Listen in for today’s answer to a question from instagram follower @kathryn182006: “How did the drs help you manage your pain?”
“Sometimes it’s just awkward guys!” ~ Sarah Reid
In this episode, I’m diving into why it can feel so awkward to explain chronic illness to others—especially when we look fine on the outside but live with real limitations.
I share my own struggles, like feeling the need to justify my health, not being able to go to college or work a “normal” job, and the discomfort of being met with pity.
I also include responses from others in the chronic illness community about why they find it awkward to talk about their health. You’re not alone in this. 💛
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook. And don’t forget - there’s chronic illness merch on my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from instagram follower @_super_brain: “How do disabled people balance out their spoons?”
“It can often be hard to explain something we don’t always understand ourselves.” ~ Sarah Reid
In this episode, we unpack what it's really like to live with limited energy while managing chronic illness. From common metaphors like the Spoon Theory and Penny Theory to the often-overlooked Battery Life Theory, we explore how energy depletion affects daily life—and how different frameworks can help you better understand and communicate your limits.
What You’ll Learn:
Takeaway:
There’s no single “right” way to describe energy struggles with chronic illness—whether you relate more to spoons, pennies, or battery levels, the most important thing is finding a system that helps you advocate for your needs.
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from instagram follower @Celia_heart444: “did you ever have a tilt- table test? if so, how was it?”
“Yes, miracles still happen! But that doesn’t make you a bad christian if you’re chronically ill.” ~ Sarah Reid
Sometimes being a Christian while chronically ill can be hard for a multitude of reasons! But I hope this episode encourages you, and your soul feels strengthened as you learn about different historical figures in the Bible who loved the Lord and still went through hardships.
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook. And don’t forget - there’s chronic illness merch on my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from an anonymous instagram follower: “what’s something you’re excited about?”
Listen in for the exciting news and answer to this question!
“Just because your life is different doesn’t mean it has any less value” ~ Sarah Reid
It has been a long time since I’ve socialized with others my age, and it can be especially hard with health limitations! So listen to today's episode to hear my personal experiences and a few tips and tricks that’s helped me with socializing.
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook. And don’t forget - there’s chronic illness merch on my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from instagrammer @grouchytoad: “hacks for bathing with POTS”
“2025 is the year we start having grace for ourselves and resting when we need to!”
~ Sarah Reid
Also I’d like to thank all of you who listened to the podcast in 2024! Your love and support means so much, and I hope my podcast was encouraging and a blessing!
Today I’ll be sharing some realistic New Year’s resolutions that you can modify to meet our limitations! And, of course, please share your tips in the comments - you never know who can benefit from them.
In a nutshell, I’ll be talking about
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment here or reach out to me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out some of my apparel and my new earrings here (and just know if I didn’t have to rest there would be so much more available!): https://www.bepotsitive.org/category/all-products
Also, because I’ve needed to rest so much lately, my mom has uploaded a lot of my designs to Redbubble. It’s great for me because I can be creative without getting too fatigued, and it’s great for YOU because these designs are so cute on stickers, hats, buttons, and so many other items. Check out my Redbubble store
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
No Q&A today- just a little Christmas episode and life update!
“I hope your Christmas is magical, whether you are out with family/friends, or just resting at home or in the hospital!”~ Sarah Reid
Today I’ll be sharing 3 tips for helping to navigate Christmas Day! And, of course, please share your tips in the comments - you never know who can benefit from them.
In a nutshell, I’ll be talking about
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment here or reach out to me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out some of my apparel and my new earrings here (and just know if I didn’t have to rest there would be so much more available!): https://www.bepotsitive.org/category/all-products
Also, because I’ve needed to rest so much lately, my mom has uploaded a lot of my designs to Redbubble. It’s great for me because I can be creative without getting too fatigued, and it’s great for YOU because these designs are so cute on stickers, hats, buttons, and so many other items. Check out my Redbubble store
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer from an anonymous Instagram follower who asked, “How do you rest?”
“Don’t let those who are not in your shoes determine how you manage your symptoms.” ~ Sarah Reid
Today I’ll be sharing some things that I wish I’d known when I was first diagnosed. If you’ve had POTS for a while, maybe you’ll find these tips helpful too. And, of course, please share your tips in the comments - you never know who can benefit from them.
