About Chronically Connie
Chronically Connie is all about empowering women, regardless of their abilities. My primary focus will be midlife issues, but I will also discuss general issues related to all women. I’ll be sharing information regarding our physical wellbeing (which may include food/recipes, exercise, health information and information about disability), social/emotional wellbeing (which may include self-help tips, information about mental health, relationships, family, friends, and recreation), spiritual wellbeing (this may include, prayer, meditation, self-actualization, and other related information), and finally there will be a miscellaneous section where I will discuss, pets (cats), my love of jewelry, potentially fictional book recommendations, and other things that I enjoy.
My goal is to present a variety of information that is relevant to women’s needs. I hope to provide a place where you feel heard and feel comfortable expressing your thoughts and feelings.
If you’d like to know a little more about me personally, read on…
About Me
Hello, my name is Connie Barnett and I’m Chronically Connie. Let me tell you a little about myself. I’m in my mid 50’s and I live in southeastern Kentucky. While I’m originally from SE KY, I’ve also lived and worked in Tennessee and south Texas. I am a self-professed nerd and love all things Star Trek. I am an avid animal lover, with a special affinity for cats. I have 4: Gandalf (15), Trick (14) ,Maia (13), snd Remi (kitten). I love to read and will share some of my favorite books/authors with you guys from time to time.
I’ve always had a desire to help others and since becoming disabled, I’ve not really felt like I’ve been able to do that. I have a Master’s degree in mental health counseling from Walden University, a B.S. in psychology from University of the Cumberlands, and over 30 years experience working in child welfare and community mental health. In addition to having a physical disability, I’ve also struggled with depression most of my adult life. I know what it’s like to struggle with mental health issues in my day to day life. I’ll share mental health information in hopes of helping anyone who might be struggling right now.
Let me tell you a little about my disability. I have multiple lower back issues, as well as arthritis in both knees. Between both of these conditions, I find it very difficult to stand for longer than a few minutes or to walk for any distance. I also use a cane when I do walk.
I have learned that there isn’t a lot of support out there for disabled folks and that the process to obtain Social Security Disablity is not easy to navigate and short of hiring an attorney, there isn’t much help along the way. That is what inspired this blog.
I initially wanted to develop a blog which would help others in their disability journey by providing insights and sharing what I’ve learned. I soon realized that I don’t actually know enough for that to be my main focus; I’m still learning and will gladly share what I learn.
Then I started thinking about my disability journey and how it is so much more than just a physical journey. Of course, the physical aspect is a huge part of it; but there are also the social/emotional/mental and spiritual aspects. So, those things are what I want to focus my blog on.
In my effort to get healthier, I started eating low carb/keto in early 2022 and have had a lot of success. I’d like to share some of the recipes I enjoy and bloggers who have helped me in this journey.
My personal beliefs are also of great importance to me and have helped me tremendously. I will share my beliefs in the bolg’s spirituality category, not in an attempt to convert you, but as inspiration. I firmly believe in and support everyone’s right to their personal beliefs. I’ll also share things like meditation and positive affirmations.
My miscellaneous category will include things like my love of cats, jewelry, rock n roll, books, and probably even some Star Trek. Really, probably just anything that catches my interest. I’m going to do all of this from the view point of a woman trying to live her best mid-life.
