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  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    How I Exercise While Living With Epilepsy | Plus What You Need To Know Before Hitting The Gym

    This is a topic that many people have reached out to me in regards to and as someone who avidly takes part in exercise, I find it beneficial and very important to break it down to get the greatest information…

    By Tiffany Kairos September 30, 2020
  • Awareness,  Epilepsy,  Personal

    Understanding Brain Fog And Epilepsy

    Speaking candidly, alongside seizures, brain fog is one of the most difficult – and sometimes exhausting – parts of living with epilepsy. What does brain fog feel like? Brain fog is more than just the occasional forgetfulness. We all experience…

    By Tiffany Kairos August 31, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    10 Most Common Questions People Ask Me About Epilepsy

    Over the many years of living with epilepsy, I’ve received a lot of questions about my condition, understandably. Some come up more often than others. Here are 10 of the most common questions I’ve been asked:  Does it hurt? It…

    By Tiffany Kairos July 19, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    When They Say “I Don’t Know How You Do It” Living with Epilepsy

    Living with epilepsy is not a walk in the park. It’s a daily challenge. Not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. The condition stretches you to your breaking point, like a rubber band creaking in readiness to snap. Those who…

    By Tiffany Kairos June 17, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    How I Upcycle Epilepsy In My Life

    “If you give up, you’ll have an attitude of resignation, of defeat that will affect—and infect—the rest of your life. Acceptance is empowering because it’s a choice you’ve made. Even if the outcome isn’t what you hoped for, you’re saying,…

    By Tiffany Kairos May 28, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    Epilepsy And The Dream Of Motherhood

    I’d always wanted to be a mother. At the age of nine on my birthday, I didn’t ask for barbies or make-up. I didn’t ask for glittery toys, no. Instead I asked only for a baby name book so that…

    By Tiffany Kairos May 9, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    You Don’t Look Like You Have Epilepsy

    I live with Epilepsy. I have lived with this condition for over a decade. I was diagnosed with this condition in 2008. Four short months after marrying my husband. I had one previous seizure at the age of 16 yet…

    By Tiffany Kairos April 24, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    How I Navigate My Epilepsy Self-Care During Coronavirus

    Self-care is an important component of all-around wellness when you have a chronic illness. For example, epilepsy. But suppose an unanticipated situation shakes up your everyday self-care routine. How do you navigate that? Over the last decade I’ve learned to…

    By Tiffany Kairos March 27, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    Don’t Feel Sorry For Me Because I Have Epilepsy

    It’s never easy when someone that you know or someone that you love has just been diagnosed with a chronic illness. What can you say to show that you care about them and the challenges they must face? Oftentimes, it…

    By Tiffany Kairos February 7, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    How I Practice Self-Renewal While Living With Epilepsy

    What is self-renewal? In reflecting on this, it’s looking at life anew, or maybe even sewing the seeds of things that you’ve been meaning to do for a while. Self-renewal is all about reinvigorating yourself, refreshing your life and taking…

    By Tiffany Kairos February 3, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    What Epilepsy Reminds Me

    Over a decade. It has been a long journey and within this journey, I have learned so much, experienced so much, wrestled so many emotions, have had the opportunity to forge so many long lasting friendships with others who too…

    By Tiffany Kairos January 29, 2020
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    8 Essentials In My Epilepsy Survival Kit

    Living with epilepsy can be taxing not only on the body but also the mind and spirit. Finding the right things to make the journey less rigorous is therapeutic. What works for you might not work for someone else but…

    By Tiffany Kairos December 12, 2019
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    5 Ways I Improve My Memory While Living With Epilepsy

    “Memory loss is like system reboot.” Memory hindrances. A topic that I’ve discussed lightly over the course of my journey with epilepsy. Is it a mere coincidence or has my memory declined due to the years of seizures and medication?…

    By Tiffany Kairos October 8, 2019
  • Epilepsy,  Marriage,  Personal

    Breaking the Ice on Intimacy and Epilepsy

    Yep, I’m going there. That awkward, not-often talked about subject coupled with epilepsy. When epilepsy and seizures decide to kill the mood for intimacy in a relationship. Sometimes we might feel self-conscious of our bodies, our emotions, or a deep…

    By Tiffany Kairos September 25, 2019
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    Secondary Epilepsy

    “Because I love you, because I care for you, because I know what you endure… you will never endure alone.” – Chris Kairos December 11, 2008, what seemed like a normal day, while at work, I received a call that…

    By Tiffany Kairos August 31, 2019
  • Epilepsy,  Personal

    Epilepsy Quirks

    The journey in living with epilepsy hasn’t always been without its stumbles and trials. Regardless, I’ve learned quite a bit throughout the years. In having developed a tougher skin, absorbing wisdom and learning more each day, it’s important to not…

