Chronic illness can mean a change of plans, or a change of timeline but doesn't have to mean giving up on all your dreams. We'll explore how to create realistic plans to motivate and keep positive when life is difficult. Illness doesn't stop you being you and having something to aim for can mean even more if your life has changed in ways you didn't expect.

How can chronic illness affect your life?

Chronic illness can be a huge and often unexpected change. The Spoon Theory explains how energy can be limited – imagine you only have seven spoonsful of energy and you'll use three just getting up and dressed. That means being very careful on what you say “yes” to – whether it's work, social things, volunteering – you need to choose carefully. It can also mean pain, a lack of mobility, mental health fluctuation, weird symptoms and needing a special diet or medicine regime.

 

What is a bucket list?

A bucket list is a collection of things you want to do before you “kick the bucket”. It can be places you want to go to, things you want to achieve, specific activities or anything you'd love to do. Not everything has to be huge, but it should provoke a response – whether that's a massive grin, a burst of adrenaline or it gets you thinking. It's different for every person – and it should be. You don't have to justify anything on it – it's your list.

 

Why create a bucket list?

Chronic illness can mean living in the moment – not necessarily as a positive but as a result of not knowing how your pain or energy levels will be on a specific day. That can lead to your life becoming smaller and changes of plans. But it doesn't have to mean there's nothing to look forward to. A bucket list can give aims, structure and makes sure you're still essentially you. It also helps you think bigger than four walls, if you find you're at home a lot.

 

What are your non-negotiables?

Is there anywhere you'd really love to visit or something you've always dreamed of? If you made a vision board, what would be the picture in the middle? Maybe it's a trip to Thailand, a festival you've always wanted to attend, an achievement just for you. Think about what makes you smile and could help you through the dark times. Picture it in your head: who is with you (if anyone,) what do you want? Drill down to specifics and imagine that experience that would be a defining moment in your life. Write it down, record it or create an image.

 

What are your other goals?

What are smaller and very achievable things you'd like to do? Maybe there's a local place you've never visited, hobbies you'd like to take up or something that can be organised quickly. Look out for local events and one-offs. I've always wanted to do public speaking so I've been speaking at networking events, business expos and have applied for a TedX talk. Other items on your bucket list are equally valuable as stepping stones to your big goal or little bright lights that break up the everyday.

 

Why it's important to be realistic

Think about how feasible your plans are. You may need to save up – money or energy. You may need to build up skills or stamina for your plans to be successful. Maybe you need to extend a stay to allow yourself to recover from travel. Think about you now – you still want that end point, but what do you need to get there as you are now? Dreams are precious, but ground them in reality if you want it to happen.

 

What support do you need?

You may need a friend, partner or carer with you. I have my Business Besties on hand for travel and they've supported me through all sorts of challenges and triumphs. They're spoonies too, so they understand the need to pace things. The Scope website has great practical advice for travel, from experts and real people who have experienced the realities of travel with some limitations. It's fine to ask for a little help and advice with thigns you find difficult to achieve the things you can do. https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/holiday-tips

 

When does your bucket list lifestyle start?

Right now! Once you've started thinking, that's the first step. Considering what you really want, and beginning to put things in place means you're living in a way that serves you. Making sure you have more special moments and memories results in a more healthy outlook. Don't be afraid to experiment and your list is a living document – you can add to it, change your mind and swap things around. And don't forget to appreciate those moments, and share them as you want.

 

How should you get started?

Your first step is to be creative. Think back to when you were a kid – what did you dream of? Get all those ideas down however works – pen and paper, collage, drawings, record your voice or a video. No limits – just start thinking. Once you brain is going you'll find ideas keep popping up. Jot them down. Put the list somewhere you'll see it – as a post it on your monitor, a board on the wall or put it on the fridge. Let me know what your plans are, I'd love to hear!