> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://achronicvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Why Your Beauty Never Left You (Even with Chronic Illness) - URL: https://achronicvoice.com/why-your-beauty-never-left-you/ - Published: 2016-07-03T13:15:18.000Z - Updated: 2026-05-28T18:25:13.000Z - Author: Sheryl Chan - Tags: Personal Development, Chronic Illness, Disability ## Reminiscing Past Accomplishments "I used to be a straight A student. On top of that, I used to lead this and that team. I was also the best in this and that sport." This is a statement that I have used and often hear in varying degrees. The other day, I read such an introduction for the umpteenth time and wondered, "why do we always compare ourselves against previous successes?" For me it did feel like I had lost an important chunk of my identity. A huge part that I was proud of, and feel sad that others will never get to meet again. *\*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. *I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice.* Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding *any* new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our* [***Privacy Policy***](https://achronicvoice.com/privacy-policy/)*page for more information. Thank you!* Read Related Posts: - [Don’t Compare, Your Life Destination is Your Own Special Mission](https://achronicvoice.com/dont-compare-life-destination-special/) - [Loss of Identity with Chronic Illness & The Plot Twist: Sharpened Self-Worth](https://achronicvoice.com/loss-of-identity-chronic-illness/) - [We Want to Have Fun Just Like You, But Here’s What it Takes](https://achronicvoice.com/want-to-have-fun-chronic-illness/) - [A Page From a Sick Girl’s Diary: Sometimes I Wish I was an Old Person](https://achronicvoice.com/sick-girls-diary-wish-old-person/) - [Finding Your Self Behind the Illness (Your Story Isn’t Over Yet)](https://achronicvoice.com/finding-self-behind-illness/) Pin to Your Self-identity & Chronic Illness Boards: ![Why Your Beauty Never Left You (Even with Chronic Illness). Read Now on: A Chronic Voice .com](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/why-your-beauty-never-left-even-with-chronic-illness-v1-blue-ocean.jpg) ## Our Wonderful Being is Still There But we seldom compare ourselves to the other wonderful parts of who we were before becoming ill. Why not from beautiful, to still beautiful? Certain characteristics that belong to us are the same, maybe even polished due to circumstances. These are the qualities that shine and do not fade, regardless of age. Physical accomplishments are wonderful. Yet are often but a reflection of the nature that has always existed within us. There are many abilities that I do miss from once upon a healthy time. I will not deny that illness has indeed melted me into an unidentifiable, sloppy mass on the ground. But all my core ingredients are still there, and I am ready to shape myself again, with the same magical stuff that I was first made of. > *"Character is what you know you are, not what others think you have." – Marva Collins* ## Sign Up for My Free Newsletter Be the first to get the latest post updates in your inbox, and unlock the comments section. You will also receive an e-book full of uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations as a token of appreciation! [Browse more membership plans here](#/portal/), or [make a one-off donation](https://ghost.achronicvoice.com/#/portal/support) instead. Sign Up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Read Related Posts: - [Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: 16 Takeaways with Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/mans-search-for-meaning-chronic-illness/) - [Call Me Sick Girl (Or How to Make Your Weakness Your Strength)](https://achronicvoice.com/sick-girl-make-weakness-strength/) - [Flowers are the Most Beautiful When They’re Just About to Die (and What That’s Got to Do with Being a Spoonie)](https://achronicvoice.com/flowers-most-beautiful-die-spoonie/) - [Why Self-Acceptance is Important When You Have a Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/self-acceptance-chronic-illness/) - [Kick Ass With Kindness and a Sweet Cherry on Top](https://achronicvoice.com/kick-ass-with-kindness/)