A narrative of illness “describes a profoundly destructive experience; at the same time it testifies to the capacity to transform that experience in ways that heal.”
-Anne Hunsaker Hawkins
Reconstructing Illness: Studies in Pathography, 2nd edition, 1999.
Here are some questions for you to think about and discuss with a family member or close friend:
How do you feel after creating your narrative? What emotions did this process create or cause to resurface?
How has this storytelling process been healing for you? How has it helped you make sense of your experiences?
How has the process impacted your personal relationships? Are there more conversations you want to have with those working with you to build your story?
Who else do you want to share your story with? What details will you include or withhold depending on your audience?
Make your last changes to your story. Think about someone with whom you would like to share some of your story. Create another version of your story that shares more or less details, depending on the person you have chosen.
(N)Visibility Project: Building Narratives of Invisible Illness 