A Chronic Entrepreneur: Angela Bradley
After a bad fall, Angela Bradley was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 15 years ago in Sydney. While the diagnosis brought a sense of relief as it acknowledged things she had been experiencing for some time, she was given a life-changing prognosis she didn’t want to (and learnt she didn’t have to) accept.
With a new understanding of her own body and mind, she made some big life changes. She moved interstate to Queensland, launched The Mood & Mind Centre (a centre that offers professional psychology and coaching services) and started her career as a psychologist and writer. Angela shares her story of becoming a Chronic Entrepreneur and how she’s created the life she wants to live.
What’s your Chronic?
Fibromyalgia.
Where were you when you were diagnosed?
Sydney, approximately 15 years ago while I was a stay-at-home mum.
What makes you an Entrepreneur?
Necessity. I’m too fussy and demanding to work for anyone else! (I’m a Virgo and an only child).
What came first, the chronic or the entrepreneurism?
The chronic.
How did this path come to you?
The chronic came during the aftermath of a freak fall. The entrepreneurism came as my skills and creative business mindset outgrew traditional practice models and traditional practitioners.
What do you wish you’d known before?
That there was nothing to fear. That I couldn’t fail if I didn’t stop. That I didn’t really need anyone to do things for me. That I AM smart. Very smart. That doctors are often full of crap. Not to take ‘no’ for an answer.
Did you go through any sort of 12-stages of grief with the diagnosis or take it in its stride – how did the process manifest itself – did you immediately reassess your life?
I wasn’t diagnosed until five years after the chronic pain had developed so I was relieved when I found out I wasn’t making it up, and it was a thing after all. But I assumed the prognosis I received must be true and that my life was ruined. I didn’t realise I didn’t have to accept that. I did reassess everything! I lost weight, got a divorce (after 25 years), started a career, moved to a new state and started fresh. Life is too precious to live in fear and misery.
I have grieving days. I have tantrums and days when I ‘just can’t’ but not many at the moment.
Did you seek out or join organisations representing your chronic for support or did you find comfort and answers elsewhere – what would you recommend in hindsight?
At first, yes. But I found them largely negative and frustrating. People get too beaten down and are unwilling to say ‘screw it’ and prove people wrong. I get that though. I just start to absorb the hopelessness if I am around it excessively so it’s better for me to create my own reality. The answers were all within myself. My answers.
What would you say to your younger self?
Your school results don’t reflect your intelligence. You’re not lazy. You are totally loveable, even when you’re a bitch. Bad stuff doesn’t last. You will be happy, don’t stress.
How have you changed, if at all in your relationships, decisions, what you value?
I have finally learned that I deserve kindness from myself and from others. I no longer mind if people don’t like me (I’m not everyone’s cup of tea). I don’t feel guilty saying, ‘no, thanks’. I’m no longer interested in wasting energy on stupid, small stuff and I’m not afraid to be alone. I trust my gut! Always.
What advice do you have for others?
As above. But also, you are you, I am me. We are not the same. Find your answers.
What is your life philosophy and has this changed?
Be nice to myself – the rest will follow. Before I thought everyone else’s happiness had to come at my expense.
Are you on any treatments?
Physiotherapy, anti-depressants and I have a psychologist now too.
What is a ‘bad day’ for you?
Oh wow. A bad day starts with pain and anxiety and stays that way. Poor concentration, teariness, unwilling to interact with others. It’s very hard to walk or sit or drive.
What do you do on a ‘bad day’?
If I’m lucky, I get to stay in bed and cry and cuddle my pugs! Otherwise I have to medicate and work.
How do you deal with stress?
Good boundaries, self-care, sleep, medication. Get rid of negative relationships. Healthy self-talk!
Who are your back up dancers?
My fiancé, my kids (24yrs and 20yrs), my mum and my personal assistant. Unfortunately my mum and kids are interstate. My pugs!
Best bits of being a Chronic Entrepreneur?
Empathy, humility, determination, perspective. Whatever I achieve, I know I’ve bloody well earned. Proving people wrong.
Worst bits of being a Chronic Entrepreneur?
Always having to fight for simple things, e.g. washing, getting out of bed, climbing stairs. Needing other people’s help. Feeling like a burden.
Are you a 5-year planner or are you winging it?
A bit of both!
Dream weekend plans and have these changed?
A dream weekend is any weekend I have low pain, time off and money to do fun things. And it preferably includes all my backup dancers!
Ultimate dinner party guests?
My children.
What next?
More hard work and taking my talents to the world via online products. Working from home and creating passive income. Travel and financial freedom! Maybe even a wedding. 🙂
Let us know what you think below and share your story with us on Instagram tagging @achronicentrepreneur and using the hashtag #achronicentrepreneur.
