Lyme Journey: Navigating Chronic Illness Through Art
As an artist living with Lyme disease for over 12 years, I have found solace, expression, and purpose through my artwork. My journey has been one of highs and lows, marked by invisible symptoms that often go unnoticed by others. In this reflection, I invite you into my world, where art serves as both a coping mechanism and a vehicle for raising awareness about the complexities of chronic illness, while fostering an environment of inclusion, diversity, and equity.
A Canvas for Expression: When words fail to capture the depth of my experiences, I turn to my art and poetry as forms of self-expression. Through various mediums I convey the physical pain, mental fog, and emotional turmoil that accompany Lyme disease. Each artwork or creation becomes a visual diary, documenting the highs of remission and the lows of relapse, the moments of despair and the glimmers of hope.
Shedding Light on the Invisible: Lyme disease is often referred to as the "invisible illness," as many of its symptoms are hidden from plain sight. Burning under the skin, fatigue, joint pain, electric shocks , migraines, and cognitive dysfunction are just a few of the challenges I face daily, yet they are invisible to those around me. Through my artwork, I strive to shed light on these invisible symptoms, bringing them out of the shadows and into the forefront of public awareness.
A Journey of Resilience: Living with chronic illness requires a resilience that is often tested but never broken. Despite the setbacks and struggles, I am continually inspired by the strength and resilience of the human spirit. My art reflects this resilience, capturing moments of triumph over adversity and the unwavering determination to keep moving forward, one brushstroke at a time.
Advocacy Through Art: Art has the power to provoke thought, spark conversation, and ignite change. As an advocate for Lyme disease awareness, I use my artwork to amplify the voices of those affected by this often misunderstood illness. Through exhibitions, social media, and community events, I share my story and invite others to join me in raising awareness and advocating for better treatment and support for Lyme disease patients.
Fostering Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity: In addition to raising awareness about chronic illness, my art also seeks to foster an environment of inclusion, diversity, and equity. By sharing my story and creating socially engaged artworks, I aim to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, challenge societal norms, and promote empathy and understanding. Through art, we have the power to create a more inclusive and equitable world where everyone's experiences are valued and respected.
My Lyme journey disease has been a challenging yet transformative one, and art has been my constant companion along the way. Through painting, I have found a way to express the inexpressible, to shine a light on the invisible, and to advocate for change. As I continue to navigate the daily struggles of chronic illness, I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story through art , give a voice to those who struggle in silence, and to connect with others who may be on a similar journey.
If you've been moved by this post and want to support artists who are making a difference, I invite you to connect with me. Follow my journey on social media, explore my artworks, and join the conversation about the issues that matter most to you. Together, we can amplify our voices, inspire change, and create a more just and compassionate world. Share this post with your friends and those who might find it relevant to spread the message even further. Let's make a difference, one day at the time!