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Writer's pictureElma Glasgow

Part 2: Why chronic illness sufferers are the inspiration for our post-pandemic world

Updated: Aug 30, 2020


A way of working that works for all?


Chronically ill people are agile and resilient. The level of strength and wisdom required just to get through a day is often herculean. We learn 'on the job' and each person develops their own approach. We should awards in..


  • adapting quickly

  • handling unpredictable outcomes

  • living in isolation

  • working remotely

  • prolonged periods of stress

  • managing crises

  • explaining plainly the complexities of our illnesses (we do love analogies and metaphors)

  • knowing when to stop and rest

  • being sensitive to our environment

  • making conscious life decisions

  • asking for help

  • endurance

  • focusing on the bigger picture but living in the now


Perhaps resilient business models of the future could be based on our skills. We possess insight that healthy people relying on data will never have (lucky them!).


Wellbeing first, profit later


The profit-before-everything-else approach is beginning to crumble as our society changes. It was on its way out before coronavirus, but I think the pandemic has expedited the process.


You need people to be well to support the world’s economies. Yet, as a result of short-sighted, power-crazed decision makers, society has been hurtling in the opposite direction. It won't last because it's not sustainable. Nature doesn't work like that - and us humans, we're part of nature. We're not elevated above nature's laws. The planet always tells us what's what - we just need to listen. Our less thoughtful leaders need to re-tune their hearing devices, because they're not receiving the message!

Because of that, we’re seeing the consequences of modern life: more chronic illness, growing poverty, lack of job security, and a rise in mental health problems. Plus, who knows how COVID19 will impact people’s physical and mental health in the long term?

There’s no doubt that society has a massive challenge on its hands, but those who adapt in an appropriate way will more likely thrive into the 21st century.


Shift in values


I've always though this way, but since being diagnosed with a chronic illness has forced me to stop, and for the first time in 30 years, listen closely to my body, mind and intuition.


I’m watching our world with interest, and wonder how long it’ll be until the ‘experts’ turn to the chronically ill for advice. We're already seeing scientists baffled (unbelievably) at how coronavirus patients are suffering from post-viral fatigue (which often leads to ME, folks). It's staring us in the face - we need to slow down, live less frantic lives and be less money-obssessed. Otherwise, we'll never be well.


Take it from us chornical illness sufferers. We know. We've been there.


Why overlook us when we hold so much wisdom that a society recovering from a global pandemic could benefit from? We’re masters at re-creating our lives. Let us help.

07738004670

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