BOOK REVIEW
Chronic Babe 101: How to Craft an Incredible Life Beyond Illness by Jenni Grover
(Orange Grove Media, 2017)

Jenni Grover, of Chronic Babe, has written a treasure trove of a book. Chronic Babe 101 is written with good humor and an upbeat approach, and is filled with useful resources for living with chronic pain.

The book is divided into ten main chapters, laid out as lesson plans offering approaches to life-with-pain that all of us dealing with chronic conditions need to learn in order to flourish rather than fade away.

"When you remind yourself each day that hope and possibilities exist, you reinforce the hopeful nature within yourself. When you multiply that many times by building in habits and systems that reinforce hope, you are making sure you stay hopeful."

Chronic Babe 101 covers a wide range of topics including: positive acceptance, loving yourself and your body, letting of negative thinking, setting healthy boundaries, the importance of clear communication, and how to maintain healthy, supportive relationships.
Jenni emphasizes finding ways to stop isolating ourselves and, instead, offers ways to re-engage with the vibrancy of life around us. Exercises in each lesson help readers achieve the goals of that chapter.  Each chapter concludes with an interview discussion with an expert in that area sharing their insights about various aspects of life with pain.
 
I particularly enjoyed Lesson 5: Learn to Love Your Body Again in which, instead of hating our bodies, she advises us to use loving-kindness as a starting point toward others and toward ourselves and our ailing bodies. She suggests making friends with our illness and offering it compassion, recognizing how hard it is for this friend to be in pain every day.

“We sick chicks sometimes hate our bodies. They seem to defy us at every turn! In reality, our bodies are trying their hardest to serve us despite all the health issues they face. It’s time to start loving our bodies again.”

Jenni’s writing is quirky, entertaining, and good natured, even as she offers practical, wise advice. There is sure to be something here for everyone experiencing the challenges of ongoing pain that will uplift, inspire, and guide you to a fuller, more joyful life, even as you’re still moving through pain. 
You can find Jenni Grover at http://www.chronicbabe.com/
Purchase Chronic Babe 101 Here