One thing we deal with a good bit in chronic illness and disability is change. Doctor visits can change our lives in an instant. Life will take on a “new normal.” (Yes, I realize that we heard the phrase a lot in the pandemic, but it is still a good way to describe it.)

We are used to having to be strong. People expect us to simply roll with the changes, doctor appointments, therapies, tests, etc. It is our normal after all. Yet, these things can wear on us and can mean adjustments as our abilities and limitations change.

My tip today is to give yourself time to adjust. It is okay to need to take a breath, a pause. Life changes take time to process. Some people process by writing it out, talking it out, or making lists of what the changes mean. While doing this, know that you will not have all answers right away. It will take time.

Adjustment also means realizing that you may “grieve” the “old normal.” That is normal, I think. You now have a new normal.

How much time will you need to adjust? It depends. It is also not a straight line. There may be good days and bad days.

Most importantly, remember our precious Friend. Jesus cares. Take the hard to Him. He understands. Talk it through with Him. He doesn’t mind listening over and over as you process the changes. He knows and understands. He was, after all, the man of sorrows.