    By Tiffany Kairos October 12, 2017

Instagram

✵ Crumple Up That Toxic Talk ✵ ▪ ▪ What ar ✵ Crumple Up That Toxic Talk ✵
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What are some things you might not want to say to someone with epilepsy...or any chronic illness for that matter? 🤓
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✨ “Are you better yet?”
✨”Have you tried...?”
✨”You seem fine most of the time”
✨But you don’t look sick”
✨”It must be nice not having to go to work/school”
✨”It could be so much worse”
✨”You’re canceling on me again?” 
✨”At least it’s not (insert another terrible illness)
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Questions and statements such as these tend to sting. Even those who mean well and want to help, often say things that are actually the opposite of helpful.
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So what are some things we should say? 🧐
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🌹”I’d love to understand your condition, do you have any resources you would recommend?”
🌹”It must be difficult to be out of work, is there anything I can do to help?”
🌹”I wish I could understand how you feel, but please know that I’m here for you”
🌹”If ever you have to cancel plans, I understand. You are not unreliable. Your health is”
🌹”How can I best support you?”
🌹”I want to let you know that your struggle and feelings are valid”
🌹”Would you like me to come with you to your appointment?”
🌹” I believe you”
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And a whole bunch more!! At the end of the day, we simply want to be validated, given patience and compassion.
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What are some unsavory phrases that need crumpled up and tossed out? How about phrases that put a smile on your face? 
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Pop on over to my REELS and watch the short clip that highlights a few not-so-necessary phrases with a comedic twist! 😉
❉ Bring Down The Wall ❉ ▪ ▪ Being open abo ❉ Bring Down The Wall ❉
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Being open about my struggles with epilepsy was one of the most intimidating things I’d ever done in the beginning of my journey. I was fearful of what others might think of me. Would they abandon me? Would they think I was crazy? Would they try to baby me? I wasn’t seeking pity but support and camaraderie. 
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In taking down the wall that I’d built to protect myself, being open and honest about the challenges that I face I found to be so empowering. All my fears, doubt and worries washed away.
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There is power in being open. Speaking to how life with a chronic illness is for us. We all struggle with something. 
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Rather than hold it in and let it have the reigns of our life, we can release it and steal them back.
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We can see one another. Hear one another and stand with one another. 
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Sure...I’d lost friends in the beginning who just couldn’t and wouldn’t understand my condition but gained more loving and compassionate friends than I ever imagined. Friends who got me. Friends who desired to learn more.
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Taking down the wall tells yourself, the world and your condition, I may not have it all together, I’m going to come upon tough times but I’m not hiding anymore. I’m setting myself free.
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Comment 🔥 to signify that you are not afraid to be open!
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I love you. ♥
✩ Hitting The Gym With Epilepsy ✩ ▪ ▪ As u ✩ Hitting The Gym With Epilepsy ✩
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As unexpected, unpleasant and unwelcome my epilepsy diagnosis was, it gave me pause to reflect on my health overall. Was I giving it the love that it needed and deserved?
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My diagnosis really put things into perspective. It woke me up. Reality hit me like a ton of bricks. It was time to make it a top priority.
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I changed to a well-balanced diet and included fitness into my life. My body thanked me for it by allowing me to feel more energetic and happy.
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I can’t do everything exercise-wise...Overstimulation has a tendency to trigger seizures within me...but I am so grateful that I can go after workouts that I love and achieve goals that I establish. 
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Pop on over to my blog (Clickable link in bio) to read more about how I exercise with epilepsy! 
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I really love hitting the gym too with my awesome swag from @wodbottom and @nike! Both have the most fun, stylish, and eye-catching workout gear that’ll make working out twice as awesome! Check them out! 
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Comment 💪🏼 to signify both health & fitness are a top priority in your life!
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I love you. ♥
✬ Just As You Are ✬ ▪ ▪ After my epilepsy ✬ Just As You Are ✬
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After my epilepsy diagnosis, what felt like forever, and sometimes I still have to keep myself in check, I felt unvalued...unworthy...and ugly and powerless. I was letting it dictate the entirety of my life.
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Have you or do you ever felt that way or find yourself feeling that way? On good days or bad days?
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I have good days where my seizures give me a break and I feel like I’d broken the chains but other days the rug is unexpectedly pulled out from under me with unexpected seizures and I have to remind myself, fill myself, shield myself.
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No matter our circumstances, not only must we remind ourselves, we have to solidify it within ourselves that we are more powerful than we know and our illness does not have permission to crush our spirit. We are beautiful in every way.
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YOU! Yes you, are beautiful in every way. You are a gift and a blessing to all who know you and have yet to. Place this on your heart. Speak it aloud today.
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Comment 🔥 to signify that you are more powerful than your epilepsy!
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I love you. ♥
