Running a business with a disability

Over the last four years we have been searching for the answer to my pain. I’ve also struggled to adapt to my new reality …. I was always so active and busy and full of inspiration. Now it takes me an hour or so in the morning to convince my body that yes, getting up is a good idea. We now know that I have endometriosis and fibromyalgia, neither of which are currently curable. I’ve had a hysterectomy, I’ve gone through physical therapy, and I’ve been in therapy throughout the entire diagnostic journey. There’s really nothing else to do, except continue my current pain regimen and hope new treatments become available.

I debated closing my shop. My kids also have various health challenges and it’s a lot of work managing everything, from doctor appointments to the pharmacy. All are being homeschooled to some degree. But I derive such joy from having a focus, having a platform to create things for, so I’m still determined to keep it going. I decided to put the shop on vacation any time I felt overwhelmed or fatigued, and that’s worked well for me this year. I’ve reduced the number of items in the shop, and I’m not expanding the parameters of what I create like I used to do. I am simply too tired and have too much pain to learn another craft … although I still look;)

I’ve been doing more chainmail since I can do that while on the couch or bed surrounded by my comfy pillows. I have a lot of fun with scales, I adore all things that look like dragonscales.

My eldest child and I also began painting dragon eyes for earrings and necklaces. It’s something we can work on at the table for short periods of time, and gives us an excuse to buy the pretty nail polishes.

Does that count as expanding, or leaning more into the chainmail side of things? Either way I’m trying to adapt. Show resiliency. Keep on living, which does get hard when you live life in daily unending pain and fatigue.

I don’t have a fancy bullet point list for others in the same position to help keep their business going, or to get it started. I can say that moving slowly, keeping time frames realistic and with extra time built in for the inevitable flare, is a must. Keep it focused, keep it small. Don’t push too hard, that will backfire. And it’s ok to simply exist, live your life. We do not need to be productive to be worthy. We bring value just by being here.

Until next time … art on, if you can and want to:)