My Life Outside my Illness

Nov 18
Mackenziecartwright

I started my website about 4 months ago. The reason why I started it, was to help people who are going through chronic illnesses and spread awareness to those who aren’t. I have also learned that my illness doesn’t define who I am as a person. I thought I would share with all of you who I actually am, so you can get to know me as a person outside my illness.

  • My blog.

I always had a passion for writing, however, I never had anything to write about, until I became ill. I never expected the amount of love and support that I have received. I came to a point in my life where I thought I could either allow this illness to take over my life, or I could take this illness as a learning tool to help others who are going through this. I wanted to use my website to spread positivity and love even through dark times.

  • I have a passion for running.

I started running my senior year of high school.  It was a way for my mom and I to bond. I have completed 3 half marathons and countless runs to raise money for a cause. Crossing the finish line is one of the most fulfilling, free, and best accomplishment I’ve ever done. Holding my mom’s hand while we crossed the timer was a special moment and created a bond I’ll never forget. I will fight this illness so I can do what I love again.

  • Dancing and pageants.

I started dancing when I was about 5. I loved dancing! It was a way for me to share my story and let out my feelings through movement. In 9th grade I started color guard. It was the best choice I’ve ever made. I found amazing friends in that group, and made memories that will last a life time. I started doing local pageants in 11th grade. I also had a blast being on stage, and getting all dolled up. For my talent, I was able to share with the audience dance routines that I wrote. When I get better I can’t wait to do another pageant to share my platform of chronic illness.

  • My passion to draw.

Ever since I was able to draw, I fell in love with it. It’s a way for me to let out stress and put my feelings out on paper. I love to see the ending product and be able to feel a sense of accomplishment.

  • My family.

My family and my friends have a special place in my heart. They are there for me through the good times and the dark times. I also have so much love for my pets, they truly are family. I can honestly say my family is my rock, my safe haven, my world. I would not be where I am today without the endless support, the everlasting love, and the fun and laughter we share.

Thank you for allowing me to share my story other than my illnesses. I think during hard times, doctors appointments, and not feeling well, it is important to remember the real you. You are not your illnesses, don’t ever let your illness define who you are. Remember, stay positive and keep going forward. ❤

0 thoughts on “My Life Outside my Illness”

  1. Such an important point, because we are indeed more than our illnesses, though often it’s hard to remember who we are underneath and aside from the illnesses, appointments, tests, diagnoses (I think I need to take some time to ‘remember’ who I am again). Thank you for sharing this, and it’s great to get to know a bit more about you!! 🙂
    Caz x

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  3. Thanks for sharing your story. Many of us suffer from chronic illnesses. The challenge, among many, is to not let it define us.

    Be blessed. God is with you in a mighty way.

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  4. Stay strong don’t let it swallow you! We are so much more than our darkness. Love learning more about those I follow. It’s great seeing who people really can be.

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  8. Nothing what happens with us in this life has the power to define us. And you the perfect example! Kudos!🙂🙂🙂👏👏👍👍👍👍

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  9. Good morning beautiful blondie. I have been reading your nice commentaries in our dear Alyssa’s page but, given that I am.ultra-shy with women, I never dared to look at your own page. Thank you for putting that “like” in my latest blog. I will check your page carefully tomorrow morning. A kiss. Ciao!

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  11. You are really doing great and you are so right, we may never let the illnesses define us, but find ourselves and live anyway 🙂
    I’m a little curious after reading About you, where you write different illnesses. English is not my first language and I don’t understand, when you shorten your words. Would you be so kind to explain, what these means? Thank you.

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    1. Thank you so much! I have several chronic illnesses. I shortened them because they have long names, I have POTS- postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Basically it means I have low blood pressure and a high heart rate and also a lack of blood flow, so I faint a lot. I have EDS- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. Basically it attacks my joints and cartilage, so my bones pop out of the socket very easily. I have others but I think those are the ones that I shorten! 😊

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      1. Thank you very much for the explanation. I do know few shortened diseases, but these I didn’t hear about before.
        You are a strong young woman and I think, you have learned to cope with your possibilities from early age. Even if this is sad, it might have helped you to accept anyway.

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  14. Excellent post! So very true, we are so much more than our illnesses. They are a small part of the many sides of us. Just think of all the things you do in a day…..that’s the real you.

    I feel like I know you better after you personalized your life.

    Thank you, my friend.

    Jean

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  15. Hi, its nice to read about our fellow reader’s lives, it puts reality into our blog sites. I’m always commenting and posting about what I’m doing, and I think”😄 it’s wonderful and helpful to share our experiences.

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  17. So proud of what you were what you are and what you will be I know you can lick this as you have any challenge that you have faced.

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      1. You are very welcome. I think my negativity is overpowering most times. It does make me feel good to know people can have a positive and family, friendly and caring. Gives a lot of hope.

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  25. It is absolutely amazing how alike you and I are. The obvious is we both have to deal with chronic illness and somehow, we both stay positive. We both have a strong passion for writing. I have always found so much comfort in writing because it allows you to get all your emotions out without being interrupted or questioned. We both have a love for our pets. I have said that I think I love my cats more than some people love their human children. Of course I am not saying that people do not love their children but my cats really stole my heart a long time ago. One of our cats we have had for 13 years and the other has asthma so I have to give him medication twice a day. People think that sounds crazy, a cat having asthma but he really has it. He has had few bad attacks when we have had to give him breathing treatments, it was horrible! Also, we have both done pageants. Not many people know this but I was Miss VT Teen when I was 13 years old. It was a crazy time and I still think about it from time to time. I started my blog for a few reasons, one was because of my love to write and the other was because I have a strong desire to help people with illnesses find comfort and wellness. I have been trying to write a post that tells more about me beyond that MS but I keep changing it, so hopefully it will come out soon! Take care and keep your positive attitude, it is infectious!!! Much love, Alyssa!

