So this is the start of a new chapter in my life. I have a few “irons in the fire” towards trying to create some income streams, but nothing has reliably panned out thus far. You see, I live on a disability stipend and each month I need to pay the mortgage, electricity, phone, internet, water, some groceries (I get limited help from the state on that), etc… Additionally, I have things like garbage collection, Instacart membership (I have to get groceries delivered as I am unable to drive), household supplies, toiletries, over the counter medications/vitamins/supplements, and more – all which require money. The disability stipend doesn’t cover all of my expenses – it covers the mortgage and a couple of utility bills, but that’s it. And before anyone asks (because I am constantly being asked this question) – no, I cannot sell my house and move somewhere “cheaper.” Why? Because that simply does not exist. You see, I’ve refinanced my house twice and have the payment lower than ANY sort of safe/secure housing that’s out there now. I’ve looked into it. I even considered living in an RV, but with me being wheelchair dependent and having 5 pet birdies – that wouldn’t work. Plus there’s the expense of parking it somewhere. Lot rent would be close to what I am paying for my mortgage each month. I’d be no better off and also living in an inaccessible situation, so… I am sort of stuck here for now.
I’ve been trying to find some small income streams to help me bridge the gap between what my disability stipend pays and the outstanding monthly debts. to that end, I do design and sell some “low-content” books on Amazon (like journals, log books, planners, etc…) and have made a tiny bit of cash on that, but it isn’t consistent, and the most I have ever made in a month was about $30. I keep trying, though – every little helps! I am also in the process of trying to set up a part-time tutoring business from my home office. I have a degree in English, and I am also working on earning my TEFL certification. The hope is that I might be able to teach English online to people for whom English is not their first language. That hasn’t even started yet, as I am still trying to get it set up. I need a few things for my office to help soundproof it (noisy neighbours as well as sometimes, very chirpy birds). So, once more I put on my thinking cap and I came up with the idea to blog… they say to write about what you know, right? I thought I could monetise it by sharing a few links to products on Amazon that would be relevant and (hopefully) helpful to my target audience, AND… here we are! Hopefully these income streams will start to kick in and help me out a bit.
This is my third attempt at a little income stream, so we shall see how it pans out. My fingers are crossed! I believe it will be a good way for me to journal a bit about my health stuff, as well as to share information with others, AND, hopefully, provide other Spoonies with links, resources, information, and a sense of community. I’ve started a SOAM FACEBOOK GROUP that will go hand in hand with this website so that people will be able to connect that way.
I have made a lot of positive changes in my life in the months since my father passed away. As of the date of this writing, I’ve lost over 35 pounds on a special nutrition protocol for people with autoimmune diseases. Also as a result of the protocol, my inflammation levels are down and I am not having flares as frequently or for as long as I was before starting the diet. Just today, my doctor took me off of the only other medication for blood pressure that I was taking. We’re to try it for two weeks and see how things go – if all goes to plan, I hope to stay off the meds!
Don’t misunderstand me – there is no cure for autoimmune disease… I will always have them, but… the hope is that staying on this protocol will help me manage the symptoms better as well as (hopefully) delay further damage to my organs over the years. I’m cautiously optimistic, but optimistic nonetheless!
So here we go, folks… Spoonie on a Mission is launched and I am looking forward to seeing what becomes of it in the weeks and months to come! Welcome, and I am so glad you’re here!
Much love…
