Welcome to the 3rd episode of the i am Laura Podcast. Today, I am discussing the journey of living with chronic illness, exploring its impact on mental health, and the struggle to accept the term "health issues." This term was incredibly difficult for me to hear and accept about myself. I didn't want people to see me this way, and it felt like a sudden inequality. I initially got mad and felt the unfairness of it all. But I realised that to move forward and protect myself, I had to change my mindset. In this episode, I’ll discuss the emotional toll of chronic illness, from battling with our health to dealing with the frustration and anger that come with acceptance. As a mum, these challenges can feel even more overwhelming, as we strive to care for our children while managing our own health. Despite these struggles, I realised that I still had all the same qualities I had before my diagnosis and how crucial it was for me to accept the term "health issues" (even though I still hate it!!) so that I could move forward with my life. I learned the importance of forgiving yourself when you need to take time to reset, rest, and sleep. This self-care is essential for looking after your health, and your ambition and drive. Join me as we explore how to navigate these struggles and find strength in vulnerability. Together, we’ll discover the healing that comes from connecting with others who share our journey. Even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone. If you’re living with chronic illness or know someone who is, especially if you're a mum balancing these challenges, please listen in. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel to stay updated on future episodes and become part of our growing community of chronic illness warriors. Together, we can face these challenges with courage and resilience.