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    1. Wow, we really are so similar!! Thank you so much for sharing your story! Your post will come out soon! At first it was kind of hard at first but once I started writing it pretty much flowed! Can’t wait to get to know you better! Stay positive and keep smiling! Best wishes!! 😊

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      1. I did just do my post but I left out the Miss VT Teen and just kept it kind of simple. It really is funny how once you start writing, it just all comes out the way it should! Best wishes to you as well Sweetie!!

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  26. You are a very inspirational person! You inspire people everyday for not giving up in life, and i love your smile! *gives you a big hug* 😊❤💫✨

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  27. You are so brilliantly talented!! 🙂 Keep that link to who you are underneath the chronic illnesses. It is so crucial for our happiness!

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  28. Good morning and Happy Sunday Bellissima Bionda This is a great account of a physically taxing but spiritually fulfilling journey that is still going on. Never doubt that your friends and readers are right there next to you to support your efforts when needed. Un grosso baccione. Arrivederci!

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  31. This is so beautiful and inspiring to many of us, even those of us who don’t have chronic illness. You are not only spreading awareness but encouraging those dealing with it too and have become a pillar of strength to many in your own way. THANK YOU! <3 🙂

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    1. Wow, thank you so much!!! That means so much to me! That’s my goal is to help others to stay strong. And your comment just confirms my point is coming across! Thank YOU!!! ❤😊

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  33. This was a great post! So great to meet you and learn about who you are outside of your illness. I’ve always wanted to run a marathon, along side my husband. I have yet to do it but I know I will one day! Also, your cat is ADORABLE! 😄❤️

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  34. You are so right. You are not your illness.
    I love your attitude. PMA is my mantra…..Positive Mental Attitude.
    There are times when I feel low, but I refuse to let it get the better of me.
    I love to write, and my blog is an outlet for that.
    Other than my school days,, I have never really enjoyed running, am not good at dance or drawing (your is awesome, fantastic for home made cards!), but have a natural gift for music which has been my sanctuary. I have none of the illnesses you are dealing with, but have suffered acute depression over the years and last year breast cancer. We found it early and I was extremely lucky.
    My perspective has changed and now Life is for living.
    Keep your positivity Mackenzie. You are a shining light in the darkness for many.

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    1. Thank you so much!! I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had your own illness battles, but I love your mindset. You’re exactly right in those types of situations your perspective instantly changes! Thank you!!! Keep your positive attitude going! Best wishes!!

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  37. I would love to partner with you for some insight soon as I’m at a crossroads when it comes to my chronic illness and hear your thoughts. 😉 thank you

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      1. I know and I’m no doctor either which is good as I have little believe I doctors these days. Just wondered if you had similar thoughts and experiences. Thank you 😉

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  38. Wow, so many comments. I got a sore wrist from all the scrolling! Anyway, I just wanted to say … I really like your drawing! It’s very unique 🙂

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          3. Entirely, how could I not meeting and reading the wonderful literary folk in the blogosphere 🙂

  40. Wow. You are so incredibly talented! Thank you for sharing your journey with us and giving hope to those that think their illness may hinder them from reaching their dreams!

    How did you get such a high level of following in just 4 months?!

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  41. I love your blog! I think you are a courageous and compassionate woman! Sharing your story helps others to know they are not alone. You give me hope. I have faced anxiety through out my life and I have learned to not let it control my life. I am glad you have an amazing family. For me you are a vibrant, confident and caring woman. Blessings Roland 🙂🌹🌻

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    1. Wow! Thank you so much, Roland! Your comment truly means a lot to me! I’m sorry to hear about your anxiety, but you’re exactly right you can’t let it control or define you. I’m glad you’re pushing through! I have been blessed with a lovely caring family. Best wishes!

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  46. Truely beautiful. Thank for sharing this, you are helping a lot of people including myself. I have chronic health conditions and reading this makes me feel like I’m not alone. Writing is such a gift and a therapeutic way to help yourself and others. Whatever you do, don’t stop blogging, you make a difference.

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    1. Wow, thank you so much, that means a lot to me! I’m so glad, that’s my goal is to help others going through it as well. Thank you for reading, best wishes to you!

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  48. I am deeply impressed by you. I admire people like you who have not an easy life but yet make so much more out of it than others who do not have any major problems. Your illlustration with the lighthouse and anchor is excellent!

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    1. Wow thank you so much! That means so much to Me! When I was became ill, I’ve learned life is short and I need to be Thankful for the things I do have and not take life for granted. Thank you so much! Best wishes!

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  51. My best friend has a chronic pain disease and I have a rare blood disorder- both of us in our 30s. Multitude of MD appts and modifying life styles are very familiar to us. I appreciate you putting your story out there. Best of luck ! I’ll be ” following ” your journey:)

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  53. Wow, you’ve got so many fun fulling hobbies. You’re so talented, I mean to be able to be a runner, dancer, drawer and who knows what else… you deserve a metal. 3 marathons, thats really cool

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  54. Pingback: My Life Outside my Illness – SEO

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