Episode 61: It's OK If You're Not OK with Kristina Sarkisova

EPISODE OVERVIEW

Coming to terms with chronic illness is something we’re all trying to do. Kristina Sakisova is on the podcast this week talking about her journey to acceptance, and what the process has looked (and felt) like.

Her diagnosis of Lyme disease was a long time coming, and even now she’s not entirely sure it’s the perfect fit for her specific symptoms and situation. But it’s enough for her. So many of us can relate to the need for a diagnosis — just to have something explained. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have that. So how can you be “OK” with the unknowns?

Kristina speaks about navigating that uncertainty, as well as what it feels like to grieve the changes that take place in your life. She also spoke about the struggle between identifying as a person with disabilities and a musician, when she hasn’t been able to practice her musical talents recently. There’s a push and pull there we can all relate to — who we were and what we wanted for ourselves before and what we do now.

This is a great conversation about how health challenges impact our identities, and how we can learn to love ourselves in any situation.

“I don't feel like I need an answer per say. I'm going to keep searching, I'm going to keep trying different doctors. I trust the specialists that are taking care of me now, but no one really knows sometimes. And that's okay too.”— KRISTINA SARKISOVA

Highlights

Here are a few of my favorite moments from my chat with Kristina:

The struggle to identify as disabled or ill (and the power that comes when you do)
What it’s like to grieve the paths not taken or paths put on pause
Breaking up with “traditional” concepts of productivity
The inspiration behind her chronic illness care box company
How creating a business helped Kristina adapt to her new normal

LINKS

KRISTINA SARKISOVA

Kristina on social media: @spoonie_box

Spoonie Box: Spoonie Box

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Spoonie Box Giveaway

It's Okay That You Are Not Okay

Brene Brown’s TedTalk

Not Your Grandma’s mobility aids

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