About Chronic Illness Puzzle: Piecing Your Life Back Together with Purpose, Hope, and Faith
Life with a chronic illness can feel overwhelming, isolating, and at times like you're invisible. You may be feeling like you are walking through a dark tunnel, with no light in sight. But here, we’re turning the lights back on. This podcast is for those whose chronic illness has altered the course of their life, and it’s time to reclaim your story. This is an honest and real conversation for anyone living with chronic illness, and for the caregivers and loved ones who are walking through this journey with us. We’ll discuss the highs and lows, finding joy, purpose, and community once more.
? | Caregiver or Receiver of Care: Two Sides of Life with Chronic Illness
Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to care for a loved one while balancing your own life?
In this heartfelt episode, Kirsten explores the complex world of caregiving as a profound gift of love. Drawing from her own experiences as a caregiver for numerous family members—including her grandmother, mother, father, and children—she shares stories of resilience, challenges, and triumphs. Now navigating life on the other side as she learns to receive care for her chronic illness, Kirsten offers insightful conversations, practical advice, and a deep sense of understanding for both new and seasoned caregivers. Tune in for comfort, inspiration, and a reminder that caregiving is an act of love that connects us all.
Join the conversation! Connect with others in The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group and find encouragement along your journey. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)
26 Feb 2025
13 | Grief and Chronic Illness: A Real Conversation on Loss, Change, and Healing
Are You Carrying Unspoken Grief Alongside Your Chronic Illness?
Grief is an inevitable part of life, but for those living with chronic illness, it takes on a deeper, more complex role. Chronic illness changes you in ways you never expected, often bringing losses that go unrecognized—loss of physical ability, independence, financial stability, or even relationships. We need to address this grief, but in ways that don’t further harm our health.
In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, Kirsten Lemus has a real and raw conversation about the role grief plays in our lives—especially for those navigating chronic illness. She shares her personal experiences with grief, including the loss of a child and loved ones, while also exploring the many forms grief can take beyond death itself. Kirsten emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing grief in healthy ways, encouraging listeners to seek support through counseling, community groups, and spiritual guidance. She closes with a reminder of faith, citing scripture to offer hope and reassurance that no one has to walk through grief alone.
12 Feb 2025
12 | Be Your Own Best Friend: Tips to Manage Social Anxiety
Have you ever avoided social situations because of anxiety about how others might perceive you—especially while managing a chronic illness?
In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, host Kirsten Lemus dives into the connection between chronic illness and social anxiety, exploring how changes in health and appearance can make social interactions feel overwhelming. She opens up about her own struggles and shares her self-talk method, "Be Your Own Friend," to help reframe negative thoughts. Kirsten highlights the importance of social connections for emotional well-being, reminding listeners of their worth and the power of faith in facing these fears. Tune in for encouragement, and join the Chronic Illness Puzzle Facebook group for ongoing support.
Join the conversation! Connect with others in The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group and find encouragement along your journey. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)
5 Feb 2025
11 | Fear Can Feed Your Chronic Illness and What To Do About It
Does fear feel like it’s controlling your chronic illness journey?
In this episode, Kirsten Lemus dives into the powerful role fear plays in managing chronic illness and how identifying your personal fear triggers can help you regain control. She shares practical strategies to navigate fear, including:
Journaling to uncover the link between fear and physical symptoms
Communicating fears with medical professionals for better understanding
Prioritizing self-care to reduce anxiety, especially through better sleep
Seeking support from friends, mental health professionals, and spiritual resources
Kirsten encourages listeners to shift from fear to empowerment. Tune in for valuable tips, connection, and support.
Join the conversation! Connect with others in The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group and find encouragement along your journey. Join here: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)
29 Jan 2025
10 | Pep Talk: Conquering Health Care and the Medical System with Confidence
Have you ever felt overwhelmed navigating the medical system while managing a chronic illness?
In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, host Kirsten Lemus shares her personal journey and practical insights on becoming a warrior in the face of health challenges. She dives into the importance of self-advocacy, building a supportive medical team, and using tools like journaling to track progress and setbacks. Kirsten emphasizes celebrating small victories, practicing positive self-talk, and leaning on faith and community for strength. With empathy and encouragement, she reassures listeners that they are not alone and empowers them to face their journey with resilience and self-worth.
Let’s connect in my Facebook Group "The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group" to support one another and shine a light of hope.
Join here (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)= https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)
22 Jan 2025
9 | Embracing the New You: Finding Self-Love After Chronic Illness
Have you ever wondered how small acts of self-care can spark a profound transformation?
If you're struggling to accept your new self and body after a chronic illness diagnosis, you are not alone. In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, Kirsten Lemus shares her deeply personal journey of living with multiple chronic illnesses, including Durkheim's disease, lipedema, and lymphedema. Through heartfelt storytelling, Kirsten opens up about the physical and emotional challenges she has faced, from navigating societal expectations to embracing her changing body. She reflects on moments of self-acceptance, like painting her nails red as a symbol of resilience, and offers practical tips, inspiring examples, and insights on the power of faith, community, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures. Tune in for encouragement, support, and a reminder that your worth is never defined by your appearance—you are beautifully and wonderfully made.
