Episode 47: Acceptance Is Power with Sheryl Chan

EPISODE OVERVIEW

In this episode of This Is Not What I Ordered, I’m joined by Sheryl Chan — a web developer, writer, and travel enthusiast living with multiple chronic illnesses. Suffering from a mild stroke at the age of 14, Sheryl was diagnosed with a rare blood clotting syndrome that set off a chain reaction of other autoimmune disorders including lupus, epilepsy, Sjögren’s syndrome, and a heart rhythm disorder. In the midst of her health challenges, Sheryl embraced her love of writing and started using blogs as a cathartic outlet. This eventually led to the creation of A Chronic Voice, where she’s able to raise awareness of silent disabilities and give other people with chronic illness a space to share their perspectives.

By accepting her health challenges and freely sharing them with the world, Sheryl has taken the power away from her illness and reclaimed it as her own. She reminds us that acceptance doesn’t mean you’re giving up — it can be a powerful opportunity for transformation and inner growth.

During our time together, Sheryl offers up her thoughts on why it’s so important to normalize chronic illness and gain different perspectives. She also opens up about the identity struggles that accompany chronic illness, how it taught her to respect her body, and how having a sense of wonder about the body has helped her cope.

“I think you learn many life lessons. I don't think it's one big revelation, but many little ones along the way.”
— SHERYL CHAN

Highlights

Never taking her situation too seriously, Sheryl’s drive to use her illnesses for good is heartwarming and I am so happy that we were finally able to get together for this episode. She has the unique ability to take everyday situations and turn them into teachable moments about chronic illness, and her focus on empathy, acceptance, and connection is something many of us resonate with. A few of my favorite moments with Sheryl include:

Moving from a place of fighting illness into accepting it
Being comfortable with your illness
Reclaiming your power
Learning from other people’s health journeys
How brain fog can be a hit to your identity
Having a sense of wonder about the body
Taking time and space to immerse yourself in joy
How a morbid sense of humor helps her cope

LINKS

WHERE TO FIND SHERYL’S BLOGS

A Chronic Voice: https://www.achronicvoice.com/

Sick Lessons: http://www.sicklessons.com/

Journey Jot: https://www.journeyjot.com/

SHERYL ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/achronicvoice

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/AChVoice

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/achronicvoice/

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LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EVENT

HOST

www.laurenselfridgetherapy.com
Lauren Selfridge, Licensed Marriage + Family Therapist

MUSIC EDITOR

www.lilymakessound.com
Lily Sloane, composer / audio producer / sound maker

transcript + SHOW NOTES WRITER

www.latashadoylewrites.com
Latasha Doyle, content + copy specialist

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