Category: Life

Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Dying, Health, Life

My Final Journey

Evelyn Donato

I don’t want to go where my health is taking me, but if I have to, I am determined to meet the moment with courage. After talking with my doctors, I applied for and was approved for medical aid-in-dying which will happen in early November (exactly 6 months from today). This isn’t a sudden decision, although some might think it is. I’ve been weighing this, assessing this every year since I became ill - pushing forward with hope for a better future, but also looking into the tank to see how much emotional and physical juice I had left to move forward. Knowing there’d come a time when I looked and found the tank empty. That time is now.

Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Gratitude, Health, Life, Midlife, Self-care

Through the Woods: Letting Go of Overwhelm and Another Year

Evelyn Donato

What began as a way to spend time with my family evolved into a singular exploration. It became a chance to spend a few hours outdoors amid the pines and crags ornamented by the chatter of ground squirrels. This solitary journey is the perfect way for me to let go of the overwhelm that comes with being an entrepreneur who lives with chronic illness and pain. It’s the perfect reminder of the many blessings in my life. It is a time to slow down, to engage in quiet reflection, and to reawaken my spirit as one year comes to an end and another one lies before me. 

Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, Health, Life, Opioids

Suicide and Chronic Illness: Risks, Interventions and Hope

Evelyn Donato

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. It's also Pain Awareness Month. While suicide is a difficult topic to address, it’s vital that we do so. As suicide rates are elevated in people with chronic illness and chronic pain, it’s important to be aware of the ways that chronic illness and chronic pain can increase vulnerability to suicidality.