When you’re chronically ill, those good days feel wonderful in the moment. Maybe you feel well enough to go out, get some things done around the house you’ve been putting off, or hang out with friends. And for a moment, it feels like things are getting back to normal-that finally, you’re becoming you again. And in that moment, you start making plans. You don’t mean to-but you do. Then you wake up the next day. You realize the dream of a normal life is a lie.

But when it comes to chronic illness—especially the invisible kind—the narrative changes. Joy becomes suspicious. Rest becomes laziness. Smiling becomes proof that you must be fine. But we deserve those moments too. We are sick. And still human. And still allowed to feel joy.

If you’re living with chronic illness, I hope you find some truth, comfort, or connection here. And if you’re a caregiver, a loved one, or someone trying to understand—thank you for being here too.