The Barriers That Throw Rocks into My Bucket List with Chronic Illness

*Note: This article was originally written for my monthly linkups, which I've archived as it was taking too much out of me. However, I've kept most of the posts written as I realise it's much like a diary with memories that make me nostalgic or smile. I hope you enjoy reading them, too! 🙂

Allocating More Time & Effort Into My Bucket List

I’m going to be honest and admit that I’ve grown a bit tired of writing my own monthly prompts of late. I have a gazillion ideas and other projects I want to work on, so I will probably be allocating more time and energy toward them instead. Things like regular types of blog posts (which I haven’t done in a while!), my new job, my own business website, and blog experimentations in other niches. Also on longer-term goals that are on my bucket list, which I yabber about below.

Maybe it’s an Aries thing? ;) I am always great at and super excited with kicking off new projects. But have a hard time maintaining them and pacing ;)

Don’t worry though, I still enjoy reading what you have to share every month, and will keep these linkups up and running. I will probably get back on the train at some point, too (if I even hop off, that is).

*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our Privacy Policy page for more information. Thank you!

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Defining, Saving & Educating

I need to re-define my priorities, my business, my finances and my life. I’m turning 35 this year and it feels like one of those milestone years. I guess in terms of biology, it is kind of a milestone year.

I wasn’t even aware that I did indeed have a bucket list; I just figured that it didn’t matter if I dropped dead at any point in time as I’ve reached that level of acceptance after four near death experiences. So many people in war torn or inaccessible countries don’t even have that privilege of a bucket list or dreams. Even thinking about them could mean death.

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My Bucket List

There are a few things I would really like to accomplish in life, namely:

• Start My Own Family. It’s been on the list since I was a tween. At 14, I’ve had to make decisions about my body that involved fertility, even though I didn’t even have a first love, yet. Thing is, the older I get, the less motivated I am with all the daily aches and pains. Often I think to myself, if I can’t even take care of myself, what more an active kid or two who will require attention 24/7?
  
  It was one of the reasons why I got a puppy actually, to test myself a little bit. Having done that, I know that I will survive a kid, even though I’m sure a kid is heaps harder to take care of compared to a crazy, nippy little pup (don’t let those puppy eyes fool you for one second). As a human being, we always find a way to make it through.

Read Related Posts:
• You Don’t Have to be Strong, Just a Little Stronger Than Before
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• What’s it Like to be the Father of a Child with Chronic Illness? (Precious Insights from My Own Dad!)
• I May be Chronically Ill, but I’m Also Chronically Resilient
• Dealing with Pain, One Second at a Time

Health & Financial Barriers (Don’t We All Have Them?!)

Okay so enough rambling about my bucket list. The main barriers as you very well may guess, are health and finances. I know that I have to take care of my health and be even more disciplined about it, if I want to achieve any of these life goals. Without it, finances would be even more unachievable than it already is anyway.

Even working part time is a struggle for me, as I realise how much even four hours of work a day - if at all - is for my body. But I know with better discipline, focus, stress management and a healthier lifestyle, I can improve my energy levels, too.

How I wish I had a sponsor especially for my studies (yes hint hint - anybody? :) ). But for now, I’ve started saving wee bits of money in investment portfolios. Admittedly I know jack shit about investing, and have tried to read up a little more about it. But I must say that it really doesn’t interest me at all (maybe that’s why I’m so broke).

So I’m using two of those AI investment platforms (StashAway & MoneyOwl), and see how they go. They’re pretty established and approved by the Monetary Board in Singapore, so I think that more or less they’re okay. Better than a bank, they say, but so far I haven’t seen much returns. Then again, my investments so far are really miniscule compared to many others. Although I guess it’s a good thing that I finally started investing.

I guess that’s it from me for the month. I am also aware that priorities and bucket lists can change over time. Life is 'interesting', to say the least. To continue, you can read the previous or next diary entries.

Read Related Posts:
• The Extra Costs of Living with a Chronic Illness or Disability (That the News Often Don’t Reflect)
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• 12 Lessons on Mindfulness (or “How to Relax” by Thich Nhat Hanh)
• 40 People with Chronic Illness Share Their Best Pain Management Tips (What to Do if an Unforeseen Pain Flare Hits)
• November 2018: Meeting and Collaborating with Chronically Ill People in Real Life

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