Journeying Through Chronic Health Issues? Be Patient; Trust The Process
By: Kelli Kieselbach
Living with chronic illnesses can be an exhausting and often discouraging experience.
I understand this deeply—not just from working with clients, but from my own health journey too. The path to feeling better is rarely straightforward, and it can be easy to feel disheartened when progress doesn’t come as quickly as we might hope. But I want to share something I hear from clients regularly: “I’m so glad I trusted the process.”
For those dealing with complex health issues, improvement is a process. There’s no magic pill or overnight solution, but with patience, persistence, and the right approach, significant improvements are possible. My clients often remark how their health has improved dramatically, even though it took time to get there.
What Does Recovery Look Like?
First, it’s important to talk about what “recovery” means. This is a word I use cautiously because it can mean something different for everyone, and in the context of chronic conditions, it may not mean returning to your pre-illness self. For me, recovery means being able to live a relatively normal life—fulfilling my role as a mum, working part-time, having hobbies, and staying socially connected.
What it doesn’t mean is that I’m one hundred percent symptom-free or that I never have to pace myself. And it certainly doesn’t mean I can stop paying attention to my health. Managing chronic pain or fatigue often involves ongoing care and intentional self-management. But here’s the encouraging part: while complete recovery might not be realistic (for some), improving your quality of life and finding better symptom management absolutely is.
Trust the Process
When you’re worn out and overwhelmed by health challenges, it’s natural to want fast results. Many of my clients feel that way. But the truth is that real, lasting improvement takes time. It involves addressing underlying imbalances, replenishing nutrient deficiencies, and finding a personalised plan that works for you. In the first few weeks or months, you may not feel dramatic changes, but with time and consistency, those little shifts add up.
Clients who stick with the process often express their gratitude at feeling so much better —even if it wasn’t an immediate transformation. They’ve experienced improved energy, less pain, and an ability to enjoy the activities and people they love again. It’s these small, steady steps that lead to long-term improvement.
Start with Simple Changes
With the holiday season approaching, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner, thinking you’ll get to it when things settle down. But here’s the reality: there’s never a perfect time to start. Small, simple changes can begin at any time—and those changes, no matter how small, can make a difference. Whether it’s adjusting your diet, incorporating a new supplement, or carving out time for rest and self-care, these steps can build momentum.
A Gentle Call to Action
If you’ve been reading along and recognising yourself in some of the experiences I’ve described, your life doesn’t have to stay stuck in this cycle of fatigue, pain, and frustration. There are options to help improve how you feel.
If you’re ready to start this journey—whether it’s taking that first step or continuing the path you’re on—I encourage you to reach out to your health professional.
Take it slow, trust the process, and remember—better days are possible.
Article supplied with thanks to Kelli Kieselbach.
About the Author: Kelli Kieselbach is a Naturopath and Nutritionist with a passion for a holistic and natural approach to health and wellbeing. Kelli has a special interest in chronic fatigue and chronic pain disorders, and also works to educate Christian ministry leaders in self care and avoiding burnout.
Feature image: Photo by Kinga Howard on Unsplash
