As Chronically Carly’s mom, I’ve decided to make my own small contribution here. I won’t be speaking about Carly, although I could chronically brag about my kid 24/7. I’m just going to offer a little bit of my own personal journey, maybe an insight, perhaps even a smile.

Since the definition of the word “chronic” is continuing or occurring again and again for a long time, it got me thinking about all the areas in my life considered chronic, either by me or by various professionals.

The definition of chronic can’t only possibly pertain to physical ailments or illnesses — at least not in my book, not in my life! I’ve lived long enough to know most people don’t sail through life completely unscathed, untouched, never experiencing any type of chronic condition. Some of us may be burdened by chronically suffering in our mental health, spiritual health, financial health, or physical health. Sometimes we are plagued by just a single challenge, a rotating challenge, or simultaneously multiple challenges. Now, that’s the most challenging challenge!

Currently, I have a few things going on physically. I have thyroid disease, which was diagnosed 9 years ago during menopause. Oh, what chronically good times they were! Lately, I’ve been dealing with a cerebrospinal fluid leak and that is mostly lousy. In between the super bad days are the more tolerable ones. My CSF leak is a chronically painful condition, but I know it’s temporary. Sooner or later, this leaky head of mine will get plugged up! Oh, I also have chronic foot pain, but who doesn’t have aches and pains when they hit their 50’s?

Honestly though, my chronic physical ailments can’t compare to the chronic pain and burden I have carried deep inside the corners of my soul, where they have lived my entire life. Being in psychotherapy the past two years has helped me identify the multiple traumas, the sources of my PTSD, my feelings, and my worth. I’ve been working overtime to recover my repressed memories — even when I am afraid and it seems all too daunting, I am chronically recovering, I am chronically healing.

By now, I have become acutely aware that the word “chronically” has been getting a bad rap here! There are lots of positive ways that I can incorporate the word “chronically”:

• I am chronically grateful for my good fortune.
• I am chronically Christian.
• I am chronically funny. Maybe?
• I am chronically overcoming.
• I am chronically punctual.
• I am chronically hopeful.
• I am chronically vulnerable.
• I am chronically human.

But, most importantly, I am chronically blessed to be Chronically Carly’s mama!

This blog was written by Kathleen Jensen of New York.