Jump to Recipe“Because even when life gets heavy, there’s still room for grace, grit, and a little Jalapeño Jelly”
When Managing Becomes a Full-Time Job
I’d be shocked if there’s anyone who hasn’t experienced burnout at some point in their life. I know I have — many times, and for many reasons. I’ve felt it raising our kids, working full-time, caring for my dad, and now, living with what I call “chronic illness burnout.”
A quick search defines chronic as “persistent, long-term, or constantly recurring.” The Free Dictionary describes chronic illness as “any disorder that persists over a long period and affects physical, emotional, intellectual, vocational, social, or spiritual functioning.” Merriam-Webster defines burnout as “the condition of someone who has become very physically and emotionally tired after doing a difficult job for a long time.”
When you live with a chronic illness, every day becomes that “difficult job.” There are no vacations, no weekends off, and no performance bonuses. It’s a perfect recipe for burnout.
My Story
When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2005, I was determined not to let it change my life. I thought if I just worked harder, pushed through, and refused to give in, I could outrun it. My neurologist was patient — she gently reminded me for years that my expectations were unrealistic. It wasn’t until 2016, after one too many “come to Jesus” talks with both her and my family, that I finally admitted she was right.
Managing my MS was my new full-time job.
And let me tell you, it’s demanding work. Even basic tasks — housework, cooking, exercise, appointments, medications — can feel like climbing a mountain. I can’t count the number of times I’ve canceled plans because I simply didn’t have the energy.
Living with a chronic illness is like running a marathon that never ends — and that constant effort can lead straight to burnout.
When Burnout Hits
When burnout creeps in, I withdraw. I get quiet. I feel frustrated, angry, even betrayed by my own body. After all, I haven’t had a day off from MS in over 6,500 days — no wonder I get overwhelmed! But that doesn’t give me a free pass to take it out on the people I love (though I’m sure they’d say I’ve tried once or twice).
Burnout feels different from everyday stress. It’s heavier. It seeps into your bones and fogs your mind. I’ve learned to recognize it and remind myself of a few truths:
How I Cope with Chronic Illness Burnout
1. Be Kind to Yourself
Perfection is a myth. One of my favorite quotes is from Tall Girl 2 (yes, I watch Netflix with the grandkids):
“There is no worse bully than the one you create in your head.”
We’re often our own harshest critics. When burnout hits, I remind myself that I’m doing my best — and that’s enough.
2. Practice a Gracious Heart
When it feels like MS has taken over my life, I take a step back and count my blessings. My disease doesn’t define my worth. Gratitude helps me refocus on what’s still good and beautiful in my world.
3. Set Boundaries
Saying “no” isn’t selfish — it’s survival. I give myself permission to skip the dentist, reschedule appointments, or take a day to rest. Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what I need to recharge.
4. Celebrate Small Wins
Put on a bra today? Celebrate.
Folded the laundry? Celebrate.
Actually put it away? Let’s not get carried away.
Small victories matter — they remind me that I’m still showing up, even when it’s hard.
5. Build A Support System
Who you surround yourself with matters. Find people — friends, family, or online communities — who get it. Facebook groups and chronic illness networks can be a lifeline. And if you need it, please reach out for professional help. You don’t have to face burnout alone.
6. Say Yes to Help
Let people help you. When someone offers to drop off a meal or run an errand, don’t hesitate — say yes! It lightens your load and lets them feel useful. That’s what I call a win-win.
7. Nurture Your Body
Eat well, stay hydrated, move when you can. These small habits make a big difference in how your body and mind handle stress and fatigue. I’m not perfect at this (jalapeño jelly counts as a vegetable, right?), but I try.
8. Know Your Limits
Push too hard, and you’ll pay for it later. Be honest about your energy and protect it fiercely. Even happy events can drain your reserves, so pace yourself and rest before your body demands it.
The Bottom Line
In a perfect world, we’d cure every illness and burnout wouldn’t exist. Until then, we learn to manage both as best we can — with grace, grit, and maybe a jar or two of homemade jalapeño jelly.
What about you? How do you manage burnout — chronic illness-related or otherwise? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks.
