To see Arlene’s tai chi:

https://www.youtube.com/user/faulktaichi

To visit Arlene’s website:

https://arlenefaulk.com/

If you’re in the Chicago area and want to take classes:

https://faulktaichi.com/arlene-faulk/

Welcome back to the third installment of my conversation with writer and teacher Arlene Faulk.

What was it like having a chronic illness at work before the ADA or insurance portability/insurance for preexisting conditions? As her symptoms worsened, she contacted an insurance company for a quote about what it would cost to privately cover herself. She was told she was uninsurable. If she could find insurance (it was the late 80s) she was told it would cost $10-15k/month. There was no coverage for preexisting conditions.

She felt stuck – unable to be honest about her health at work. If she was to tell someone, they might to theorize about your “fitness” for work every time you’re out for a day.

Eight years later, new and worsening symptoms led to another hospital stay and then her parents came to visit, but yet she still didn’t tell them what was happening with your health. Again, not wanting them to worry. We often believe we’re protecting others by not saying what’s true for us.

Realizing that things have changed dramatically and for the worse, she is at the point of needing to accept her MS diagnosis. What advice would does she have for someone struggling with this reality? She asserts that our fear of failure often keeps us from acceptance.

She talks about making the break from work, and what it felt like to leave that world and apply for Social Security benefits. Join us tomorrow for the conclusion of this interview.

I'm Annette Leonard, speaker, coach, and sick person who believes that my illnesses do not define me. If health is the absence of disease and wellness is the presence of wholeness, then no matter what your disease status, we can work toward your wellness, your wholeness.

Whether or not you are ever "healthy" on paper, you can be well. Join me and others on the path back to wholeness at AnnetteLeonard.com. Whether you are a person experiencing chronic illness or are someone who loves or serves people with chronic illness I have great resources here on this channel or on my website for you.

WIN A COPY OF ARLENE’S BOOK

Here's how to enter:

1) Leave me a rating or review on whatever audio podcast platform you listen to.

2) Let me know you've done that by emailing me at [email protected] or leaving me a comment about it on YouTube so that you can be entered in to the drawing. If you have a preference about which book you'd like, let me know in your comment or email. (I’m also giving away a copy of Michael Murray’s My Pain Body Solution)

3) If you'd like to be entered multiple times you can also post about one (or both of the books) and tag me on Instagram @theAnnetteLeonard including tag of either @arlenefaulk or #mypainbodysolution, for up to two additional entries. The drawing is planned for 6/30