In a nutshell, I’ll be talking about
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment here or reach out to me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out some of my apparel and my new earrings here (and just know if I didn’t have to rest there would be so much more available!): https://www.bepotsitive.org/category/all-products
Also, because I’ve needed to rest so much lately, my mom has uploaded a lot of my designs to Redbubble. It’s great for me because I can be creative without getting too fatigued, and it’s great for YOU because these designs are so cute on stickers, hats, buttons, and so many other items. Check out my Redbubble store
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from a Spotify listener who asked, “What book are you currently reading?” (Check below for a link to the book!)
“It’s hard to know who you are when you feel pulled in two directions because of your health” ~ Sarah Reid
In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about the struggle and necessity of living a “double life” when you have chronic illnesses.
Thanks for listening in - hopefully you’ll feel a little less alone in your struggles.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment here or reach out to me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out some of my apparel and my new earrings here (and just know if I didn’t have to rest there would be so much more available!): https://www.bepotsitive.org/category/all-products
And my website: www.bepotsitive.org
As promised, here’s a link to the book I’m currently reading: “No Other Will Do” by Karen Witemeyer.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from Spotify listener who asked, “if you could have any superpower what would it be?”
“Resting is a struggle when you want to do all the things.” ~ Sarah Reid
In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about something that most healthy people don’t have to think about, but it’s a reality for many people with chronic illnesses - the struggle of resting.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Comment here or reach out to me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out some of my apparel and my new earrings here (and just know if I didn’t have to rest there would be so much more available!): https://www.bepotsitive.org/category/all-products
And my website: www.bepotsitive.org
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
No Q&A today - just an update on exciting things happening!
Disability Pride Month is for celebrating all those in the disability community, the progress we’ve made, and the awareness we’ve spread! And we continue to make progress for the next generation and that is something to be proud of! ~ Sarah Reid
Today I’m talking about Disability Pride Month - a little bit of history, as well as what it means to me as a chronically ill person.
Links to the exciting things I mentioned . . .
My website www.bepotsitive.org
The upcoming Be POTSitive Conference I’d love to meet you in person! Registration ends soon so don’t wait! Feel free to message me on Instagram or Facebook if you have any questions.
The article in Southwest Ga Living Magazine (using every chance I get to raise awareness!).
Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
And check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from Instagram follower @noahs_chronicallychanging who asked, “Are you hopeful for the future? And when did you realize something was ‘wrong’?”
“If you have a chronic illness or a disability then you know it is anything but predictable, but there are some things we can control . . . “ ~ Sarah Reid
In today’s episode, I’ll be talking about how to hang on to hope when everything feels hopeless. While I know that’s easier said than done, I think you’ll find some helpful tips you can start using today.
Thanks for listening in!
Here’s a link to the Bible Recap on Spotify if you’d like to check it out.
Correction: When I was recording this Podcast, I said that my question was from Noahs Chronically Challenging. My brain totally read “changing” as “challenging.” So sorry! The Q&A question was really from @noahs-chronicallychanging.
Stayed tuned for the launch of my new website that will house all of my podcast episodes, a blog, and a shop!
I’d love to meet you in person at the Be POTSitive Conference!
Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
And check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook.
If you’re looking for some chronic illness merch, head over to my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from an anonymous Instagram follower who asked, “What are your favorite salty snacks?”
Over here doing my best to create community, help others find their voice, and raise awareness. ~ Sarah Reid
Today’s episode is all about the Be POTSitive Conference! I can’t wait to tell you!
As promised here’s a link to the dizziness drops that have been so helpful for me, and of course a link to the Be POTSitive Conference registration.
If you have any questions reach out to me on my Instagram or Facebook linked below.
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
And check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook.
If you’re looking for some chronic illness merch, head over to my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from Instagram follower @wheelaroundtheworlditd who asked, “Will I ever be able to have children, or is it wrong/selfish when I’m chronically ill?”
Using a mobility aid isn’t “giving up,” it’s respecting your body’s limitations while also allowing yourself to do more things you love! ~ Sarah Reid
In today’s episode, I’ll be tackling a couple of topics - mobility aids and dealing with internalized ableism.
We’ll talk about things like:
Types of mobility aids
How to decide if you should use an aid
How to turn off the internal monologue that makes you question yourself
My best advice for you if you’re just starting to use a mobility aid
And more!
As promised in the Q&A, here’s a link to @the.annegirl
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me and check out the pictures I’ve shared of Sally on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
And check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook.
If you’re looking for some chronic illness merch, head over to my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from an anonymous Instagram follower who asked “How do I handle emotional fallout from not being able to take care of myself/be independent?”
