The Chronically Happy: Joyful Living in Spite of Chronic Illness

As a student working to finish a university degree while dealing with a chronic illness (indeterminate IBD with myalgia and fatigue) Ms Hartwell's experiences of living a successful and joy-filled life despite her illness has been an inspiration and source of hope for me. Her humor despite trials is motivating, her wisdom is an amazing resource. I especially enjoyed her chapter on overcoming the "Damaged Goods Syndrome". A tendency for those with Chronic Illness is to have negative thoughts and self-esteem challenges when we compare ourselves to other more healthy people. I often find myself viewing myself as "not good enough" and am frustrated by how disabling my illness can be in acheiving my goals. While the mind can work destructively, it can also be employed to build joy, humor, and a positive attitude that helps achieve goals. Learning to identify and work through cognitive distortions gives you a new lens in which to see your life. Hartwell quote in her book Helen Keller as saying "We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world."

As a social worker on a dialysis unit I have found this book extremely helpful in my own education of what new dialysis patients face, but also what patients deal with as a long time dialysis patient. The author leaves no stone unturned and not sugar coating a thing- she's going to tell you how to deal with failure and success each with a bit of unique humor and empathy. She has suggestions how to handle you illness in professional situations as well as how to not get bored if re-hospitalized. Bottom line she is an inspiration and a beneficial read to all!

This is one of the best books that I have ever read. I was very inspired by Lori's thoughts on chronic disease. The book also had very good resources on ways to go about our everyday life. I would highly recommend this to anyone with a chronic disease.

Lori's book Chronically Happy is very insightful and inspirational. She shares her first hand experience about her own personal life and what she has had to face in her life in regards to having a chronic illness. She really has many helpful tools for everyday living whether you have a chronic illness or not. She helps bring gratitude into daily life and keeping up a good sense of humor inspite of everything.I highly recommend this book for everyday reading and alsofor those with a chronic illness.Thanks Lori!!!! You continue to inspire us everyday!!Sincerely,Lora BensonGraduate Student-Antioch University Los Angeles

Chronically Happy is a must read for everyone - whether you have a chronic illness or not.Author Lori Hartwell offers readily available advice that we can all apply to our daily lives. Hartwell provides tips on how to look on the bright side, no matter your condition or situation. From strategic dating advice to discovering your joy instinct - there is an inspirational message for absolutely everyone. Chronically Happy is the perfect gift for anyone who is in need of a little 'pick-me-up.'