Let’s connect in my Facebook Group "The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group" to support one another and shine a light of hope.
Join here (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)= https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)
15 Jan 2025
8 | Ups, Downs, and Wedding Vows: Navigating Chronic Illness in Marriage
Kirsten shares her intimate journey of navigating chronic illness in marriage, highlighting the transformative power of hope, effective communication, and mutual support to sustain and strengthen relationships.
8 Jan 2025
7 | The Power of Asking for Help: Delegating with Grace When You Need It Most
Living with a chronic illness often means learning to share the load, even when it feels difficult to ask for help.
In this episode, I share my personal journey of learning to delegate responsibilities like cooking, laundry, and daily cleaning to my kids and husband. It wasn’t always easy, but letting go of the need to do it all myself has been a game-changer for my health and our family dynamics.
I’ll talk about the mindset shifts that helped me embrace asking for help, how I introduced these changes to my family, and the surprising joy I’ve found in using grocery pickup to save time and energy. If you’ve been struggling with trying to manage everything on your own or feeling guilty about asking for help, this episode offers reassurance, practical advice, and real-life examples to inspire you.
Tune in for an honest conversation about finding peace, support, and a little extra breathing room in a busy life with chronic illness.
Let’s connect in my Facebook Group "The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group" to support one another and shine a light of hope.
Join here (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)= https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)
1 Jan 2025
6 | Navigating the Winter Blues: Maintaining Hope and Gratitude in January
Are the winter blues making it harder to manage your chronic illness?
In this episode of The Chronic Illness Puzzle, host Kirsten Lemus dives into the unique challenges of facing seasonal affective disorder alongside chronic illness as the new year begins. Kirsten shares heartfelt personal insights on the deep connection between mental and physical health, emphasizing how buried emotions often resurface later and why staying aware of your feelings is crucial. She offers practical tips for navigating the season, like writing down your gratitude, being mindful of self-talk, and staying connected with loved ones. Through relatable anecdotes and reflective advice, she inspires listeners to embrace vulnerability and find hope, joy, and resilience even in the toughest seasons.
Let’s connect in my Facebook Group where we can support one another and shine a light of hope. Join here (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)= https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)
25 Dec 2024
5 | Planes, Trains, and Pacing Yourself: My Top Lessons from Traveling with Chronic Illness
Traveling with a chronic illness is an adventure of its own—one that requires extra prep, a lot of self-compassion, and a willingness to embrace your unique needs. In this episode, I share the bloopers, lessons, and triumphs from my recent trip to Texas, along with insights from past travels that taught me how to navigate the world with chronic illness.
We’ll talk about the importance of being honest with yourself and others—whether it’s booking a handicap-accessible room, opting for direct flights, or taking breaks when your body needs them. You don’t have to shy away from society or try to act like everyone else. Instead, it’s about creating a travel experience that works for you.
Tune in for practical tips, funny stories, and a reminder that it’s okay to travel differently—and that even with chronic illness, the world is still yours to explore.
Let’s connect in my Facebook Group "The Chronic Illness Puzzle Community Group" to support one another and shine a light of hope.
Join here (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)= https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/ (https://www.facebook.com/share/g/188nTncPUE/)
18 Dec 2024
4 | Holiday Strategies: Finding Joy and Balance While Managing Chronic Illness
Chronic illness expert Sarah Joy Thompson shares her practical advice and emotional insights on navigating holiday celebrations while managing chronic illness, emphasizing the power of setting boundaries, creating backup plans, and finding strength in faith.
11 Dec 2024
3 | The Art of Letting Go: Reprioritizing Your Life When Time Feels Scarce
Chronic illness expert and author, Rachel Hollis, shares practical tips for prioritizing family time and finding peace in a new reality when chronic illness limits energy and good days.
4 Dec 2024
2 | Getting A Diagnosis After 46 Years and Tips to Navigate Healthcare
Join host, Jane Smith (chronic illness advocate and author), as she shares her 46-year journey with chronic illness, offering valuable tips on navigating the healthcare system and keeping hope alive.
4 Dec 2024
1 | Piecing Together Chronic Illness: My Journey
Host Emily Johnson shares her personal journey with chronic illness, highlighting the transformative power of faith, hope, and community in navigating life's challenges.
16 Oct 2024
* Trailer * Chronic Illness Puzzle
Chronic illness advocate and Christian author, Jennifer Marshall, helps you accept yourself, build a support system, and heal emotionally, reclaiming your story and thriving after diagnosis.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
50
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
Host of Chronic Illness Puzzle: Piecing Your Life Back Together with Purpose, Hope, and Faith
?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