Living with a chronic illness is no easy task. Mak Living with a chronic illness is no easy task. Making difficult decisions and doing difficult things to keep our health intact. To avoid flare-ups or seizures. To understand our condition with the goal of defeating it.
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I have faced many difficulties throughout my life, but epilepsy is by far the grandest one of all. Testing and stretching me to the limits with countless seizures, handful of pills, hospital stays, setbacks, good news and not-so good news deliveries...tapping on my emotions with the intent to break me.
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Life with a chronic illness is a rugged journey. You learn, you grow, you stand before difficult things and you do them with a brave spirit. 
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Some of the bravest and courageous people that I know are those who are fighting a battle they didn’t see coming, didn’t ask for, don’t want but don’t know the meaning of the word ‘QUIT’. 
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Comment 💜 to declare your brave spirit!
❉ Criticism In Chronic Illness ❉ ▪ ▪ Have ❉ Criticism In Chronic Illness ❉
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Have you ever been falsely accused of being someone you’re not or criticized by any emotion you’ve expressed due to your chronic illness? 
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Astonishingly enough, it happened to me once again just recently. And even more so, by a family member.
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When faced with a situation such as this...it’s important not to take it personally because they do not understand our journey. The emotions that we feel. The challenges we face. The effort we invest to overcome these challenges. 
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Awareness is so sooo important and we’ve got to present it to everyone. Especially family members close and far.
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We are all allowed to be who we are. To feel. We do not need to feel sorry. It is not our faults. 
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Comment 🙅🏻‍♀️ to signify that criticism has no place in your life.
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I love you. ♥
♡ Must Have Product Alert!! ♡ ▪ ▪ Do you l ♡ Must Have Product Alert!! ♡
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Do you love health and fitness? Is it a top priority for you? Do you enjoy eating a well balanced meal and getting a solid workout in?
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After my epilepsy diagnosis, I made a drastic lifestyle change for the betterment of my health. Exercising, eating a healthier diet and more.
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As part of my journey, in attempts to try and halt my seizures, I would eventually undergo a surgical procedure known as an SEEG.
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I would have to shave my head....Something I wasn’t exactly excited about but life with a chronic illness means sometimes doing difficult things with a brave spirit.
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As my hair continues to grow, I’m now at a point where I’m in need of something to hold it back while I workout. Thankfully I came across @maventhread!
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Maven Thread offers some of the most super fun, unique and beautiful headbands as well as other products for when hitting the gym or whenever!
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They gently hug your head, are buttery soft and don’t slip.
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Get yourself one! Actually two....or more!
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Thank you Maven Thread for helping me and my curls in my daily workouts! 
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Comment a 💪🏼 if you enjoy exercise of any level.
❉ Know There’s Hope ❉ ▪ ▪ Do you ever fe ❉ Know There’s Hope ❉
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Do you ever feel as though you are walking through a storm that has no end? Battling not only an illness, but also discouragement and doubt? 
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It’s not an easy journey living with a chronic illness. It’s much more than battling physically. When we’re faced with challenges, met with setbacks and stretched to our limits, our illness can test our loyalty to hope.
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But no matter the difficulties, no matter the disappointments which are unavoidable, we must remember that hope is never lost or out of reach. In fact, it’s up us to take hold and never let go. No matter how much our minds desire to believe hope cannot be found.
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Hope is a precious commodity. One to nurture and know beyond certainty.
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Comment 💜 to signify that your hope is rock solid!
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I love you. ♥
✵ Heads up! ✵ ▪ ▪ Calling all those in the ✵ Heads up! ✵
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Calling all those in the Epilepsy Community!
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Do you know what your seizure triggers are?
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First, let me unpack the definition of a “Seizure Trigger”.
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Seizure triggers are situations that can bring on a seizure in those living with epilepsy. Triggers can differ from person to person. Sometimes, those of us can relate.
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Check out my brand new reel in which I point out 5 common seizure triggers...with a little pizzazz thrown in.
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Be sure to keep up with my reels for more educational, inspiring and fun clips!
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What are my seizure triggers you might be wondering? Ready? Here we go...I’ve got quite a few typicals and a few unexpected....
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Lack of sleep...Stress...Missed Meds...Caffeine...Overexertion...Mint...Red Dye...
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Comment 🙌🏼 to signify together we will further awareness! 
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I love you. ♥
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Disclaimer

This blog is not here to replace medical advice from trained professionals.

Please seek medical advice.

This blog serves to offer my personal experience with epilepsy, what has worked for me, encouragement and support.

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