I’m not responsible for the past traumas inflicted on me by doctors, lawyers, judges, ex-partners, former family members, etc.; All of that will be what it is, forever. But I *am responsible for vitality, and it is ultimately up to me whether or not I pursue and achieve the best possible quality of life. There is a saying about not drowning by falling in the water but drowning by staying there. It’s up to me (and you) to fight to get back to the water’s surface and take that breath.

People are far more aware of medical gaslighting now than they were when I began writing about it in that article way back in 2018, And I had gotten damn good at fighting against it and being vocal about the fight! What I feel we lack now is information on what to do when you experience and survive medical gaslighting. What do you do? How do you move on with your life and put the fight down when it’s time?

On Christmas of 2022, I decided to share the power of hand-stitching and art as therapeutic tools for coping with chronic pain and mental health diagnoses. I launched the Affordable Art Revolution to spread love and joy to people with disabilities everywhere through art and the written word and make art more accessible to those of us living with disabilities. I opened a shop on my website to sell my original designs and works and heirloom Christmas stockings and ornaments I create using Plaid Crafts kits. Everything that isn’t custom or personalized is Name Your Price or Pay What You Can.

Sure, we Spoonies want to see family and friends, celebrate holidays, and ring in the New Year just as much as the next guy/gal/non-binary pal! However, we have an extra set of considerations and accommodations that need to be mulled over, like:

• Will traveling be too hard on my body? Can I bear the travel time and the actual event time?

• What will the furniture be like where we are celebrating? Will sitting and visiting cause me to experience a flare-up of pain? Will I likely be in a flare-up for one or three days?

• How will I carry my medications? How will I remember to take my medications if I'm out and about, away from my routine?

• How will I accommodate my food allergies or special anti-inflammatory dietary needs? Will there be anything to eat at this party, or should I bring my own food? Is it tacky to bring your food into someone's home? (I'd rather be tacky than spend three days on the toilet.)

  Alas, I have written this 2024 Holiday Survival Guide with tips and tricks to make it all more bearable. This list of little life hacks can help.

In a study observing gender-related pain biases, researchers found that there was a "growing body of evidence" that indicated significant differences in pain response and treatment between men and women. Women are more likely to experience pain and be more sensitive to it.

Robert H. Shmerling, MD, associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Clinical Chief of Rheumatology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, says Piriformis Syndrome appears to be more prevalent among women. However, the reason for this has yet to be discovered.

I was lucky. I grew up with a super creative, artistic, multi-talented mother who constantly immersed us in creative pursuits. So, I’ve always leaned on the creative arts for self-expression and to express love and appreciation for others in good times and bad. But most of my friends grew up entirely unexposed to these things. My mom is also a fantastic artist and Jill of All Trades. She inspires me constantly.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Share the story behind the founding of the Affordable Art Revolution and what inspired you to create a pay-what-you-can platform.

• How has your personal journey with chronic illness and disability influenced your work as an artist and advocate?

• Describe the impact you hope your handmade items have on the wellness of your customers.

• In what ways do you think Art and creative expression can help individuals dealing with mental health issues and chronic pain?

• How do you see the role of advocacy in your work, and what specific changes are you striving to achieve in terms of disability inclusion?

• How do you see the role of advocacy in your work, and what specific changes are you striving to achieve in terms of disability inclusion?

• What future projects or goals do you have for the Affordable Art Revolution and your broader mission of spreading love, joy, and accessibility?

From traditional, unfinished bamboo embroidery hoops to faux wood and plastic with sparkles. There’s a lot more variety than people realize!

Here are five things a beginner needs to know before they start embroidering.