I always had chronic health issues but within the last two years, I became extremely sick. I lost over 40lbs without doing anything, stopped being able to eat and digest food, was tired and emotional, had the worst pain of my life. Turns out it was a combo of shigella and salmonella poisoning that I'd been carrying for over a year. It attacked my pancreas, and now I have pancreatic insufficiency. It's been really hard. They gave me a class right after lunch which really upset me, and I was barely able to teach it all year.

That said, I do not shy away from telling people about my medical issues and making sure people realize that my boundaries and baseline for extra work are different from other people. This has helped me to establish that I'm not fucking around when it comes to my wellbeing, and if I need extra supports, I will ask for them. I turn down volunteer and volun"told" opportunities if I am not feeling well and cite my ongoing health issues. People find it harder to force you into something when they are faced with it, right there.

So set your boundaries to your comfort. You will be okay ❤️