Even if you can’t get a custom wheelchair, please don’t be afraid to use whatever resources you have available to help you manage your symptoms. ~ Sarah Reid
In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing the process of getting my custom wheelchair. If you’ve listened to previous episodes or have been following me on social media, you know how excited I’ve been to get a chair that’s made to fit me! I finally got her a little over a week ago. I’ve named her “Sally” (Lightning McQueen’s girlfriend).
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me and check out the pictures I’ve shared of Sally on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
And check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook.
If you’re looking for some chronic illness merch, head over to my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from Instagram follower @chroniclly.Izzy:
“How do you recover from a flare?”
Thank you guys so much for your love and support! ~ Sarah Reid
In todays episode we celebrate one year of the Be POTSitive podcast and answer a few questions you guys asked:
What’s your curly hair routine?
Ideal day if you could do you anything or go anywhere
Best tips and tricks with how to cope with the heat and pots
Do your symptoms ever take a vacation or day off so we can chill?
As promised, here are links to the POTS Oil that I use from Healing Oils RN (just discovered she’s no longer on Etsy, so I’ve shared a link to her website) and to the shampoo I use.
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
And check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook.
If you’re looking for some chronic illness merch, head over to my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
In today’s Q&A, an anonymous instagram follower asks how to navigate social/ dating/ events when there’s a high risk for Covid.
“Be kind to your mind.” ~ Sarah Reid
If I could go back in time, there are so many things I would tell younger Sarah.
Things like:
You’re not alone
Your true friends will stick by you
Put your health first
And more
Maybe they’re things you need to hear too!
I’d love to hear from you! Let me know what you’d add to the list. Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
And check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook.
If you’re looking for some chronic illness merch, head over to my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer to a question from a Spotify listener: “You’ve talked about mobility aids before, have you ever thought about getting a custom wheelchair?”
“Accepting and acknowledging where I am doesn’t mean I’m giving up on ever getting better; it just means I’m learning to thrive where I am.” ~ Sarah Reid
It’s so easy to blame ourselves (sometimes without even realizing it) for our illnesses. Today I’m talking about ways to combat the blame game.
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook. And don’t forget - there’s chronic illness merch on my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer from Spotify listener: “How can I make a living while I have POTS?”
Chronic illness can feel lonely, but remember you aren’t alone! There are so many others around the world facing the same struggle ~ Sarah Reid
In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing some advice I wish I’d had when I was newly diagnosed. Things like:
It’s ok to grieve
Acknowledging your limitations
The benefits of keeping a gratitude journal
And more
As promised, here’s the link to Episode 30 “The Joy and Grief Comes with Getting a Diagnosis”
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive or Facebook @Be POTSitive.
Check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook. And don’t forget - there’s chronic illness merch on my Redbubble page where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
Listen in for today’s answer from Instagram follower @chroniclly.Izzy: “Would you ever consider starting a YouTube channel? And what’s your favorite color?”
There are a lot of things we don’t talk about, but that doesn’t mean our struggles don’t need to be heard. ~ Sarah Reid
In today’s episode, I’ll be bringing out into the open some of the things that many of us in the chronic illness community need to talk about - for ourselves, so we know we’re not alone. And for others, to raise awareness of what we face daily.
Thanks for listening!
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive and check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook. And there’s chronic illness merch on Redbubble where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.
Listen in for today’s answer from Instagram follower @claires_digitaldiary: “How to manage school & chronic illness?”
Anxiety can’t be the biggest emotion when gratitude is the biggest emotion ~ Sarah Reid
In today’s episode I’m talking about how I manage the anxiety that comes along with having multiple chronic illnesses. Wherever you are in your journey, I hope you’ll find some takeaways that will be helpful for you.
** If you’re dealing with anxiety that is debilitating, please reach out to a trusted doctor. There are resources like counseling, therapy, medicines, and supplements available that can be helpful. You’re not alone.
As mentioned in today’s Q & A, here are links for Facebook pages that can offer support as well as great info for 504 plans and other resources to help with school:
Thanks for listening!
** If you have a burning question you want me to answer in a future episode, feel free to dm me on my Instagram @be_potsitive!
I’d love to hear from you! Connect with me on Instagram @be_potsitive and check out the earrings I’ve been making when my body cooperates: Be POTSitive Creations on Facebook. And there’s chronic illness merch on Redbubble where you’ll find lots of cute items to make you smile and raise awareness for our community.