid of the impulse to apologise for or make a self-deprecating joke about it *every* single time. I’ve literally just had to stop myself from doing it whilst writing this very caption, for crying out loud.⠀ ⠀ Body confidence and self-acceptance is a big ol’ topic and definitely one to save for another time, especially as I’ve never really addressed it before. But in a nutshell, I don’t have it. And I want it more than ever before. So we’re trying. ⠀ ⠀ And in the meantime, please do feel free to enjoy various life crises and also pancakes by following the top link in my bio... and if anybody wants to validate my life choices by subscribing and tipping us over the 200 subscribers mark, it’d be highly appreciated. Pancakes all around 😇🥞
I've wanted to post something like this for a whil I've wanted to post something like this for a while now, simply because there is so much prejudice in the world. Not only now, as a response to various global events, but all the time. And because I only follow people who I know to be inclusive and socially-conscious, I think I sometimes forget that the rest of the world may not have this same empathy yet, and people might not necessarily know my stance on these issues... hence sharing this now.⠀ ⠀ All I really want to do with this post and this gorgeous custom graphic by @kittystrand is voice my support for everybody who campaigns for equality, and make sure that everybody who identifies as a minority knows that they’re warmly welcome in this space. Let it be known that you’ll always be appreciated for who you are, regardless of whether your race, your gender, your sexual orientation, your health status, your culture, and any other number of things. If you’re socially conscious and you also strive to be an ally, I’m really glad you’re in my life. ⠀ ⠀ And because of this, I recently decided to make three small pledges to ensure my own online shenanigans are as inclusive as possible:⠀ ⠀ 1. I will be open to learning about diversity and the lived experiences of others. I’ll continue to be proactive in learning and expanding my knowledge, without being prompted by awareness days or significant tragic events. ⠀ ⠀ 2. I will accept the fact that I won’t always get it right, and commit to doing better. I’ll embrace the fact that listening and learning to diverse voices and their feedback is the key to paving the way to better practice in the future. ⠀ ⠀ 3. I’ll do what I can within my personal capacity. Advocacy looks different for everyone, but I’ll be mindful of what I can personally do that will count for something. I’ll utilise my platform, but my support won’t solely be comprised of posts on social media. My contributions won’t be performative, but I'll aim to be more proactive in speaking out.⠀ ⠀ With the permission of lovely indie artist @kittystrand, do feel free to share this image and use this prompt to make your own commitments. Just *please* make sure you credit her beautiful work, yus? 💕✨
[#AD - Gifted/Affiliate] Interrupting your Tuesday [#AD - Gifted/Affiliate] Interrupting your Tuesday evening scrolling to let you know that I have free-from fluffy American pancakes and they’re giving me LIFE. Oh myyyyyy.⠀ ⠀ Happy release day, @creativenature!!! Their two new baking mixes, free from the top 14 allergens, are out today and I can officially confirm they’re everything I’d hoped they’d be. You can see the Carrot Cake mix in the pic, and I used their Pancake and Waffle mix to make these bad boys. It won’t surprise you that I’ve attempted a lot of free-from pancake mixes in my time, but I do believe I’ve finally found The One. ⠀ ⠀ If you’re feeling tempted, you can get 10% off the entire Creative Nature range using affiliate code ‘PIPPA10’. Can confirm their @gnawbles are dreamy too. ⠀ ⠀ Big yay for allergy-conscious businesses paving the way! Seeing stuff like this honestly makes me so hopeful for the future... us allergic-to-life folk need our dessert fix too. You don’t want to be dealing with hangry Pippa on chocolate withdrawal. ⠀ ⠀ What’s your go-to pancake topping? I had fruit and golden syrup here and then used @oatly’s salted caramel ice cream on the leftovers. OOFT. 🥞🤤
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