After all that talk about burnout, let’s lighten things up with something sweet and spicy — kind of like life with a chronic illness, right? A couple of summers ago, I accidentally bought jalapeño pepper starter plants thinking they were green peppers. (Story of my life!) Turns out, it was the best mistake ever. Those fiery little peppers became the base for one of my favorite quick pantry treats — Jalapeño Jelly.
It’s the perfect balance of heat and sweet, a little kick that wakes up your taste buds. I love pulling out a jar when company drops by — spoon it over cream cheese with crackers or use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork chops. It’s easy to make, keeps beautifully, and makes a great last-minute hostess gift too.
So, if you’re feeling burned out, tired, or just in need of a little kitchen therapy, this recipe is a small but mighty reminder that sometimes the best things come from life’s happy accidents.
👉 Scroll down for the recipe and let’s bring a little spice back to our day!
Jalapeño Jelly
Equipment
- Hot water bath canner
- Five 8-ounce (250 mL) jars
Ingredients
- 12 Rinsed and stemmed jalapeño pepper 12 Medium with seeds taken out (or leave them in if you like living on the spicier side)
- 2 Cups Cider vinegar, divided
- 6 Cups Granulated sugar
- 2 Pouches Liquid pectin 85 mL each
Instructions
- Heat sanitized jars in simmering water until ready to use. Wash lids in warm soapy water and set bands aside.
- Prep the peppers: Wash and finely chop jalapenos (use gloves if you are sensitive). (Helpful hint: Run a teaspoon along the inside of each cut jalapeño to remove the seeds), or leave the seeds in if you like a spicy jelly.(It's a good idea to wear gloves for this step).
- After hand chopping the peppers, place in a food processor or blender with 1 cup of cider vinegar. Puree until smooth. Do not strain.
- Combine pepper puree in a large saucepan with sugar & remaining cup of apple cider vinegar- stirring constantly
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat stirring constantly. (Don't leave the stovetop during this stage as this mixture WILL foam up and over the top unless you are careful). Just as it starts to come to a boil, lower heat and with a ladle, skim off any foam. Then, increase the temperature to a point where it will gently boil, but not rise up and over the top.
- Boil for 10 minutes – while whisking, add liquid pectin and boil hard for an additional minute. Remove from heat, skimming any additional foam if necessary.
- Ladle hot jelly into sterilized hot jars leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rim. Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.
- Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Transfer jars to a towel-lined surface and let rest at room temperature until set. After 24 hours, check seals (Lid should not flex up and down when pressed in centre). Refrigerate any unsealed jars for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Pour over cream cheese and serve with crackers for an easy appetizer
- Brush over grilled chicken, pork chops, or shrimp for a quick glaze.
- Swirl a spoonful into salad dressing or mix with mayo for a spicy sandwich spread.
Cooking in Cowboy Boots Bonus Tip
Homemade jelly makes the sweetest gift — wrap with raffia, add a heart shaped tag, and share a little bit of your kitchen’s love and spice!
#ChronicIllnessBurnout #LivingWithMS #ChronicIllnessLife #SelfCareJourney #ChronicWarrior #LifeWithMS #InvisibleIllness #GraceOverGrit #CookingInCowboyBoots
#AutoimmuneAwareness
#MentalHealthMatters
#ChronicFatigue
#FindYourBalance
#BurnoutRecovery
#HealingWithHope
I find an hour in the hammock helps put things in perspective. I see the plants and the birds and insects, hear the neighborhood sounds which are aplenty in Mexico. Between one to three dogs usually end up atop me and just to rationalize this activity, I bring my laptop and phone along and attempt to do some blogging or writing. Somehow being in nature helps me put things in perspective. I feel so lucky to have been born into this remarkable world that humans have not yet been able to totally mess up. The world is so incredible and in spite of aging and scoliosis and other assorted ills, I am so amazed at the intricacy of the human body and that it works at all. Call me Pollyanna, at least for the hour or so that I swing in my hammock. Reality will soon hit again, but there is always that hammock awaiting me!!!
Isn’t that the truth! I love getting back to nature! We escape to warmer climates in the winter and that usually helps with our fatigue however this year my mother in law was having some medical issues so we decided to stay home to help look after her! We look forward to heading out in January of next year!
Thanks so much for reading! Enjoy your little peace of paradise 😊